I love labels. Seeing a neat row of notebooks with labeled spines, bins with clear tags slipped into metal holders, baskets with dangling tags, or stenciled words above hooks makes me feel calm and in control. Organizing and labeling transforms clutter into clarity. I often imagine every item in my home having a proper place … Read more

Spray Painted Mason Jars by Be Crafty If you’re moving into a new home or still dealing with the same issues you had when you moved in, don’t rush into expensive furniture purchases or a full remodel. Often a fresh coat of paint can make a dramatic difference. Below I share five simple paint ideas … Read more

Hello friends! This Tuesday marks the official launch party on The Inspired Room for my new book, Simple Gatherings. I’m inviting friends from near and far to celebrate launch day together—you’re invited! The celebration begins right here on the blog this Tuesday and continues across five lovely blogs where you can enter giveaways and join … Read more

A Bag a Day Challenge Fall 2024 Clutter steals calm and makes it hard to enjoy a warm, welcoming home. For many of us, myself included, clutter can feel overwhelming and stressful. I don’t mean the everyday items you rely on, but the extra accumulation that triggers anxiety and frustration. Years ago I discovered the … Read more

  Happy 2014! As I considered New Year’s resolutions for both my life and my home, I kept coming back to a short quote from Alexandra Stoddard, one of my favorite authors. Her words capture much of what I need to remember about homemaking, creativity, and building a space I truly love. Instead of choosing … Read more

Pottery Barn I love asking readers whether they bring out special dishes for the holidays. I tend to keep most of my everyday plates in simple white or neutral tones, but I also enjoy adding a few festive pieces to the mix. A handful of seasonal plates or decorative salad and dessert dishes can instantly … Read more

It seems like every summer I do a little sprucing of both the front porch and the back deck. Both spaces are small—the deck especially—but they are big enough to enjoy. The front porch is the main entry and the back deck opens from the kitchen, so both are very visible from inside the house. … Read more

YAll, I just can’t with these pups. Each one is so doggone adorable that I wanted to share a little puppy moment to brighten your day. Our family now has four dogs: Jack, a five-year-old goldendoodle, and three labradoodles named Lily, Bella and Leo. Leo (pictured above) is the newest member of our family and … Read more

Merry Christmas, friends! Welcome to our 2012 Christmas home tour. Our house has been through some messy, ongoing updates and nothing is exactly where it should be yet, but I’m gradually putting things back so we can enjoy the season. I’m ready to slow down, breathe, and savor the comfort of home. This space may … Read more

Photo & Ideas from Martha Stewart With summer vacations on the horizon, now is a great time to think about simple, meaningful ways to preserve memories. This idea has been shared before, but it’s worth repeating: encourage kids or grandkids to collect small mementos throughout the season so they can assemble one or more keepsake … Read more