Country Living A Adirondack chairs and summer just go together. I have one chair in my yard now — we used to have another, but the wood eventually rotted after years of Seattle winters. Still, I’ve always pictured a pair on a front porch or a circle of them surrounding a fire pit. We don’t … Read more

I love receiving comments and emails from women who relate to and appreciate what I share on The Inspired Room. It’s wonderful to be part of a community that supports me and connects with one another through thoughtful comments and shared ideas. Many of us search for “our people” — those who understand our style, … Read more

We enjoy hosting friends and family at our home. To reduce the stress that comes with preparing for guests, we keep a short, practical checklist. Opening your home is mostly about spending time together, but a few thoughtful touches make guests feel welcome and comfortable. Seven simple steps to prepare for guests – Vacuum the … Read more

TThis time of year I start craving a thorough spring cleaning. I want everything to sparkle, shine and smell fresh. When the sun streams in, suddenly windows look cloudy, surfaces appear dusty, and every countertop begs to be wiped down. In my pursuit of that fresh, clean feeling I uncovered some upsetting and even dangerous … Read more

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.” Melodie Beatty Now that the holiday season is approaching, it’s easy to rush past Thanksgiving and head straight into Christmas. Before the full burst of holiday preparations begins, I like to pause and focus on the spirit of gratitude that … Read more

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 Cozy fall pillows can transform a room from summer to autumn in an instant. The tricky part is storing all those off-season pillows—especially when space is limited. This summer I decided it was time to tackle … Read more

BHG Do you ever wonder how organized people keep their homes in order? I enjoy learning about others’ routines and sharing my own tips. Lately I’ve been thinking about which habits truly support a tidy, functional home. Below are ten habits I’ve found common among people who maintain organized houses. Which of these resonate with … Read more

Martha Stewart I love the idea of an attractive, organized, and efficient home. I’ll admit I’m not the most naturally organized person, but I find the thought and creative potential of organization very inspiring. Below are practical ideas I use in my home and a few I plan to try. These simple solutions help make … Read more

Have you been puttering around your kitchen this fall? By puttering, I mean casually rearranging things — moving a plate, nudging a bowl, dusting a shelf. It’s simple, satisfying work. It’s my favorite way to refresh the kitchen. Little shifts keep the space tidy and interesting. I pick things up frequently, dust surfaces, and try … Read more

April 2014 I know a house doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. We actually embrace imperfection pretty well in our home. Sometimes my life at home is just plain ridiculous. When we brought our new puppy home the other day, my daughter remarked that we seem to thrive on a little chaos. And … Read more