Happy almost New Year! I wanted to share a look back at some favorite posts and moments from 2014. It was a wonderful year full of projects, small wins, and plenty of inspiration. Right now I’m taking a short break to wrap up the holidays, finish a few projects, and get ready for an exciting 2015. My annual Home Goals review and a new goals list are coming soon—stay tuned!
There are so many plans for The Inspired Room this year. A few secret projects are already in motion, and I can’t wait to tackle new ideas around the house, publish helpful posts, share some fun announcements, and reveal the real, physical books I wrote that will soon be published. It’s thrilling and a little scary, but I’m ready. 2015 feels like it will be one of the most productive and inspiring years yet for this space and for all of you kindred spirits who join me here. I love connecting with friends through this blog and I’m eager to return to the topics and conversations we all enjoy.
A few favorite posts from The Inspired Room in 2014:
1. Get To Know You: Home Sweet Home: We loved getting to know you and your homes through your comments. We read every one and it made our year. Another “get to know you” post is planned soon.
2. Secrets to Success and Longevity in Blogging: This post was fun to write and brought so many kind responses. I’m glad it helped and plan to expand on the topic this year.
3. The Truth About White Slipcovers: Pet Edition
4. The Unraveling: Jack and Lily’s ornament incident.
A few favorite cookbooks we acquired in 2014:
The Forest Feast
Sunday Suppers
A Boat, A Whale, and a Walrus
The Kinfolk Table
My favorite inspiring design book in 2014:
One Man’s Folly
A few favorite home improvements in 2014:
Painting our front door gray
Laundry room refresh (eliminating clutter and making the space more functional)
Getting organized in the dining room with entertaining cabinets
Home office progress and a new rattan bookshelf in the office (more updates coming)
Master bedroom updates (featured in the fall house tour)
Updating our son’s small bedroom
Creating a cozy reading corner in the gathering room
Adding a gray Sunbrella wingback chair for family-friendly seating
Wicker wingbacks for the front porch
Planting and tending the garden
See my progress report from April for additional updates
2014 House Tours:
Summer House Tour
Fall House Tour
Christmas House Tour Part One and Part Two
Favorite accomplishments in 2014:
Voted Reader’s Favorite Decorating Blog by Better Homes & Gardens — thank you for voting!
My kitchen featured in Better Homes and Gardens
Celebrated seven years of blogging and announced book contracts
Hiring my daughter Courtney to work for The Inspired Room full time
Keeping my fiddle leaf fig alive for longer than a week (a small but satisfying triumph)
A few favorite family memories from 2014:
My oldest daughter buying her first house
Spending the holidays with family
Meeting Bella, our new dog
Favorite recipes featured in 2014:
Favorite recipes featured in 2014:Pink Juice
Veggie Panini
Fruit Tart
Mulled Cranberry Apple Cider
Winter Cider Sangria