Stress-Free Holiday Decorating: 5 Simple Tips for a Calm Home

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Ready to begin the holiday decorating season? I know I am. Decorating for the holidays can be joyful, but it often feels overwhelming when we have too many decorations to sort through or try to do more than time allows. Today I’m sharing five practical tips to simplify holiday decorating on The Decluttered Home. These … Read more

Outdoor Table & Console Lamps: Stylish Lighting Ideas for Patios

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We had no outdoor lighting on our small deck, so I went looking for a simple solution and discovered these compact battery-powered outdoor lamps. They were exactly what I needed—providing just the right amount of light to create a relaxed, inviting mood. After trying one, I liked them so much I ordered two more for … Read more

Organize Your Home: Step 1 — Assess What You Really Need

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Dining room – Office from Martha Stewart Every August I share simple, practical housekeeping routines on The Inspired Room. These posts may not be the fanciest, but they address a basic truth: consistent behind-the-scenes effort is what makes a home feel comfortable and beautiful. August always puts me in organizing mode. With school and fall … Read more

Newport and the Oregon Coast: Coastal Sights and Day Trip Guide

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Hello friends! It’s been a while since I shared an “Out to See” post — a travel series inspired by childhood canal adventures near the Puget Sound. We took a short trip to the Oregon coast last week, and it felt wonderful to get away. We don’t take long vacations often, so when we do … Read more

Holiday Mom Fail? Shift Focus and Enjoy the Season

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photo: H. Dickens So here I sit: presents not wrapped, the blog post unfinished, and a merry mess scattered across every surface. The snowman muffin papers remain empty because I haven’t baked yet. I’m printing an online gift certificate for one child who received less than the others {long story}. It’s 10:30 p.m., and Santa … Read more

Seasonal Coffee Table Styling: Ideas for Every Time of Year

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IIf you want a simple, foolproof way to style your coffee table this fall, here’s an easy formula I share in my book The Inspired Room. Tray + Books + Plant + Decorative Object This straightforward combination works for any season. Start with a tray to anchor the arrangement, add a stack of books for … Read more

Cozy Fall Decorating Ideas for Stylish Homes | Home Style Saturdays

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Hello friends — happy Saturday! I hope your weekend is off to a relaxed, inspired start. Recent posts on The Inspired Room: New Bathroom Faucets + Makeover in a Month Update Shingle Style Beach House Tour — Seabrook Coastal Dream House Tour – Upper Levels Seabrook Beach Houses + Curb Appeal Ideas Cozy Throw Blankets … Read more

2025 Gift Guide: Top Present Ideas for Everyone

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Each year we gather our favorite gift ideas for home and loved ones, carefully curating selections that are thoughtful, useful, and beautiful. Our 2025 Gift Guides bring together items I personally enjoy as well as pieces I think will make special presents. These seasonal guides are assembled to save you time and inspire your shopping—so … Read more

Hand-Painted Pumpkin Ideas for Festive Fall Decor

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Painted patterned pumpkins via Country Living DIY milk paint pumpkins via Miss Mustard Seed Ombre pumpkins via Funkytime Gilded pumpkins – Country Living Do you like to paint pumpkins? Catch up with the 6th annual “31 Days of Falling for Fall” series Painting pumpkins is an easy, creative way to bring seasonal charm into your … Read more