Pattern mixing
There’s nothing better than getting creative as we create our home. We can give ourselves permission to be playful and bold, or calm and neutral. I love to create depth to a space by adding layers of pattern and color. Since there’s no specific way to do this, have fun with bold colors or a leopard …
Garden
I’ve always envied people who were able to grow their own vegetables, fruit and flowers. When we had a long narrow area on our sideyard, that I didn’t know what to do, it came to me. Let’s make a garden! I bought several of the metal raised garden troughs and filled with dirt, cardboard and composite …
Holiday decor
Ok, I know that we just passed the busy holiday season, but let’s chat about it. If you’re with me, there is nothing more magical than having a Christmas tree with lights on it to light up the cold winter days. It has been a tradition for me to put up Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. I think …
Pool
It is my dream to have an in-ground pool in my backyard–preferably with a pool boy who cleans it and brings me cold drinks with umbrellas. But living in the bay area, the yards can be small and permitting can be expensive. I came up with the idea to add a 8 foot stock tank pool to our backyard. I did …
Dryer Balls
Laundry! The never ending chore. When it comes to laundry, there’s nothing better than a fresh set of sheets or a warm towel after a shower. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been buying dryer sheets. It occurred to me one day that that was expensive and wasteful. Instead I switched over to …
Simmer pots
There is nothing more relaxing than walking into your home after a long and stressful day. I love having candles and scents going through the house as they signal to me that it’s time to unwind from the day. Let’s talk about simmer pots. You can use any vessel that can be on the stove top. I’ve …
Fresh Flowers
What can I say, I love fresh flowers in my home. It brings brightness and color to a space. The smell of roses or peonies on a nightstand, so when you wake up the sweet smell greets your morning. I have started growing my own flowers in my garden, one because they just seem prettier than store bought …
Flooring
When it came to picking new floors for this client, a durable yet classic wood looking floor was a must. Real hardwood was out of the budget, so I wanted to present other more appropriate and affordable options. The client’s home had very old carpet, tile, and a small amount of laminate in the kitchen …
Halloween
Besides, thanksgiving dinner, halloween is by far my favorite holiday. We can dress up for one day and pretend we are someone else or simply be allowed to act like a kid. Spooky goblins and skeletons are out and about. I love to decorate with things that are halloween and leave some of them out year …
Hawaii
Being born and raised in Michigan, Hawaii seems like a far away land. Since moving to California, I’ve learned it’s only a short flight away. On my first trip to Hawaii, I got engaged, so of course it was epic. But many future trips are when I would fall in love with the people, the islands, and …
