HHello, friends. When our family first toured this house in Seattle a year ago last fall, we had a quiet sense that it might become something special. It didn’t look like a storybook home at the time, but there was an undefinable charm that drew us in and made us hopeful. This past fall we … Read more

I often notice the traps—especially in those carefully curated Instagram pictures and wistful “more, please” captions. It seems harmless at first, until you realize you’re living on the edge of discontentment. Even when I recognize the traps, I can slip into them or even set them for myself if I’m not paying attention. I love … Read more

Colorful bedroom via BHG Do you enjoy layered patterns in a room? When mixed well, patterns bring warmth and a distinct personality that a minimal, all-solid palette can’t achieve. Neutrals have their place, but color and pattern add energy and creativity. For many of us, a home without pattern or color feels flat. Mixed patterned … Read more

Did you see my edible flower teacup garden in my last post? I’ve been inspired to use edible flowers in all kinds of recipes and decorations. These ideas make lovely additions for Mother’s Day, baby showers, engagement parties, birthdays, weddings, spring garden gatherings—or simply to brighten an ordinary day. Planning summer get-togethers? See my book … Read more

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 Who’s excited about spring gardening? What are you planting this year? PS. Don’t forget to enter yesterday’s giveaway for printer blocks in your favorite word or phrase!

Have you ever shopped early for birthdays or holidays only to misplace the presents or cards before the big day? It happens to many of us. Planning ahead is great, but without a reliable system, gifts get lost, forgotten, or wrapped at the last minute. This article shares practical tips for gift organization so you … Read more

This post is sponsored by Mohawk Flooring. If you’re new here, last June we began a kitchen remodel. We aren’t finished yet, but we’ve made steady progress. Although the project started on a bit of a whim, it was actually the result of a lot of thinking beforehand. We’ve lived in this house for nearly … Read more

Painted Subfloors: Ashley Ann Photography Some time before our recent paint mishap, my daughter and I were in the family room, staring at a carpet I’d never liked. We were moments away from ripping it out—my husband wasn’t home, after all—so we pulled back a corner and sat looking at the exposed subfloor, imagining the … Read more

II’m getting ready for Christmas and planning a virtual world-wide Christmas open house. Did you see the announcement? I hope you’ll join in. No matter where you are, let’s open our doors and share holiday decorations. We’re not one of those families who puts up the tree the day after Thanksgiving, but I like to … Read more

When you read my new book, A Lovely Life, I hope it inspires you to step into your home and leave the outside world’s stress behind the door. You deserve a lovely life. A lovely life isn’t about having everything; it’s about discovering peace, joy and beauty in the small, everyday moments—those little details that … Read more