Mix & match what you have to get the style you want. Today’s post is inspired by a reader’s question about cottage style. Dear Melissa, I’m design challenged and need help. I want to lighten my traditional style into more of an eclectic cottage vibe, but I need to use what I have. My furniture … Read more

Please welcome my special guest and good blogging friend, Heather Bullard! She has the most beautiful blog and has just relaunched her online boutique. If you haven’t yet visited her, you won’t be disappointed. Heather radiates a beautiful life from the inside out and her work is a constant source of inspiration. I know you’ll … Read more

Inspired Style: Spindle Furniture I love the small architectural touches that make furniture feel special. Spindles, turned legs and Jenny Lind–style pieces add a sculptural, vintage charm to a room without overwhelming it. These details can be subtle yet distinctive, bringing texture and movement to otherwise simple silhouettes. One of my favorite finds is an … Read more

Happy Monday! I’ve been encouraging my daughter Kylee (you may recognize her from The Inspired Room for her charming illustrated recipes and wedding photos) to share about her recent move into the townhouse she purchased. She’s finally here to introduce herself and show photos of her new home — plus some new pictures of her … Read more

Better Homes & Gardens Remember back in February when I shared progress on a project in our son’s bathroom? It’s been nearly a year since I started, and in case you were wondering, you still haven’t seen the finished room. That’s because I’m not quite finished. Well, I’m basically done. Almost done, that is—except for … Read more

Friends, I’m thrilled to share something special on The Inspired Room. After more than eight years of blogging I’ve met so many wonderful people. Making friends online felt risky at first, but thankfully I’ve been lucky to meet generous, kind people — and none of them have turned out to be killers, as far as … Read more

Homes to Love HHello! What a week it has been. I’m sorry I was a little absent — I missed you! I didn’t mean to disappear; sometimes life piles up faster than expected. I’m tired, but excited to be back and ready to share. I recently attended Bloom Bash in Seattle, a creative workshop for … Read more

Kitchen Open Shelving Ivory Lane I always try to save at least one spot for open shelving when I design a kitchen. In previous homes I even removed cabinet doors to create open shelves. Kitchens often feel cold because of all the hard surfaces, and open shelving brings warmth, light and personality while remaining practical … Read more

This post is in partnership with Wayfair Can you believe September is only two weeks away? I always look forward to fall nesting. Even though I still miss our sweet Jack, as I’ve written in A Lovely Life and Dwelling, bringing beauty into the home can be deeply healing. This week I decided to follow … Read more

  It’s easy for summer to rush past in a blur of activity and for the small, meaningful moments to slip away unnoticed. I want my days to be filled with things that will matter years from now. Surrounded by constant inspiration online — with all the amazing makeovers and creative projects — it’s simple … Read more