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

When autumn settles in and Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself thinking more about cooking. I’m honest when I say I’m usually more interested in eating than preparing meals, but fall and the holidays pull me toward the kitchen. I want to try new recipes and bake comforting treats—everything that makes the season feel warmer and … Read more