How To Paint Furniture IIf you follow The Inspired Room, you know I’m not a furniture-painting expert — but I keep trying anyway. I love painted furniture, even if the process makes me nervous. Mostly that’s because I haven’t yet learned the best preparation methods and techniques to get a professional look. I have big … Read more

When I introduced the idea of a Year of Dwelling Well, I didn’t know what the months ahead would hold. Still, the intention remains exactly what I want: living well within our real, imperfect circumstances. Dwelling Well is not about perfection. It’s about making the most of where we are, building peace, comfort, and belonging … Read more

Quite a while back I promised to turn the camera around and show more of our media room. This space has been a slow project. It’s where our family watches TV, but it sits up on the top floor where few people wander unless we have a big gathering. Because of that, decorating it wasn’t … Read more

I’ve always dreamed of finding a forever house. That longing has often clashed with my pursuit of the perfect house first. I’m a devoted house lover—you’ve probably noticed by now. A few months ago my parents sold our family beach house. It had been in our family for most of my kids’ lives, and we … Read more

Creative Ways to Wrap a Gift This season my daughters discovered several inventive ways to wrap presents using items we already had at home. They repurposed everything from Trader Joe’s paper bags to small flower clips, turning ordinary supplies into personal, charming gift finishes. I wanted to share a few of their ideas to inspire … Read more

GI want every flickering candle and a warm, cozy atmosphere right now. It’s been a busy year, and I’m craving small comforts and mood-boosters more than ever. Some time ago I added metal candle sconces to my fireplace wall and a few other spots around the house. They’ve become part of our daily routine now … Read more

Happy almost 2019, friends! Many of us set personal goals at the start of a new year, but do you set goals for your home? Before I look ahead, I always take a moment to look back with gratitude for the improvements—big and small—we’ve made so far. Reflecting helps me prioritize what matters most before … Read more

Welcome to the Love Your Home Challenge — Spring 2016! I’m so excited you’re joining this 31-day journey. Let’s consider today Day One and get started. These simple, bite-sized tasks are designed to help you transform small areas of your home, practice gratitude for what you already own, and rediscover the joy of where you … Read more

For more than a year I thought about adding cafe curtains to my windows, and I finally decided to try them. It turned out to be an easy change—just a pressure rod, a cafe curtain panel, and a few curtain rings. No big commitment, no drama—just a small, affordable update that made a big difference … Read more

It’s almost officially the first day of fall, and I’ve begun freshening up my front porch. We recently painted the deck—the same treatment we gave the back deck—and added a couple of new rugs to brighten the space. The peacock wreath I made last year is still hanging on the door and continues to look … Read more