YYou may have seen this in my side patio makeover post, but we finally have a gate on our side patio — no longer gateless in Seattle. What started as a small project turned into one with plenty of hiccups and mishaps, yet we got there in the end. The gate took far longer to … Read more

Phoebe Howard Design – Coastal Living – Tria Giovan Photography Did you wake up today thinking, “I can’t wait to leap out of bed—today will be lovely”? I hope so. Even when Mondays don’t feel inspiring, it helps to choose a mindset that invites beauty and calm. Today I’m sharing a few images that moved … Read more

Wall Sconce Details / Wall Art Details / Rug / Stool / Pillow / Table / Chair: Ballard Designs YYou know what really brightens my day? A large bouquet of pink tulips. My husband surprised me with these and they instantly lifted the mood in my living room. They also have me eagerly anticipating spring, … Read more

I enjoy wandering through shops, and it had been a while since I last visited Anthropologie. Today I’m sharing a virtual shopping stroll with photos I took in the store. Enjoy the tour and the little finds that caught my eye. For a roundup of my favorites from the sale that ends today, see my … Read more

Welcome my friend, Sandy Coughlin! Early summer is one of the most enjoyable times for gardening. The air feels fresher, the days are still cool, and everything seems new and promising. Later in the season the heat and weeds can make outdoor work feel like a chore. This is a perfect time to prepare for … Read more

Creative Christmas tree theme! We decided not to have a single large tree this year. Instead of a huge fresh-cut centerpiece that takes over a room and demands a lot of fuss, we chose a simpler approach: several smaller trees, one in each main room. It felt more appropriate for this season—less showy, more relaxed, … Read more

This is Martha’s kitchen from her set, and I love everything about it. Why I love this kitchen: It reads as a working kitchen—one you can easily imagine someone cooking in every day. The open display shelves, filled with white bowls and cake stands, offer attractive yet useful decor. Open cookbook storage gives the space … Read more

Blue and white geometric blanket on back of sofa One of my favorite ways to ease a home into fall is by adding layers. I was searching for stylish, reversible blankets to drape over sofas, chairs, and beds to create texture and warmth without committing to heavy seasonal pieces. I found exactly what I wanted: … Read more

Photo: Pineapples Design Group Spring has arrived here, though we still get an occasional gray, rainy day that feels like winter. The longer, sunnier days are nudging me to start planning our new yard. This is our first spring in this home, and I’m excited to watch the plants and trees wake up and to … Read more

Home Blog Giveaway! Hello! How was your weekend? Fall feels like it’s arriving here — I certainly feel it. I also began work on the final room in my whole-house project from earlier this spring: our new media room. It’s essentially a cozy family room for watching movies on the TV. Calling it a “media … Read more