Bring a Garden Vibe Home: Simple Ways to Create a Botanical Mood

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They say life is better in a garden, and I agree. A garden-inspired look is one of the prettiest choices for a spring and summer home. The new Pottery Barn + Julia Berolzheimer Collection captures that fresh, floral mood beautifully with pieces that feel both timeless and versatile. The line is designed to “effortlessly connect … Read more

Winner Announced: $100 DaySpring Shopping Spree Recipient

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Kate from Life in the Cooper House Congratulations to Kate! After the winner was chosen, I went back through past comments and discovered she had been leaving thoughtful notes on my blog since 2008. It’s wonderful to see a long-time reader rewarded — sometimes patience and loyalty pay off in delightful ways. There will likely … Read more

Creative and Unique Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire You

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Coastal Living WWith the holidays approaching, the kitchen becomes the center of activity again. That means we suddenly notice the things we’ve been ignoring: peeling paint, cramped storage, outdated finishes and decor, and other flaws we tolerated all summer. Sunset Coastal Living I often kick into high gear on decorating or remodeling projects just before … Read more

Teacart Plant Stand and Fresh Deck Finish Reveal

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A while back I bought a teak teacart at our local flea market. It was the perfect piece for our backyard ice cream party and drink station, and I knew it would also make a fun backyard plant stand. It turned out to be a very flexible purchase. A few weeks ago I decided to … Read more

Blue Dining Room Ideas: Stylish Ways to Decorate and Inspire

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Decorating with Blue {Dining Room} Blue is a versatile color for dining rooms — calming, elegant, and adaptable to many styles. It can be used as a dominant wall color, an accent on furniture, or in smaller décor elements to shape the room’s mood. Below are ideas and examples showing how different shades and pairings … Read more

8 Ways to Create a Calm, Clutter-Free Bedroom

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A master bedroom should be your retreat — a place to rest and recharge at the end of the day. You don’t need a sprawling suite to create a peaceful sanctuary. What matters most is the mood of the room: thoughtful colors, soft textures and simple routines set the tone for how you’ll feel every … Read more

Drive-By Tour of Charming Beach Cottages

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Originally published August 2008 The wedding is over and I’m finally back home. My daughter and I wanted a simple beach wedding, and in many ways that’s what we had. Still, even a “short” destination wedding—only about an hour and a half away—brings a few logistical details. The biggest was arranging accommodations for the wedding … Read more

Summer Decor Trends 2025: Shop Vibrant Outdoor & Indoor Styles

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It’s time for our Summer Decor Shop! Browse the Summer Decor Shop – click HERE Summer is almost here! Below is a preview of some of our favorite summer decor finds, handpicked to bring a fresh, seasonal vibe into your home. Many of these items are classic enough to enjoy year-round, but we love selecting … Read more

Wood Kitchen Countertops: Pros, Cons & FAQ from My Experience

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Wood Countertop in the Kitchen FAQ from readers about my counters Recently several readers have asked about the wood countertops in my old house and whether they were difficult to care for. The kitchen was designed before I started blogging, yet it still attracts questions I haven’t formally answered in a post. Today I’ll address … Read more