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

Kitchen before and after photos of our renovation To close out the year, I wanted to share a collection of before-and-after photos from our kitchen and dining nook renovation. Even small spaces can change dramatically in a year. Our cottage was charming from the start, but when we added the Tiny Cottage addition we also … Read more

It’s that time of year to start thinking about holiday decorating. I use a simple approach that keeps our home festive without feeling overwhelmed. Below I share my top three Christmas decorating items that I bring out every year, plus a decorating secret that keeps the season enjoyable. I prefer simple, timeless decor that lets … Read more

HHello friends, Kylee here! I’m excited to be posting again. If we haven’t met before, I’m Melissa’s oldest daughter. A couple of years ago my husband and I bought a three-story townhouse in Seattle and have been slowly decorating it. I’ve shared some of that process on the blog. It’s been a while since I … Read more

I’m excited to share the recent updates we made to our bedroom. With a few affordable pieces from Walmart, I created a cozier, more inviting space for winter. Small changes—lighting, textiles, and thoughtful accessories—made a big difference in how the room feels. Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post! I enjoy mixing pieces we already … Read more

Coastal Living In the gray stretch of winter, it helps to have small reminders that spring will return. Bringing green into the home is one of the simplest ways to lift the mood and hint at warmer days ahead. Fresh green tones, especially when paired with soft creams and whites, create a calming, renewed atmosphere … Read more