I enjoy finding simple, affordable ways to add character to a room. This past weekend we made two small updates to our hallway that significantly increased its charm and warmth. The built-in cabinet sits in a compact but well-used zone between the kitchen, bedrooms and other areas of our home — a little like a … Read more

Tommy Smythe Living Room YI’ve always loved stripes and patterns like chevron, zig zag, and Ikat. Years ago, when my children were little, their rooms featured both striped walls and a zig zag carpet. In that same house we also had Ikat curtains in the kitchen. At the time it wasn’t a particularly fashionable choice … Read more

It’s time for another drive-by! YAY! A few weeks ago I shared a drive-by tour of Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood and promised I’d return with more photos. My daughter Courtney and I had an afternoon free recently, so we parked and wandered the streets, phones in hand, photographing the charming homes and architectural details that caught … Read more

This easy DIY chalkboard tablecloth is a clever and practical craft that turns any table into a writable surface for notes, drawings and memories. It’s simple to make and adds personality to everyday moments and special occasions alike. Beyond being visually appealing, a chalkboard tablecloth encourages interaction, sparks conversations and creates keepsakes—making it both useful … Read more

Good Housekeeping In autumn I find myself craving the coziest elements of home decor. Bright white walls work beautifully in summer, reflecting light and feeling fresh, but when the days grow shorter a space needs texture and warmth to feel inviting. Grasscloth wallpaper is an ideal way to add that warm, tactile layer to a … Read more

I love my bloggy friends. I love parties, and I love the idea of gathering with blogging friends to celebrate. When you commit to a month-long celebration — 31 days in a row — you know it’s going to be fun and inspiring. Who’s hosting this bloggy bash and what is it about? My dear … Read more

TThis little guy is a survivor. For years I’ve struggled to keep fiddle leaf figs alive — in fact, of the four I’ve owned previously, none made it. I even shared one of those sad fiddle leaf sagas years ago, and it didn’t pull through. So it feels almost miraculous that this one is still … Read more

New England Home If I could design one room again and again, it would be the kitchen. Kitchens are my favorite spaces to plan and refine. I enjoy studying inspiration photos and noticing each deliberate choice—the cabinet styles, lighting, countertops, ceiling details, tile, floors, layout, and accessories. All of these elements working together create distinctive, … Read more

Alright—if you’re new here, welcome! I’m glad you stopped by. Over the last few months I’ve been working on an entry makeover. Right now I’m focused on adding a faux fireplace mantel. Yesterday I shared ideas readers suggested and the inspiration photo for the mantel. Today I’ll explain how I plan to interpret that inspiration … Read more

I often hear from readers who love the clean look of white rooms and painted cabinets, yet actually live with more wood, contrast, and color in their homes. While light, tone-on-tone rooms photograph beautifully, many people prefer the warmth and character that wood and darker pieces bring to daily life. That doesn’t mean I’m opposed … Read more