It’s nearly time to fall forward, don’t you think? Fall is my favorite season here in New England. The temps can be all over the place (yesterday started sticky and humid and then the temp dropped 20 degrees!) but the nights are chilly and the feeling of wanting to pull up the quilts is becoming … Read more
I’m a big fan of tiny tables and colorful poufs when it comes to flexible decorating choices. My interior decorating clients for my Colorful Modern project in The Pinehills in Plymouth, MA didn’t want a coffee table because their space is small and their sofa is a recliner – so moving a coffee table wasn’t a … Read more
I’m seeing lots of signs that English Country style is coming back and coming on strong. After years of white and gray spaces we seem to be in a renaissance of color, pattern and counter skirts. This is the current cover of Veranda and English style is its theme. Now, I am generally loathe to … Read more
The powder room, often overlooked in terms of design, is a hidden gem in your home that can make a huge impact with relatively lower effort and cost. One of the most effective ways to transform this often small and utilitarian space into a stylish oasis is by incorporating bold wallpapers. With their ability to … Read more
Interior decorating is truly a technology based process these days. And this is all good when it comes to searching for resources (or designers!) that may not be right in our own back yards. But, there is a real problem with technology and picking paint colors. It just shouldn’t be left to computer screens, … Read more
Painting the backs of bookcases can bring a fresh and captivating look to your living space. Whether you’re aiming to create a bold contrast, a subtle backdrop or an artistic masterpiece, this often overlooked canvas offers a world of creative possibilities. Here are some of the ways I’ve done it: This is a terrible before … Read more
Keeping Cool ? It’s been a miserable hot summer everywhere I don’t need to tell you, I know. I find myself searching for creative ways to keep my Nook Cottage cool without compromising on style or running the AC at full blast. I actually hate being cooped up in the house with all the windows … Read more
Quiet luxury as an unnamed concept has been around forever but it’s sure having a moment now sparked by the hit television show Succession. In interior design, quiet luxury embodies a refined and understated approach that focuses on creating elegant, serene, and sophisticated spaces. It is characterized by a harmonious balance between functionality and aesthetics, … Read more
Ok – Barbiecore has taken over the world at the moment – we’re awash in PINK! As a woman “of a certain age” Barbie has always been a part of my world since I received hand-me-down original Barbies from my older girl cousins. My Mom was not a doll person and not a pink person … Read more
I have a friend who is always commenting on my skills at mixing patterns and colors. She says that she’d never think about putting certain things together. There are certainly “tips” for how to do it – which I will list at the bottom. But mostly it’s just the feel of how it looks (to … Read more
Perennial design favorite Studio McGee has some pretty great pieces with Target’s Threshold collection. I’ve long loved the fun collaborations Target has had with higher end brands from Shabby Chic to John Derian. I recall many years ago that their collab with Missoni caused a near stampede! Studio McGee has brilliantly turned their design … Read more
What to do with an awkward living room? A few months ago I wrote about long and narrow living rooms which has turned into one of my most read blog posts. That post focused on living rooms where the fireplace is on the center of the long outside wall of the room with two doorways … Read more
Yes – it’s a new dollhouse project! Summer’s End Beach House! I had so much fun with my Georgian dollhouse that I couldn’t wait to start the second project. After thinking about doing a Boston brownstone style townhouse I switched gears and decided it was the perfect time of year for a cute little beach … Read more
Hello and welcome to another periodic Travel Tuesday! (Okay – very periodic – we sadly can’t travel every week!) I wanted to share The Redemptory New Orleans Short Term Rental – a fabulous newly minted (in an 1885 shotgun style) bed & breakfast property hosted by my friend Deborah Peterson Milne and her husband Graham … Read more
The 2023 Newburyport PTO Kitchen & Tasting was a couple of weeks ago and as always – a lot of fun! This is a self-guided exploration of historic and charming homes in Newburyport and surrounding community, featuring complimentary tastings from exceptional restaurants, chefs, brewmasters and bakers to provide a “taste” of all that Newburyport has … Read more
The 2023 Newburyport PTO Kitchen & Tasting was last week and as always a great way to spend a nice Saturday! This year there were 10 homes on the tour. I didn’t make it to all the houses as I had an unfortunate altercation with a berm on the side of a road. I didn’t fall … Read more