Oyster Gray Grout We’re steadily moving forward with the kitchen renovation, making progress one step at a time. Although the contractors are handling most of the work, I’m actively supervising, making decisions and occasionally changing my mind as things progress. That’s just part of the process. Here’s a quick update on what’s new. The grout … Read more

House Beautiful Farmhouse Kitchen I have always loved natural wood furniture and cabinetry. Even as many homeowners move toward lighter palettes, a well-chosen wood finish still brings timeless warmth and character to a kitchen. My appreciation for darker wood goes back to childhood daydreams of living in a grand old English house. That affinity stayed … Read more

Love the pop of turquoise in this inspiration photo, via BHG IIf you’ve followed The Inspired Room for any length of time, you already know about my seasonal passion. ……………………{awkward silence.}………………………. ……………………………………………………………………….. You know—the love affair I have with this time of year. Oh, that affair—of course! It’s pretty obvious. I don’t try very hard … Read more

Do you ever wonder how people who keep tidy homes maintain that order day after day? I enjoy learning about other people’s routines and have shared some of my own elsewhere. Recently I reflected on the habits that most consistently support a well-organized home, and I’ve summarized the key practices below. These habits are practical … Read more

2013 Are you hosting a party this New Year’s Eve? Planning a memorable New Year’s Eve gathering starts with a few simple elements: thoughtful decor, delightful drinks, and small touches that make guests feel welcome. Below are curated resources and inspiration to help you create a festive, stylish celebration whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner … Read more

Design Sponge One of the things we love about our new house is the solid wood doors. In our previous home the doors were hollow-core, so we’d almost forgotten how satisfying a solid wood door feels and sounds when it closes. We plan to update the door hardware eventually — it’s a small project that … Read more

Do you have a dream house? Have you ever pictured your perfect house—the one you would buy in an instant if money and logistics weren’t an issue? I certainly have a few dream houses in my head, which makes choosing just one impossible. This charming home was the HGTV Dream Home for 2013, and it’s … Read more

So, 2011 is coming to a close. As is tradition, here’s a roundup of the projects and memorable moments from the past year. It’s been a busy and rewarding twelve months filled with home updates, travel, family life and a few surprises along the way. January January began with a tour of the rooms that … Read more

Click here for above sources Have you shopped for furniture recently? There are so many choices it can feel overwhelming. That’s one reason I often prefer to use what I already own — less indecision and fewer impulse buys. I enjoy hunting for secondhand pieces, though I’m more selective about upholstery. I’ll pass unless I … Read more

Ifeel for anyone stuck in snow all winter. A little snow can be charming, but weeks of freezing temperatures and constant gray get old fast. It’s cold where I am too (so far no snow), and I keep wishing for warmer days and a beach escape. A summer getaway sounds perfect right about now. Imagine … Read more