Inspiration photo from Studio McGee – Midway House When we first walked through our new house, a flood of possibilities ran through my head. I began asking questions: what could this house become? What does this house want to be? And what do I want it to be? If you buy or build a home … Read more

A small room can feel limiting, but limited space isn’t inherently a disadvantage. In many ways, small rooms are easier to make cozy than large ones. They simply require careful planning to avoid feeling cramped or cluttered. Every room presents decorating challenges; the key is learning to maximize what you have, emphasize strengths, and work … Read more

I’m ready to romanticize everything this holiday season. I love this time of year, and with two little ones back in the house, I’m especially inspired to create a warm, cozy, Christmas-movie atmosphere at home. I can’t wait to turn our home into a backdrop for memory-making, celebrating the reason for the season, and enjoying … Read more

How can you have enough storage in your kitchen without upper cabinets? This question is one of the most frequently asked by new readers and people who find my kitchen on Pinterest. When we remodeled our kitchen, I removed most of the upper cabinets. I left a few near the baking area and around the … Read more

  I’m a putterer. I enjoy arranging and adjusting small details around the house—nesting, fluffing, polishing, and moving things just slightly until they feel right. It’s a relaxing habit for me, almost therapeutic. Rather than tackling a large renovation, these small changes give me a quick lift and a sense of accomplishment whenever I need … Read more

Wanna come with me on a drive by on San Juan Island? Or more like a walk by — the slow, relaxed pace that makes a short getaway feel like a small vacation. I felt like I’d been away from my blog and friends forever, so when my husband and I suddenly had the chance … Read more

Have you ever wanted a charming gas-style wall lantern to cast flickering candlelight on your front porch? Me too. Those lanterns are beautiful, but I created a simpler, more affordable DIY porch lantern that gives the same warm, flickering glow without electricity or gas. After sharing our battery-operated window candle tradition in our new home, … Read more

Beach Cottage via BHG This charming vintage-style beach cottage feels like a small celebration of color and comfort. The bright tangerine door and wide, welcoming porch create an instant feeling of happiness the moment you arrive. It’s the kind of home that invites you to slow down, breathe in the salty air and enjoy simple … Read more

Recently my daughter and I cleaned out the linen closet in my laundry room and removed everything we no longer needed. I was both amazed and a little embarrassed by how much stuff had accumulated. We ended up discarding about six garbage bags of flattened pillows and stained linens. It made me wonder why I … Read more

I live in a fairly new house, but I have a soft spot for older homes. Maybe you don’t swoon over historic houses, but I do — I fall hard. I love the character that comes with a home built long before I was born: rounded wood doors, creaky floors, chunky wainscoting, and old lanterns … Read more