There is something magical about your fireplace mantel, isn’t there? This small plank of wood serves as the all-important focal point in one of the most public rooms in our homes. No wonder so many of us get stage fright when it comes to decorating our mantels. Now you can say goodbye to mantel … [Read more...]
Go Play Outside
Every spring, I count down the days until I can open my porch for the summer season. Dan and I practically live on the screened porch, a sanctuary where we can enjoy our morning coffee, sneak in a Sunday nap or entertain family and friends. But before we move outside for the season, I always give my … [Read more...]
Top Ten Gifts for Brides and Grads
If you’re like most of us, you have a list of wedding showers and graduations to attend this spring and summer. And, like most of us, you’re probably rushed for time and can’t spend hours hunting for that elusive “perfect gift.” At Nell Hill’s, we wait on lots of young people who are just … [Read more...]
Dreaming of a Beautiful Bed? Here’s How to Create One
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a “closed door” bedroom – you keep the door closed so no one will see the worn bedding, tired paint and make-do furnishings. I have. It’s not that we don’t want our bedrooms to be beautiful; it’s just that we’ve focused our decorating energy on the more public … [Read more...]
Create a Wild and Wonderful Summer Bouquet
I don’t know about you, but this time of year, I’m starved for anything green. So one way I welcome spring into my home is with bouquets of faux greenery, the wilder and more natural looking the better. We’ve filled our stores with these marvelous creations – everywhere you turn, you’ll see urns, … [Read more...]
Create Beautiful Place Settings for Summer: Here’s How!
Welcome to my brand new blog! I’m so excited about this chance to connect with you each week and chat about how we can make our homes more lovely and livable as we celebrate our own decorating styles. I’m going to pack the blog full of decorating tips and techniques, complete with step-by-step photo … [Read more...]
Naturally Beautiful Décor
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...]