Outdoor Room: A Retreat I’ve been meaning to share this porch update for a while. It was a simple makeover, but between unpredictable weather and a few personal setbacks this summer, getting decent photos has been a challenge. Finally I decided to photograph the space even on a gray day—after all, living in the Pacific … Read more

I love traditional Christmas decorating, but after more than two decades of using the same ornaments and displays, I’m ready for fresh ideas to change things up this year. I want something a little unexpected — a mix of familiar traditions and new twists that feel modern and simple. To be honest, the thought of … Read more

Do you have a “junk drawer” in your home? If opening it doesn’t make you smile, you’re not alone. Many of us keep a catch-all drawer full of odds and ends, and over time it becomes a source of frustration instead of convenience. The great news is that with a few simple steps and inexpensive … Read more

Ralph Lauren One of my most-loved posts from a few years back was a simple list titled “20 Little Things to Treasure in Autumn.” It wasn’t ornate or heavily produced—just a plain list of small moments and comforts I appreciate about the season. Despite its simplicity, that little list resonated with readers and spread across … Read more

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] I recently came across one of my earliest posts where I first wrote about puttering. That post was published 19 years ago. How time flies. I can hardly believe I’ve been blogging that long. Here’s an excerpt from the start of that post: After 21 years together, my … Read more

Here are four ways you can begin to design a home you love! 1. Define your design standards. Instead of letting perfectionism, comparison, or unrealistic expectations determine how your home should look, create your own design standards. Choose rules that are reasonable and meaningful to you. Make a list of what truly matters—comfort, functionality, color … Read more

Happy New Year, friends! I’m so thankful you’ve been part of my home and blog this past year. It’s always fun to look back and gather some favorite posts and projects from The Inspired Room. Summing up twelve months of posts is a challenge, but here are highlights that inspired me in 2016. While 2016 … Read more

HHello, friends! I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving. I meant to post yesterday, but with twelve people and five dogs here for dinner, it was a lively and busy day. Quick note for Black Friday: You can find many of my hand-selected home favorites in my shop and browse my gift guides. My favorite … Read more

I am drawn to this photograph from Country Living because of the subtle contrasts it shows. The room is simply decorated yet layered with small tensions that make it visually engaging. Black and white elements sit alongside softer neutrals; pieces that feel reflective are paired with items showing wear; a slightly cluttered vignette balances quiet, … Read more

I think a little spring decorating would lift our spirits this week. Spring feels different this year, but I always keep seasonal decorating simple. Simplicity works: a grocery-store bouquet of tulips on the table is often enough to brighten my day. This week, though, I’m not heading to the store just for flowers. Maybe next … Read more