Ceiling Lighting

I am a fairly recent convert when it comes to the impact that ceiling lighting can make in a room. Before, I used to just focus on what was happening down below. But the past few years, I have definitely come to realize that it can make all the difference in the feel of a room. Good ceiling lighting is like wearing a really good pair of shoes. Without them, you look fine. But, when you add just the right pair, it… Read more »

Design Lesson: Adding Vignettes in Your Home: The Outside & In

Today I wanted to share with you a tactic that stylists and designers use to elevate a room’s presence. During the decorating phase of a project, pros often create little “vignettes”. When you see the word vignette, what comes to mind? Wikipedia describes a vignette as: ” … a short impressionistic scene that focuses on one moment or character and gives a trenchant impression about that character, an idea, setting, and/or object.[1] It’s a short, descriptive passage that’s more about evoking meaning through imagery… Read more »

Design Lesson: How to Start Styling Your Home - The Outside and In

One thing I have learned through years of poring over design magazines and blogs is how big a role styling plays in the feel of a home. You can style pretty much any little nook and cranny and instantly make it look more appealing: a coffee table, dresser, kitchen counter, bedside table, desk. Today I am going to share some of the styling tips and takeaways I have learned along my quest to improve my own styling abilities. Let’s start… Read more »

Our home’s exterior has not changed very much since we moved in 7 years ago. This spring, we finally came to the realization that we would not be able to ignore the outside much longer. This house is 20 years old, which is much newer than most of the homes in the neighborhood, but old enough to start showing wear and tear. The threshold of everything needing to be replaced is knocking on our door. In fact, it’s knocking on… Read more »

Pencil & Paper Co Style Mix - The Outside & In

One common scenario I often see in people’s home is going overboard with a specific “style” of decor. It’s easy to see how this can happen, but it can also be a quick recipe for a room to look outdated or for you to get tired of if quickly. It’s almost like your preferred style backs you into a corner. Let’s explore this a little bit…. It’s understandable how this happens. You find yourself drawn to all the homes in Coastal… Read more »