Christmas Mantel Decorating Ideas from 2011: Vintage Holiday Style

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Well, the sun never came out (hello, Washington in December!), but despite the overcast afternoon I managed to take a few photos of my Christmas mantel. While I added red accents in the dining room this year, in the family room I kept the palette calm and simple—greens, silvers, whites and warm browns. The room … Read more

New Blog Design Launch: Home Style Saturdays Revealed

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Have you noticed the Inspired Room has a refreshed look? I’m thrilled about the redesign and how much easier it makes finding content and navigating the site. The new design focuses on clarity and usability. Archives and categories are easier to browse from the sidebar, and the shop and book pages have been refreshed for … Read more

10 Steps to a Clean and Organized Closet

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French armoire closet via Lonny I’m in that planning and inspiration phase of a closet makeover — the stage where I gather ideas, make lists and psych myself up before the actual work begins. Mostly that means I’ve been browsing Pinterest and imagining a much more charming closet than the one I currently own. In … Read more

Holly Mathis Cozy Study Makeover: Warm, Functional Room Ideas

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TThis time of year, the word “cozy” seems to appear everywhere, and this warm corner captures that feeling perfectly. It invites you to curl up under the checked blanket with a good book, cup of coffee, or even a quick nap. The ottoman looks like the ideal spot to prop your feet up and really … Read more

Refresh Your Romance: Simple Ways to Rekindle Connection

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Sponsored by The Bouqs Company, scroll down for a discount code! My husband and I have been married for decades. He has always loved bringing me flowers—gift giving is one of his love languages. Early in our marriage, there was a season when money was tight, and I told him he didn’t need to buy … Read more

Autumn Puttering: Cozy Outdoor Projects and Ideas

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Hey friends! This week I’m carving out time for something I love: puttering. Maybe you have a different name for it, but the idea is the same — gentle, unhurried attention to small tasks that make home life a little nicer. Puttering is to occupy yourself in an unhurried pleasant manner on a number of … Read more

Carrara Gioia Quartz: Elegant Marble Alternative for Countertops

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Carrara Gioia Quartz Thoughts about our quartz countertops keep coming up in questions about the kitchen remodel, so I wanted to share more details about why we chose them and how they’ve performed. Countertop decisions can feel overwhelming, so I hope walking through our process helps you decide or sparks new ideas. Early in the … Read more

Why Striped Rugs Transform White Kitchens

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Images: This Old House I recently came across three photos of white kitchens featuring striped rugs on the This Old House site. The combination is simple but striking: the clean, bright backdrop of a white kitchen paired with the bold graphic pattern of stripes. White kitchens are timeless. Their light, reflective surfaces make a space … Read more

Weekend DIY Potting Table and Garden Project Guide

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A weekend project finally completed at last. After dreaming about potting benches for years, I decided to turn inspiration into action. Potting tables have a timeless charm and practical purpose—somewhere to trim herbs, repot plants, and enjoy the garden. This time I made it happen. Potting Table: A place to spend time cutting herbs, potting … Read more

Creative and Unique Kitchen Ideas and Design Inspiration

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Coastal Living WWith the holidays approaching, the kitchen becomes the center of activity again. That renewed focus often reveals the things we’ve let slide all season — peeling paint, limited storage, dated finishes, and little flaws that suddenly demand attention. Sunset Coastal Living Often I find myself racing to refresh or remodel just weeks before … Read more