I’m thrilled we have an official day on which we pause and think about how to protect our planet. But why not celebrate Earth Day every single day by going green in your decorating? Here are some simple ways to get started: … [Read more...]
Window to the World
My 140-year-old home is a bit off kilter. None of the windows, walls or floors is square, which means when you try to dress them in drapes, it’s impossible to get a neat, uniform look. So I opted to cover my windows in simple wooden shutters. While I adore the streamlined look, I miss the luxury and … [Read more...]
Bring on Spring
After months of bleak, blah winter, I’ve been looking at my garden almost daily, hoping to see some signs of spring. I know it will be a few more weeks until spring returns to the Midwest, so while I wait impatiently for Mother Nature to wake up, I’m going to jump start the season by welcoming … [Read more...]
A Study in Studies
When my sister, Judy, first poked through our recently purchased historic fixer-upper, she declared that the small, dark study was her favorite room in the house. She called it. Because today, our study is my family’s chief gathering place. It’s a snug, warm space where we melt into the comfy … [Read more...]
Suite Dreams
As I stood in the middle of the quirky room, with all its windows and doorways and nooks and angles, I couldn’t wait to turn this problematic space into a master bedroom suite worth dreaming about. The Nell Hill’s team and I had been asked to decorate a carriage house as part of a designer show … [Read more...]
Accentuate Your Décor with Accent Tables
While I love my formal dining table and entertain there as often as possible, I confess that one of the tables that gets the most daily use in my house is my coffee table. After a long day’s work, I can’t wait to crash on the sofa with some carry-out, enjoying my gourmet-to-go on the coffee table. … [Read more...]
Strike Silver in Your Decorating
Diamonds may be some girls’ best friends, but for me, nothing beats the beauty and luxury of sparkling silver when it comes to adding style and sophistication to your home décor. Polished to a high luster, silver accents make me weak in the knees. So I use them throughout my home when I entertain, … [Read more...]
Natural Fiber Rugs will Floor You
When I redecorated my living room this year, I struggled with a few of the decorating decisions, like what color palette to choose and what pieces of furniture I’d need. But picking my flooring was a no-brainer. I knew I wanted a natural fiber area rug. … [Read more...]
How to Pick the Perfect Sofa
If you’re like me, your sofa is such an important part of your daily life that when it’s time to get a new one, it’s like adding a new member to your family. And just like family members, sofas have definite personalities. Here are some tips for picking the perfect one for your home: … [Read more...]
Dining Delights
If you’ve ever been stuck at the dreaded “kids’ table” at Thanksgiving or been seated at a rickety card table stuck in to expand the main table, you know how important it is to have a dining room table that can welcome the entire family. After years of stressing over how I was going to fit guests … [Read more...]