Country Living Need more space? Consider using fewer pieces of furniture and adding benches instead. Benches are versatile, space-saving, and easy to move—making them an ideal solution for homes that need flexible seating without clutter. BHG At the dining table, a bench seats two or three people comfortably and reduces the crowded feeling that comes … Read more

Curb Appeal Gates On Mother’s Day I took a short drive around Bainbridge Island to admire the neighborhood entrances. I didn’t get a good look at the houses that day, but one gate caught my eye and begged to be photographed. That particular gate seemed to tell a story—one side appeared cheerful while the other … Read more

I was searching for something tall to place on my buffet—something shorter than my lamp but taller than the pitcher (which I might add greenery to later). I remembered the easel that came with my DaySpring message board, which I never used because I hung the board on the wall instead. But what to put … Read more

Leather Sofa February is a great month to do a bit of house fluffing. I seem to say that in every season, but that’s because a quick refresh always restores my balance. When life gets busy, I want to stop for a minute, clean the kitchen, rearrange pillows, dust, polish surfaces and—especially in the cooler … Read more

Last year I wrote about wanting to refresh our living room furniture. It took time to figure out the best furniture arrangement, but once that fell into place I felt ready to decide what pieces to bring into the space. It’s much easier to shop and choose confidently when you already know how furniture fits … Read more

We didn’t have any outdoor lighting on our small deck, so I started looking for a simple solution. I found these compact battery-powered outdoor lamps and decided to try them. They turned out to be perfect — just the right amount of light to set a relaxed mood. I liked them so much I ordered … Read more

What makes a home truly beautiful varies from person to person. Style is personal, and each home reflects its owner’s taste. Below are six design elements that consistently help a room feel thoughtfully finished and visually appealing. They aren’t the only considerations, but they’re a strong foundation. Mix and interpret them in ways that match … Read more

Even when a full renovation isn’t possible, small, thoughtful improvements can make your home feel more loved and livable. I often juggle a few larger projects, but I also rely on simple fixes to improve spaces without tearing everything apart. It’s important to appreciate what we have and to learn to love where we live, … Read more

Creating a mood board is a practical and inspiring way to define the mood or look you want in your home. We assembled the example above digitally in Photoshop, but you can create an equally effective, tactile version on a bulletin board or with cut-and-paste materials. A mood board helps you visualize how existing pieces … Read more

This post was created in partnership with Pottery Barn Have you been enjoying the Christmas home tours online? It’s such a cozy, festive season and I love seeing how people make their homes feel welcoming. Today I’m sharing a few favorite seasonal pieces that make decorating simple and pretty — plus a few gift ideas … Read more