The sun is finally setting after 5:00 p.m. here in Illinois. For us mid-westerners, that’s a winter milestone that calls for celebration! And in just a couple of days, January will be over. February is a short month, and then spring officially arrives on March 19th. This is the self-talk I have to go through…
Yesterday I shared a craftsman style home that featured an amazing coffered ceiling in the dining room. As I thought about this often-neglected element in interior spaces, I decided it would be fun to write a post about different types of a decorative ceiling treatment. Let’s start with a classic vaulted ceiling that’s lined in…
Get ready to feast your eyes on a fascinating craftsman home remodel by Copper Sky Design + Remodel in Atlanta that features amazing attention to detail. The renovation includes the addition of a new porch. Every square inch of this home is sheer perfection. Photo by Copper Sky Design + Remodel Most people don’t…
Let’s head to the southeast to check out a gorgeous North Carolina beach house by Gathered. Inside, you’ll find the soft colors of the sea against a white palette. The decor is beautifully coordinated and I can’t imagine anyone not liking this southern coastal home. Photo by Gathered The softer colors of the sea…
Are you glad it’s Friday? Our snow is melting and the temps are about 30 degrees warmer than last weekend. The ice on the pond is gone and I can see the fish all huddled at the bottom, which is their typical winter behavior. This week was a little stressful because the bathroom floor was…
Light green cabinets freshen up a classic kitchen by Bright Ideas by Martinec in the town of Painted Post, New York. Wood flooring, subway tile, and bead board cabinets create timeless appeal in this dreamy kitchen. Photo by Bright Ideas by Martinec The pale shade of green adds color without being overwhelming. Open shelving…
My original plan was to share the best dining room trends during last year’s holiday season since we were all gathering with family and friends. But I’m more than a day late and a dollar short. Still, there’s no reason why we can’t talk about inspiring dining rooms as we continue nesting during winter. I’ve…
The bathroom floor guys arrived Monday morning and they dropped the toilet when removing it, which broke the connecting pipe sticking out of the wall. Water sprayed all over (not too bad though), and they had to call the plumber to fix it (at least I didn’t have to pay for the plumber). Ugh. I’ll…
Back when I was younger and just married, I thought every kitchen should either have yellow cabinets or blue. I chose blue for my first home but I sure do like this sunny yellow paint color in a cottage style kitchen. Photo by Robinson Interiors I find the shade to be perfect for cabinetry….
I think today’s home tour just might be the perfect blend for both the husband and wife. If you watch those house hunting shows on T.V., you’ve probably noticed the man typically defers to the wife’s desires when it comes to choosing a new home. Not always, but a majority of the time. Today’s charming…
Like it or not, you’re going to be seeing a lot more color in home design this year. Neutrals are making room for the transition, from soft shades to bold hues and everything in between. If you’ve always been a neutral gal, you can learn to overcome your fear of color by easing into it…
Next week is going to be a bit of a nail-biter for me. The bathroom floor gets installed and the toilet and vanity get replaced! I’m nervous even though I’m not doing the work. What if I don’t like my floor choice? What if I think the vanity doesn’t look right with the wallpaper? Should…
For some people, stairs are simply a vehicle to get from one floor level to the next. And then there are some of us who view stairways as a potential work of art (see my recent post about historic home details). They can add architectural beauty to a home. An easy way to customize a…
Historic homes. I fell in love with them back when I was 18 years young. They have soul, quirks, and oddities that you just won’t find anywhere else. And when you walk along historic streets, no two house exteriors are alike. My own house is over 150 years old and I take a bit of…
We’re halfway through January and I’m really happy about that because this week we’ve reached below zero degree temperatures. Ugh. I try not to think about it too much, but it’s hard to ignore when you look out the window and see a foot of snow in the yard. It’s a good thing I have…
Let’s escape Old Man Winter and head to the best little lakeside cottage by Emily Griffin Design that resides on Lake Crowe in Ontario. This charming retreat will make you want to book a vacation to a cute little seaside rental. The entry introduces the casual style of the home with a trio of straw…
