In our previous house, one of the most common questions readers asked was where we placed the microwave during our remodel. It used to be the built-in unit above the stove. In theory, an over-the-stove microwave can be an efficient use of space, but we disliked how cramped it felt when multiple people worked at … Read more

Add Character to a Builder Grade Home HHello again! It’s Cassie — I’m excited to return with the second part of my builder-grade home series. In my last post I explained why we bought a builder-grade house and shared some of our best and worst decisions. This time I want to offer practical tips for … Read more

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 I’ve been searching for a charming freestanding bench, sofa, or banquette to tuck beneath the window next to my dining table. Ideally I’d find the perfect piece that can be delivered this week — when I get an idea in my head … Read more

Southern Living Idea House with Bunny Williams Now that our side yard project is underway (I admit I check progress dozens of times a day), I’m beginning to connect the spaces in my plans. I want a home that flows easily from room to room and from inside to outside when possible. Even if your … Read more

Planning a kitchen renovation or relocating a kitchen within existing walls can make it hard to picture how measurements and floor plans will translate to real life. We went through that process moving our kitchen into what had been the dining room, and I want to share the dimensions and decisions we used so you … Read more

“We’ve paid for our speeded-up lives with a loss in the quality of our time. Our chronic lack of time has robbed us of the ability to understand that the truth of living is found in the experience of being, and that life cannot be put on hold while we’re trying to produce more.” – … Read more

Hello friends! I’m spending the week relaxing with family, but I’m already excited about the year ahead and the many home projects I plan to share. I hope you had a wonderful holiday and are enjoying these final days of the year. I love writing about home design and decorating whenever I can. For several … Read more

How To Paint Furniture IIf you follow The Inspired Room, you know I’m not a furniture-painting expert — but I keep trying anyway. I love painted furniture, even if the process makes me nervous. Mostly that’s because I haven’t yet learned the best preparation methods and techniques to get a professional look. I have big … Read more

When I introduced the idea of a Year of Dwelling Well, I didn’t know what the months ahead would hold. Still, the intention remains exactly what I want: living well within our real, imperfect circumstances. Dwelling Well is not about perfection. It’s about making the most of where we are, building peace, comfort, and belonging … Read more

Quite a while back I promised to turn the camera around and show more of our media room. This space has been a slow project. It’s where our family watches TV, but it sits up on the top floor where few people wander unless we have a big gathering. Because of that, decorating it wasn’t … Read more