Are you hosting Thanksgiving this week? Some readers in Canada may already be turning toward Christmas, but I’ve always liked the idea of stretching the holidays a bit so Thanksgiving feels distinct and unhurried. In our home we’ve often enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with the warm glow of a Christmas tree nearby — it keeps the … Read more

via Atlanta Homes “I’ve always loved quirky things that are mixed with classic,” says Ann, the homeowner. “More than anything, I wanted this house to be fun.” That sentiment captures a fresh approach to decorating: blending playful, unexpected details with timeless elements to create a home that feels both personal and inviting. Mixing quirky accents … Read more

Sometimes I ponder the deep questions of life, like what should I put on my wall? A few weeks ago I faced a small decorating challenge: a narrow wall between the front door and the living room windows that felt awkward because of the placement of light switches. Every picture or shelf I tried looked … Read more

Do you ever hit a decorating slump and feel stuck? I do. Sometimes I can’t quite decide what a room needs, or I have too many ideas and not enough budget to pursue them all. When that happens I usually let the space evolve slowly. I use pieces I already own, make small changes over … Read more

Our dining table has always been one of the most seasonally decorated spots in our home. I enjoy dressing it for the holidays, but I prefer a subtle nod to the seasons rather than an all-or-nothing approach. I like to savor the transitional days between holidays and add small changes as the weeks go by. … Read more

WTwo weeks ago we officially said goodbye to our Seattle home where we lived for six years. That house served us well — a gathering place for family, a refuge in both hard and happy times, and a chapter full of unexpected blessings as we prepared to move forward. We asked ourselves often, as we … Read more

Inspiration photo from Studio McGee – Midway House WWhen we first saw our new house, my imagination raced with possibilities. I kept asking myself: what could this house become and what do I want it to be? If you buy or build a house that already matches your style, or plan to preserve it exactly … Read more

Update: here’s what this bathroom looks like now (above), after a later refresh. Below is the first makeover. Boy’s Bathroom Before & After Last year I started a quick facelift for my son’s bathroom. It didn’t take a full year — we only worked a few days — but life got busy and I delayed … Read more

Every year since the early days of blogging I’ve hosted a Fall series on The Inspired Room. I can’t help myself — I’ve always loved autumn. It’s a glorious season, too wonderful to spend worrying about winter or missing summer. The cooler days and crisp evenings invite us to slow down, savor cozy moments, and … Read more

I was browsing online recently when photos of a small coastal cottage in Carmel stopped me in my tracks. The look of that little house is almost exactly the long-term vision I have for my own home. This cottage is currently sale pending in Carmel. I love the town — have you been? The home … Read more