One of the things we loved about this house when we were looking in Seattle was its flexibility. Although the main floor is fairly modest at about 1,500 square feet, the basement, attached garage and a generous backyard give us much more usable space and many options to expand and adapt as our needs change. … Read more

I love those delightful little corners in a home. Older houses often have charming nooks, quirky stairwells, narrow hallways or small pockets of space that create character and warmth. Our home follows a more conventional layout, so most rooms are simple rectangles. Still, we have a tiny spot tucked beside the half wall and pillars … Read more

Whether you completely love your home or find it an ongoing work in progress, practicing gratitude for what you have—and what you can do—can be surprisingly powerful. What are five things you love about your home? If that question feels hard, keep reading for ideas and prompts to help you notice the good parts of … Read more

There’s nothing like coming home after a long day. Does your home welcome you? With a chill still in the air and many places under a blanket of snow, it’s comforting to step inside and feel instantly cozy, welcomed, and at peace. If your entry feels cold or uninviting, here are a few simple, practical … Read more

My book Simple Gatherings is about creating connection. I explain that you don’t need a perfect home or an extravagant party to host a memorable get-together with friends or family. What matters most is the welcome you offer and the way you bring people together. Hosting can feel intimidating, but try not to worry. Guests … Read more

Wood Footed Tray / White Lamp / Rattan Shade This post is in partnership with World Market YYou know I always say that making a home is a slow, ongoing process. We’ve lived in our Seattle house for just over four years, and despite what decorating shows suggest, most of us build our spaces gradually. … Read more

IIf you want an easy, reliable way to style your coffee table this fall, try the simple formula I share in my book The Inspired Room. Tray + Books + Plant + Decorative Object This combination works any time of year. Start with a tray to anchor the arrangement, add a stack of books for … Read more

When we moved into our house the backyard was typical new-construction terrain: barren, without trees, plants, or any landscaping. The ground was mostly rocks and weeds, which made planting difficult and left the space feeling bleak compared with the mature gardens I’d tended in older homes. A full professional landscape wasn’t in our plans, so … Read more

BHG Designers often call the ceiling the “fifth wall.” Look up in the room you are in now and you’ll notice how much of the visual field the ceiling occupies. Beyond the safe choice of white or a bold painted color, the ceiling is an opportunity for architectural interest. I love architectural details—do you? New … Read more

Who’s wrapping gifts this week? Wrapping is much more enjoyable when everything is organized — pretty paper, ribbons, tags and tools all ready at hand. We turned an old dresser into our dedicated wrapping station and it makes the whole process faster and more fun. Do you have a special spot for wrapping supplies? Quick … Read more