Autumn is the perfect time to give the front door a little extra attention. Some of the prettiest fall wreath ideas are made from little more than berries, dried grasses, branches, or leaves gathered into a loose circle. Whether your style leans traditional, romantic, rustic, or wonderfully simple, today’s fall front doors offer plenty of…
Finally things are cooling off here in Chicagoland and it’s starting to feel like the beginning of fall. There are so many things I want to do in the last few months of 2026, like take a Chicago architecture boat tour, visit Abe Lincoln’s home in Springfield, and explore neighborhoods I haven’t discovered yet. We’ll…
An outdoor fireplace does something wonderful for a backyard. It creates a destination. Usually built as the centerpiece of a patio, a fireplace can make an outdoor space feel more like an extension of the home. It draws you outside to enjoy its warmth (much like my pond draws be outside to enjoy its serene…
Yellow houses catch your eye from the road and are undeniably welcoming. Whether it’s a soft buttery shade, a warm historic gold, or a sunny yellow paired with crisp white trim, this cheerful color has a way of making a home feel happy. Yellow is also surprisingly versatile. It looks equally at home on a…
Are you glad September is here? I’m usually starting to mourn the loss of summer this time of year. But it’s been such a humid summer for us that I’m actually glad fall is marching into view. I’ve seen goldenrod out in the fields, and I want to clip several stems to bring indoors. I…
White and neutral kitchens will always have their place in homes. But there’s something especially inviting about a kitchen with color. Whether it’s a soft, barely-there shade or a rich hue, colorful cabinetry can give your home so much more personality. And adding color doesn’t necessarily mean creating a kitchen that feels bold or trendy….
There’s something exciting about a brand-new house! Especially when it belongs to my daughter! Bridget and her family recently purchased a new home not too far from where I live. They chose the Columbia model, a spacious two-story home with an open main level area and a finished basement Since the house isn’t built yet,…
Fall decorating doesn’t have to mean filling every room with pumpkins, signs, and seasonal accessories. Some of the prettiest fall decorating ideas are also the simplest. Branches gathered from the yard, colorful leaves tucked into a vase, miniature pumpkins, or a few warm autumn accents. Natural materials are especially beautiful this time of year because…
Not only is it Friday, but it’s Labor Day weekend which means a little extra me-time to enjoy doing whatever. My weekend will be uneventful, which makes me happy. I love having a weekend with no plans so I’m free to just putz around the house and garden, get a little cleaning or organizing done,…
Have you ever been to the amazing Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC and enjoyed its rich history and architecture? Located just west of Downtown DC, Georgetown is a National Historic Landmark. The homes are Federal in style and a little more diverse than the Capitol Hill area where we stayed the last time we visited….
For years, decorating focused on rooms where everything was coordinated and carefully edited. Now the pendulum is swinging in another direction. Collected rooms, which are spaces that look as though they evolved gradually rather than being furnished all at once, are becoming increasingly desirable. And that’s good news to those of us who are more…
Every weekend I think, “This is it. This is the weekend that I’m taking pictures of my home to share on the blog.” And each weekend passes without that happening. It IS at the forefront of my mind but somehow, other tasks (mostly gardening) come up and get in the way. This past weekend was…
Finding the perfect balance between cozy charm and contemporary design can be a challenge. But this modern farmhouse kitchen proves you truly can have the best of both worlds. By mixing graphic focal points, architectural details, and clean-lined millwork, it creates a cozy, hard-working family hub. (All photos by Clay Banks.) Keep reading for the…
Today’s vintage farmhouse is one of twelve featured in Fifi O’Neill’s beautiful book, Shades of White: Serene Spaces for Effortless Living. The book explores the many personalities of white and how the color can work with wood, metal, textiles, vintage pieces, and other natural materials to create rooms ranging from rustic to romantic and modern…
A bedroom doesn’t need pumpkins, autumn leaves, or orange accessories to feel right for fall. Sometimes the rooms that capture the season best are ones that simply feel warmer and more inviting. Today’s cozy neutral bedrooms rely on earthy colors, natural wood, soft bedding, woven textures, vintage-inspired furnishings, and plenty of layers. The result is…
Can you believe August is almost over? I know many of you are celebrating the return of fall and cooler days. I’m trying to get some day trips planned to take advantage of the beauty of autumn. Visiting Hyde Park in Chicago is definitely on the list. It’s been years since I’ve wandered those streets…
