1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 This deck project is in partnership with Trex and Lowe’s For the past couple of years I’ve been planning how our side and backyard would come together. I like to design outdoor … Read more

For years I collected items I couldn’t use anymore—not furniture or décor, but old tapes and videos filled with family memories I couldn’t play. We had camcorders, VHS tapes, and even cassette tapes with our kids’ voices. As devices became obsolete or stopped working, those recordings ended up tucked away in boxes, out of reach. … Read more

Watercolor lettering by Marlene Franco SHave you set any home goals yet? Several readers told me they used a Home Goals worksheet, filled it out and now have a clear plan. That first step makes a big difference: if you haven’t printed or completed one, take a few minutes today to do so. It helps … Read more

Looking for great Memorial Day weekend deals? I’ve gathered my top sale picks in this post, featuring photos from my home of pieces I own and recommend, mood-board style inspiration, and curated favorites. I’ll update this page throughout the weekend as new deals appear. Wishing you a lovely weekend! Favorite Memorial Day Sales 2025: Amazon … Read more

New England Home I Many of us long for a sense of order at home. As we reset routines for the year ahead, practical, well-designed spaces help families function more smoothly. I enjoy discovering ideas for livable rooms that combine style with storage for everyday needs. Whether you prefer open shelving, closed cabinets, freestanding furniture, … Read more

Pottery Barn Greetings. I’m finally recovering after a long bout of the flu. I don’t think I’ve ever been sick so many days in a row — it was awful. I lost almost all my energy and motivation, and for a while I wasn’t sure I’d feel like blogging again. But I’ve pulled through, and … Read more

There are many ways to add layers of warmth and comfort to your home for fall, and one of the simplest, most effective changes is to update your window treatments. If you live in an older or drafty house, covering windows can save on heating costs and make rooms feel noticeably cozier. Fall is an … Read more

So in mid-June I began several outdoor room makeovers. I may have been a bit ambitious, but that’s how I roll. I made a fun trip to Lowe’s and brought home items to add privacy, function and beauty to my patio and deck. Then summer weather didn’t arrive until August. We got a puppy named … Read more

I like happy drawers. Opening a drawer filled with chaos never brightens my day. Not every drawer in my house is a “happy drawer” yet. But I believe in small, manageable goals—one drawer at a time. What I’ve learned is that simplicity is key to finishing projects. If I make organizing complicated, I’m less likely … Read more

I love looking at beautiful houses. I always have. As a child I dreamed of living in a fairytale castle; today I live in a modest, new house in a straightforward neighborhood. I’m grateful for my home, even though it’s far from perfect. I don’t have an ornate fence, a stone walkway, impeccable landscaping, an … Read more