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 »

You are in for a treat today with today’s home tour. Do you remember Tracy’s home that we featured in June? Well, when Tracy told me that she had a friend who’s home she loved, I was all ears. With that recommendation in hand, I reached out to Susie and she graciously agreed to let me come for a visit. As soon as I stepped inside Susie’s welcoming home, I knew it was a fantastic choice. She blends modern with… Read more »

My friend Bonnie reached out to me last week to see if I could help her figure out how to decorate her new classroom. She is switching roles from teaching middle school social studies to the middle school guidance counselor. Bonnie was nervous about the room having no windows and feeling claustrophobic. We met at school last week to take a look. Here’s what the space looks like right now: Yikes. Quite the challenge. Let’s start with the positive. The walls have just… Read more »

Welcoming & Gracious Home Tour - The Outside and In

One of my favorite parts of sharing these home tours with you is meeting the people behind the front door. Today’s gracious home tour is no exception. Although I had met Tracy once before, I really didn’t know her very well. As she showed me around the house, I realized how much I admired Tracy’s DIY know-how and her welcoming personality. Not surprisingly, these traits are reflected in her home as well. Beyond my respect for the beautiful home they have designed and… 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 It’s easy to see how this can happen, but it can also be a quick recipe for a room to look outdated or for you to get tired of if quickly.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 »