My heart was singing today because warmer temperatures have finally arrived here in Illinois! The trees are finally leafing out, birds are singing, and tulips and daffodils are dancing in the breeze. I'm anxious to usher in summer and enjoy time on the front porch. I rounded up several examples of pretty porches to provide inspiration for sprucing up your porch this season. An easy way to give your porch a new look is by swapping out your … [Read more...]
The Antiques Sign That Changed My Dining Room
May 1, 2018 By 11 Comments
An innocent trip to HomeGoods changed the look of my dining room. I was shopping for a housewarming gift for my daughter, and walked away with an Antiques sign that ended up changing my dining room. A large wooden Antiques sign jumped out at me from the clearance aisle at HomeGoods. I realized the size was perfect to replace the mirror I had just hung on the wall. It walked out of the store with me. After hanging it above the board … [Read more...]
Elegant Coastal Style Home Tour
April 29, 2018 By 5 Comments
Today is the second week in a row that we're touring a coastal style home with a pool. It must be a yearning for warm breezes that brings these nautical homes to the forefront. If you're ready for a vacation, you're going to enjoy this home tour by JMA Interior Design! A pretty brick sidewalk leads to double wood doors under a pretty, wood awning. Photo by JMA INTERIOR DESIGN Inside, you get a taste of what to expect on the tour in the … [Read more...]
Painted Staircase Ideas and Inspiration
April 28, 2018 By 4 Comments
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. They can add architectural beauty to a home. An easy way to customize a stairwell is with paint. Here's a few painted staircase ideas to get your wheels spinning on what to do in your own home. Pale blue and white come together to create a fresh staircase in an old Colonial … [Read more...]
Aurora Historic Homes: Part Two
April 26, 2018 By 11 Comments
Two weeks ago I shared a walking tour of Aurora, Illinois' westside historic district. Today is round two of touring this amazing residential area with amazing historic homes. First up on today's tour is this lovely clapboad Victorian home painted green with creamy trim and accents of red. Note the unique treatment on the windows and the corbels at the roof line. A side view of this beautiful home reveals a bay window and … [Read more...]
Country Garden Tour in Upstate New York
April 24, 2018 By 10 Comments
Somewhat warm breezes are beginning to blow and I'm in the mood to get dirt under my fingernails! I stumbled across a country garden tour photographed by Rikki Snyder and it's got me inspired. Stepping up to the front door of the historic Colonial home, you get a hint of what you'll see throughout the gardens. Second-hand treasures dot the property in really delightful ways. Photo by Rikki Snyder Charming outbuildings add architectural … [Read more...]
Sunny Poolside Cottage: Home Tour
April 22, 2018 By 1 Comment
No matter what your weather is today - I'm sending a bit of sunshine your way with this uplifting tour of a sunny poolside cottage! I couldn't help but smile and be inspired when looking at the interior and exterior spaces of the "Allamanda Cottage" decorated by Laura Hay Decor and Design. Photo by Laura Hay DECOR & DESIGN Inc. Blue accent pieces wash a feeling of serenity throughout the neutral living room. White walls and trim … [Read more...]
The Story of My Rabbit Lamp
April 21, 2018 By 11 Comments
Have you ever found a treasure when shopping but decided not to take it home with you? Such was the case in the story of my rabbit lamp. I first spotted it at The Little Traveler in Geneva and hemmed and hawed over it before finally walking away. The following weekend I decided to go back and get it. Unfortunately for me - the rabbit lamp had sold! (This post contains affiliate links.) Needless to say, I was pretty disappointed. That … [Read more...]
Tour a Colorful Bespoke Kitchen
April 19, 2018 By 7 Comments
Some people struggle with the amount of color to add to a room. How much is too much? And how much is enough to keep a room from looking sterile or boring? Today I've found a colorful bespoke kitchen that enjoys a pleasing balance of various hues. Wood floors, white walls, and light gray kitchen cabinets provide a solid foundation for adding color. Photo by deVOL Kitchens Your eye is immediately drawn to the stove area. Shelves are … [Read more...]
How to Decorate Your Bedroom for Spring
April 17, 2018 By 17 Comments
The bedrooms in our circa 1875 home have always provided a decorating challenge. The rooms are small and there's lots of angles to consider. Once furniture arrangement is figured out, you can start to decorate your bedroom for the season - in this case - spring. Since we had a little snow this weekend, I decided to go with a lighter, neutral color scheme for spring. I replaced my cocoa-colored quilt with my ruffled white … [Read more...]
Contemporary Coastal Home in Rhode Island
April 15, 2018 By 5 Comments
Today's home is truly a breath of fresh air - salty sea air, that is! A modern shingle style exterior makes way to expansive waterfront views from almost every room. Rhode Island designer, Kate Jackson, worked her magic throughout the living spaces to create a stunning yet comfortable contemporary coastal home. This house had me at hello! Walking through this courtyard to the double glass doors, you just know it's going to be a treat to … [Read more...]
8 Ideas for Sliding Barn Doors
April 14, 2018 By 8 Comments
Are you a fan of barn doors used inside the home? There's been a huge upsurge in farmhouse style decorating ever since Fixer Upper became such a popular TV show. In honor of the show ending its series, I'm featuring a collection of barn doors made popular by Joanna Gaines' popular decorating style. Photo by Lauren Leonard Interiors Add a barn door to a mud room and when the room gets messy, simply slide the door shut to hide the boots … [Read more...]
Decorating with Ticking Stripe
April 12, 2018 By 11 Comments
Back in my early twenties I was a huge fan of Asian-influenced decorating. My first rental home was decorated in traditional style with heavy influences of the Orient. Then my older sister showed me an issue of Country Living magazine and everything changed. I fell in love with casual country style and never looked back. A tried and true staple of country decor is ticking stripe and today I'm sharing various ways to use its subtle beauty … [Read more...]
Hi! I'm Jennifer and I'm happy to have you here! I live where the suburbs meet the country, which affords me the best of both worlds. Come along on my journey where I share decorating, cooking, gardening and more as it relates to both city and rural life. 
