I’m not a professional barista, but I love coffee. Over the years I’ve collected espresso and coffee tools that make my morning cup— and often an afternoon pick-me-up—taste great. I also keep a few machines for entertaining or special moments like breakfast in bed or making espresso for two. By popular request, I’ve updated my … Read more

My small pantry under our staircase is one of the most organized rooms in our house! I am thrilled that my pantry makeover is featured today on one of my favorite blogs. This compact pantry beside our kitchen has been one of my favorite spots in the house since we finished it about a year … Read more

I originally wrote the piece below in 2008 and wanted to share an updated reflection. Since then I’ve moved twice, but my feelings about home have stayed the same. I still believe in loving the home I have, even when it isn’t the house of my dreams. Over the years I’ve continued to share ideas … Read more

Do you hate carpet? I won’t pretend I love the carpet in my home. It could be worse, and it is a neutral, so I try to be grateful. Still, after living in a house with hardwoods everywhere, having carpet in most rooms feels like a compromise. Replacing it with hardwood is not an option … Read more

Spring mantel decor I love to putter around the house and refresh my mantel to suit my mood or the season. My Valentine’s mantel was sweet, but after removing the hearts and Xs and Os I wanted to make a few simple adjustments. With gray skies and chilly weather lingering, I’m in that “in between” … Read more

It’s been a while since I shared a Life Lately post, so I wanted to catch up before the season moves on. Time really does fly. We enjoyed a lovely Mother’s Day weekend—my parents were able to stay with us for the first time in over a year. Though we’ve visited them in Portland several … Read more

Atlanta Homes All my life I’ve been enchanted by charming garden gates. Maybe it’s my fondness for “secret garden” stories, but a gate can transform a yard into a private outdoor room and give a home an inviting, intimate feeling. I once lived in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and there was a house down the street … Read more

Exciting News: The Inspired Room Named a Top Five Decorating Blog We’re thrilled to share that The Inspired Room was recently recognized as one of the Top Five decorating blogs by Better Homes & Gardens. It’s an incredible honor and a moment we’re still celebrating — we keep double-checking because it feels almost too good … Read more

Do you want to refresh your home but feel constrained by a tight budget? Here are ten practical, budget-friendly decorating ideas that deliver big impact without breaking the bank. 1. Buy Ugly Pillows It sounds odd, but buying inexpensive or plain pillows and covering them yourself saves money while giving you complete control over style. … Read more

One of the most common questions I get at The Inspired Room is: “What paint colors did you use on your walls?” To make that easier, I’ve created a new, user-friendly paint colors page that shows room-by-room paint selections. It’s a simple guide to help answer the frequent “What color is that room?” question and … Read more