When January rolls around I think of ways to enjoy the frosty months ahead. When I was younger that meant visiting the ski slopes with my dad and older brother. Much to my brother’s dismay, my dad said I was the better skier. I haven’t skied for years now but the thought of spending a…
For some reason I find myself in a bit of a romantic, nostalgic mood these days. Maybe I’m yearning for something comforting to warm my soul now that Christmas is over. Or maybe it’s because I started watching Sense and Sensibility. British movies and television series tend to have a spell-binding effect on me. Whatever…
Every year I like to wrap things up by sharing posts from the blog that you all enjoyed the most. At least, Google statistics tell me that these are your favorite posts of the year. Maybe you remember others that you enjoyed more. In a look back, here are the most popular posts of 2021,…
White kitchens have been riding the popularity wave for years now (my own kitchen is white), but wood finishes and neutral tones add warmth and cozy appeal to the heart of the home. Enjoy these earth tone kitchen ideas to add an organic element to your own cooking space. Photo by Crisp Architects Natural kitchen…
Saying goodbye to Christmas is always a bit bittersweet. After all the anticipation, the days following the holiday can feel a little melancholic. Especially if you hosted family and friends who have now left. On the other hand, the days probably feel more relaxing and uncluttered. For today’s Style Showcase, some of us are embracing…
After the holidays I tend to dream of a cabin getaway where I can hole up for a couple of days with a book or stack of favorite magazines in hand. Just give me a little place where I can turn off the noise and activity while enjoying a bit of nature. You know, a…
This final stretch before Christmas is when I like to enjoy a bit of quiet time to reflect on the year and enjoy the simple contentment I find in life. For me, it’s therapeutic to recognize the small pleasures in life that tend to bring great joy. Sometimes that means slowing down to see the…
In a nod to Christmas, I’m featuring rooms that are decorated with dark green. Dark green is a color that most people don’t typically apply to their walls, but I think you’ll see how warm and inviting the color can be. And if you’re a trend follower, you’ll be happy to know that green is…
Can you believe Christmas is just four days away?? We celebrated our family holiday this past weekend in historic Galena, Illinois so my Christmas day will be fairly quiet. A couple family members might come over for brunch, but all the presents have been given. I rather like it this way. It provides more time…
The Christmas week is upon us, friends, and I wish you peace and contentment in the days ahead. No one’s holiday is perfect, but we can still find joy and appreciation in the small things. Like a child’s smile when opening a gift or the comfort of a warm blanket on a frosty night. And…
A classic 1830’s southern farmhouse outside Atlanta, Georgia gained notoriety when it became Southern Living Magazine’s Idea House in 2012. The entire renovation of this southern charmer by Historical Concepts took approximately 7 months before it stood proud in its new glory. All the amazing details you’d expect to find in a classic farmhouse you’ll…
Ever since I can remember, I always wanted a bathroom with a claw foot tub. One of the big selling features when I first looked at my house over 20 years ago was that each bathroom has a claw foot tub. If you’re a fan of older bathrooms too, you might enjoy these 10 ideas…
It never ceases to amaze me how many beautiful homes are out in the world. Sometimes it’s the architecture that stands out, other times the interior decorating is the wow factor. Today’s Oyster Pond Estate has an amazing combination of the two! This home is so huge, they call it a compound. Choosing room photos…
I don’t know about you, but I’m a little in shock that Christmas is right around the corner. Our family celebrates this weekend in Galena so it really snuck up on me. I’m hoping to get a couple batches of cookies made before we leave. I don’t know if that’s going to happen though. My…
Lately I’ve given some thought to my diet and feel a need to get back in the kitchen to cook healthy meals. I love the act of cooking, but I don’t like the time it sometimes takes. A well-organized kitchen makes meal prep more efficient, and I found a beautiful farmhouse kitchen in a 1902 house that…
The Vermont home by Smith & Vansant Architects PC that you’re going to see today has all the best details that create old house charm. An abundance of nooks and crannies, wood floors and painted floors, and a few updates make this charmer a true gem for those who love old homes. Photo by Smith…
