Gray and white striped stair way and wall {stripe tutorial} COLOR INSPIRATION For most of the homes I’ve owned, I’ve favored neutral wall colors—mostly white or off-white. I’ve often felt the architecture of an older house speaks for itself, and aggressive color isn’t necessary to highlight what’s already attractive. My current house is a craftsman … Read more

I’ve always been fascinated by the process of discovering your personal style at home. Everyone arranges their space a little differently, and every house and situation is unique. There’s no single formula that fits everyone, and creating a genuinely authentic home is a personal learning journey. Still, many of the emotions and twists you experience … Read more

As our local forecast teases the possibility of snow this weekend—a rare treat for Portland—I’m thinking about cozy comforters, piles of down pillows and a warm, fluffy nest to curl up in. Before the holiday rush sweeps us away, take a moment to enjoy some inspiration for cozy and distinctive bedroom spaces. PS. Congratulations to … Read more

Happy almost end of 2012! What a year it has been. I put together a roundup of projects I worked on around our house in 2012. After reviewing the year’s posts, I’m surprised at how much we accomplished. It feels like our busiest year of projects yet. I probably missed a few things, but these … Read more

Hello from beautiful Hawaii! My husband and I have been so grateful for this time of rest and adventure. We keep pinching ourselves that we were invited on such an incredible trip. Lying on the beach in Hawaii has been one of the most refreshing ways we could start the year. I’ve been sharing moments … Read more

I can’t think of a better way to begin a crisp fall morning than curled up on the couch in a quiet house, watching the sun rise. Often there’s a soft blanket on my lap, a warm cup of coffee in my hand, and a diffuser gently scenting the room. It sounds Hygge-ish—and it is—but … Read more

Surprise! From today through December 1 I’m hosting a special treat: three giveaways to say thank you. Each giveaway is on its own blog post—leave a comment on each post to enter. Prizes are provided by the featured shops. Blessed & Grateful creamer and Grateful for All platter (pictured above) Chevron Christmas stockings I own … Read more

Porch in progress At my house, when it rains it pours. And I’m not talking only about the persistent July drizzle (yes, I live in Seattle and we’ve had our share of rain). I’m talking about the flood of projects I’ve taken on lately. Recently I felt overwhelmed by my to‑do list—not the fun kind, … Read more

I recently shared my bedroom makeover reveal, so today I wanted to offer a “get the look” mood board featuring similar elements, including the colors I used for the painted striped walls. If you’d like more photos of the room and the full story behind the makeover, see my reveal post linked below. Before I … Read more

Scenting my home for the season is one of my favorite little rituals. It lifts my mood and helps mark the transition from one season to the next. This week I swapped out my fall and winter soaps, cleaners, room sprays, and diffuser blends for lighter, fresher spring scents to bring a bright, uplifting feeling … Read more