It feels like summer is flying by, and I’m trying to slow down and savor this season. We’ve refreshed the guest room with bright, summery bedding, and it’s been wonderful to welcome family and friends again. After a quieter 2020, having the space in use feels especially nice. When I was a child I used … Read more

The kitchen is one of the most used and important rooms in any home. When cabinets are cluttered, drawers are sticky, and everyday items are buried out of sight, cooking and cleaning become frustrating chores. A focused kitchen declutter and clean-up can restore function and calm to this busy space. Start by removing everything from … Read more

Gorgeous White Kitchen For the Love of a House, via Southern Hospitality’s Feature Friday Interview! Weekend Reading and Inspiring Finds For your weekend reading, I’ve collected a selection of beautiful homes, thoughtful blogs, and standout posts for you to explore. Visit the Inspiring Finds page to see the latest discoveries and fresh inspiration for your … Read more

Happy Monday! Do you remember the early days of blogging when many of us began the morning with a favorite blog and a cup of coffee? I fondly remember those routines. Whether that’s still common today or not, coffee and morning rituals remain important to many of us. One of the most frequent questions I … Read more

Hello friends! I hope you’re enjoying the Fall Nesting series — I always love this season. With just weeks before we begin the holiday rush, it’s a great time to savor autumn and quietly plan for Christmas. Even though there are still many days left, Christmas does tend to arrive quickly, so now is a … Read more

I have always loved classic plantation shutters. I installed them in my last two homes in Portland, and they were consistently one of my favorite features. They evoke a coastal plantation feeling—imagine ocean breezes moving through palm trees and into the windows. Shutters contribute substantial architectural interest, provide privacy control, and still let light filter … Read more

I spent a delightful few hours decorating for Christmas this week. We haven’t even unpacked the boxes or put up a tree yet, but it was still fun to begin with what I already have. Getting started felt light and easy—no rummaging through holiday bins—until we bring the tree home this weekend when the kids … Read more

OTHER PLACES I’VE BEEN The Beautiful Life (in)courage.me Color Confusion My Colortopia Advice Q & A My Living Room Paint Scheme My Colortopia Column 5 Tips for Kitchen Organization The Decluttered Home 1. Shannon Berrey 2. Holly Mathis 3. Pretty Handy Girl 4. Sawdust & Embryos ROOM TOURS & DIY Each month I highlight outstanding … Read more

What a week! Technology hasn’t been kind to me — a broken dryer that left laundry draped around the house and a blog that nearly fell apart. With Ted’s patient help I’ve been able to get things back on track, and now I’m ready to focus on pretty and pleasant projects. Shall we take a … Read more

House & Home After sharing tips for styling a small living room, I heard from readers asking for strategies tailored to larger living rooms. While smaller rooms require smart space-saving solutions, bigger living areas bring a different challenge: they can feel impersonal, awkward to furnish, or difficult to make functional for daily life despite being … Read more