Metal whale – DIY Whale Wreath – find more sources at end of post Last year I bought a metal whale with the idea of incorporating him into our decor in various seasons at our coastal home. He wasn’t originally intended to be part of a wreath, but for winter he works perfectly and adds … Read more

Do you ever feel overwhelmed at home? Clutter and disorder can quietly sap your energy, focus, and time. You might wonder what’s causing the stress or why it feels difficult to make progress toward personal goals. Often the barrier isn’t a lack of ambition but the small daily frictions that an unorganized space creates. When … Read more

You know what I love about fall? Nesting. It’s the season I look forward to most for cozy gatherings at home. I enjoy simple, low-key get-togethers during the holidays—nothing formal, just a warm space where friends can relax, chat, and enjoy good food. We don’t fuss over perfect etiquette; sometimes plates and glasses land in … Read more

House & Home / Designer Sam Sacks WI live with a very small linen closet — more accurately, a tiny linen cabinet — and it’s simply not large enough for everything we need to store. Because of that, I’ve learned to be resourceful and use other storage areas around the house to accommodate extra sheets, … Read more

Spring is only 32 days away. The promise of longer, sunnier days and blooming flowers feels like a welcome relief after a long winter. My new hardcover book, A Lovely Life, is about noticing the beauty that surrounds us every day. It encourages slowing down to savor ordinary moments, finding joy in homemaking rituals, and … Read more

HHello, I’m Melissa and I collect books — especially the ones I love to read and display. I’m particularly smitten with books in the kitchen. Do you enjoy that too? While cookbooks are the obvious choice, I also adore titles about vegetable and herb gardening, entertaining, and related subjects. bookends from Lulu and Georgia In … Read more

Earlier this year we launched HomeBody Gathering Place, a membership community dedicated to learning, sharing, and finding inspiration for all things home. We’ve welcomed a wonderful group of fellow HomeBodies, and we open enrollment only a few times a year. Today we’re excited to welcome new members for our first Fall Session. If you’re not … Read more

Do you ever have one wall in a room that nags at you because you can’t decide how to make it fit with the rest of the space? The long wall on the right as you enter our family room was exactly that. It’s fairly long and has no windows, which made arranging the room … Read more

House Tour BLast week I traveled to Atlanta for a small Ballard Designs blogger event, and as part of the visit we toured an absolutely stunning private residence that had been styled for an upcoming catalog. I only had my iPhone with me, so the photos don’t do the home full justice, but the design, … Read more

At some point, everyone goes through the stress of moving. Our recent relocation reminded us how unsettling it can be to leave familiar surroundings and disrupt established routines. Moving rearranges everything you rely on, so feeling disoriented and anxious is perfectly normal. Careful planning and organization are the best defenses against that overwhelm. Small steps … Read more