Here’s a quick progress update on our basement bathroom makeover. As mentioned last week, we committed to a “makeover in a month” and we’re already halfway through the timeline. Because we started a week later than planned, this has effectively become a three-week sprint to refresh the space and give it a cleaner, more coastal … Read more

Traditional Exterior by Brighton Architect VanBrouck & Associates, Inc. If I lived here…I would invite you all over for a girls’ weekend lake house party! Girls only. I’d leave laptops and cell phones on the far side of the lake so we could enjoy an unplugged weekend. The idea is simple: no pings, no emails, … Read more

My home isn’t always spotless. I finish one project while several others wait, and the to-do list keeps growing. Life is full and sometimes hectic. There are days when I feel frazzled or distracted, yet even amid the chaos there are countless blessings to notice and appreciate. Choosing to create and celebrate happiness with what … Read more

This post is in partnership with Milgard Windows & Doors II love the look of full walls of windows and doors. Natural light lifts the mood and an unobstructed view can turn an ordinary room into a calming indoor-outdoor retreat. Large expanses of glass create a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors that … Read more

As part of our home remodeling at the end of last year—which included a kitchen remodel and new hardwood floors—we added new trim and tongue-and-groove wainscoting. We wanted to give the house more character and protect a high-traffic entry and hall with durable, real wood wainscoting that ties into the kitchen. Of course, new woodwork … Read more

This post is sponsored by Ross Dress for Less After a long season of moving and remodeling, I’m ready for a fresh start this year. That means tackling home organization. Living in a house for a while makes you notice how each room is actually used, and that often reveals the need for smart, specific … Read more

Lovely kitchen by Pretty Handy Girl // Photo via BHG Cleaning and Housekeeping Tips Summertime should be for enjoying sunshine and relaxing, but household chores still need attention. The good news is you don’t have to spend all your summer cleaning—what you need is a strategy to clean efficiently so you can get back to … Read more

House Tours Greetings and welcome! I’m delighted to be part of the week-long Summer Tour of Homes — 25 inspiring homes in all. I’m hosting Day Three of the tour. If you’re just joining us, be sure to catch Day One and Day Two for more beautiful tours. All the tour listings appear at the … Read more

  I’m not obsessively organized. I don’t alphabetize my spice rack or buy elaborate organizers for every drawer. My silverware drawer is a jumble and my single utensil tray dates back to a past decorating phase. Still, I use a few simple systems that make daily life smoother. I care more about function than perfection, … Read more

As I daydreamed about fall and considered how to begin a small seasonal series, 21 Days of Loving Fall, I found myself stuck on the idea of a perfect beginning. I imagined a grand gesture or one ideal project to mark Day One. I had already shared a fall house tour, which felt like a … Read more