Hi friends! Courtney (Melissa’s daughter) here. I’ve lived in many small spaces over the years—shared college rooms, a tiny bedroom in my sister’s townhouse, a 600‑square‑foot studio, and now a 500‑square‑foot one‑bedroom—so I’ve picked up plenty of tips for making a small home feel cozy, calm, and welcoming. Last week I hosted an Amazon Live … Read more

I discovered both of these pumpkin-decorating photos on Martha Stewart and instantly loved them. They’re strikingly different from each other and a far cry from the typical carved jack-o’-lantern. That contrast is exactly what drew me in: they feel fresh, unique, and full of personality. Uniqueness is what defines us and gives our seasonal décor … Read more

Blue & White Collections As I go through my house reorganizing things bit by bit, I sometimes make happy little discoveries. Recently I found the missing black cabinet drawer we lost when we moved from Oregon to Washington — three years ago — and it felt like a small victory. Sometimes the discoveries are less … Read more

Do you ever feel like your house doesn’t quite look or feel the way you want? Beyond aesthetics, most of us long for a home that feels like a sanctuary — a peaceful place that restores and inspires. Everyone deserves a space that supports their well‑being. When we don’t prioritize the atmosphere of our home … Read more

II’ve mentioned Dutch doors on this blog more times than I can count over the past year. I’m not apologizing — the Great Dutch Door Transformation is about to be a real game changer for this house. Our house is a very, very nice house, but I wanted it to feel like more than just … Read more

Creating a home takes time, but feeling at home doesn’t have to wait. Here are seven simple ways we made our house feel like home during the first year. This October we celebrated our first anniversary since selling our previous house and making this one our “forever home.” Time really does fly. These ideas are … Read more

BHG Do you wish your clothes closet were better organized but keep postponing the task until you have a block of free time? An organized closet makes mornings smoother, saves time, and helps your home feel more put-together. The good news is that you don’t need a full weekend to make meaningful progress. Small, focused … Read more

Atlanta Homes I’ve been wanting to refresh our living room and dining room lately. It helps that it’s the first day of fall — a perfect excuse to rethink the space and try a few seasonal updates. Seasonal change often inspires small, meaningful shifts. For fall, that might mean cutting branches with colorful leaves for … Read more

Sometimes decorating with more personality means stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something you haven’t done before. Try fresh colors. Don’t be afraid to move beyond traditional seasonal or holiday palettes and experiment with a new color story. A fresh approach can instantly update a room and make familiar spaces feel renewed. (photo via … Read more

Cottage Living Black walls can be striking and dramatic, but when used thoughtfully they also create a warm, cozy atmosphere. In kitchens, a chalkboard wall adds personality and practicality, while a semi-gloss black finish provides a subtle sheen that helps reflect light and prevent the space from feeling too closed-in. In a small kitchen, that … Read more