I’m back with my annual Halloween costume post (check out 2019 and 2020 here). I usually pick 4 women and recreate their looks using everyday clothes that you may have in your closet already or that can easily be purchased. It’s great because you can wear 80% of the outfit in your everyday life, so it doesn’t feel wasteful.

Since I love interior design, every year I pick a famous designer to dress up as. In the past, I’ve done Joanna Gaines and Shea McGee. This year is the iconic Sarah Richardson. Sarah’s style is so approachable and easy to recreate. All you need are skinny jeans, a fitted riding blazer (she likes Smythe blazers, but we are trying to be budget-conscious!), white tennis shoes, and some simple dangly earrings. Add a short brown wig and a color deck, and you have a convincing Sarah Richardson.

One person that has been all over the media this year (and for the last, oh, 20 years) is Jennifer Lopez. First, I just want to talk about how she doesn’t age. Legit. I need to know all of her secrets! Anyways, there are so many iconic Jennifer Lopez looks that you could recreate. For me, I went with a general JLO feel. She likes matching outfits, cropped shirts, and comfortable clothes. I took a lot of inspiration from recent pictures of her and Ben out on a stroll. She wore a casual matching cream suit. So I found a cream-cropped sweater and paired it with matching sweatpants. JLO is known for her large hoop earrings, so those are essential for the costume. She also tends to prefer metal-framed sunglasses with brownish transparent lenses. Add a long brunette wig, a microphone, and a bedazzled water cup to complete the look.

This next person, Billy Eilish, is more of a wildcard, at least for me, a mid 30s woman. For the last 6+ months, Billie has been rocking bleach blonde hair. She’s always had a 90’s vibe, so those were fun trends for me to revisit. I recreated her outfit from her Teleroma magazine cover (link here). First, I found a blonde wig with bangs. It should be paired with a baby-blue boxy button-up and matching pleated skirt (a little oversized is preferred). Add white knee-high leg warmers and platform/goth boots. Top it off with a matching bucket hat and microphone.

The last outfit can be a range of women, basically anyone from the US women’s gymnastic team, including Suni Lee, Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Grace McCallum, Mykayla Skinner, or Jade Carey. The outfit is so simple – a long sleeve leotard with red athletic pants and a cropped USA top. Add the gold medal, and boom, you’re an Olympic gymnast.

The dining room renovation is officially done. Jeremy and I worked steadily to get the board and batten just right, making this project longer than anticipated. In the end, the hard work was worth it, and I’m delighted with how it turned out. While preparing this post, I took a peek at the original listing photos. It’s always fun to take inventory of how much has changed. I had almost forgotten about the original light fixture and the chair rail.

I’ll quickly recap everything we did in this room and the timeline. Not long after we moved into the house, we updated the light fixture to the current long black fixture. It was a welcomed change from the tiny traditional chandelier. For a while, we lived with the white walls and orangey wood. At the end of last year, Jeremy and I decided to start on the massive job of installing hardwood floors throughout our first floor. We decided the dining room and attached living room would be the best place to start (I briefly talked about it here). As is common during renovations, the project’s scope grew as Jeremy and I decided to tackle the board and batten at the same time.

So, not only did we rip out the old carpet and baseboards, but we removed the chair rail, repaired the drywall, and painted the room (upper half Asiago – Valspar, bottom – Ultra White – Behr). Below is a grainy cell phone picture of some of the progress.

There was a lot of planning that went into the board and batten. We had to figure out the spacing, determined the material, and Jeremy spent a few hours cutting MDF down to the right size boards. We installed the top portion of the board and batten before the hardwood flooring was installed. The room sat untouched for a month or two while we figured out some of the remaining questions for the board and batten, like should we install the baseboards first and then the remaining stiles? (this is what we did). Can we use standard baseboards or do we need to use MDF? (MDF) How can we ensure that everything is lined up? (Laser level).

After we had a plan in place, it only took a day to install the rest of the board and batten. You know that saying: Victory loves preparation? Well, that is how we felt because the install was quick and relatively easy.

With all the boards installed, we had to complete one of the most important parts of the project – filling, sanding, caulking, and painting. When we started our DIY journey, I wouldn’t say I liked this part of any project. However, I’ve grown to love it over the years because it makes such a huge difference. Those relatively small and tedious steps can transform things from good to great.

Once the room construction was finished, we moved all our furniture back into the room and styled it (which was relatively minor). So, now we get to the fun part – the after pictures.

The dining room is in the corner of the house and has a large opening to our small living room. Our house faces east, and the dining room’s window is open to the west. When looking into the dining room from the living room, you get a full view of the whole room. The room is grounded with a large 8’6″ x 13′ blue and white plaid rug. It’s actually an outdoor rug, so it’s very easy to clean. Surprisingly, it’s soft underfoot, which is not always the case for outdoor rugs.

The dining room table and chairs are from 10+ years ago. Jeremy and I purchased the set when we bought our first home. It’s a beautiful solid wood set from a collection by Cindy Crawford (yes, the supermodel). I love the Chippendale-style chair backs and the slight curve on the table’s legs. Each of those things makes this traditional table feel modern and updated. It comes with a leaf, but we left it out since we’re not hosting very many dinners at this time. And honestly, I’m more likely to have a couple of people over rather than a whole group, so it works out just fine.

The white dining room hutch belonged to Jeremy’s grandmother. While it’s not my style, I embrace the sentimentality of it. It was originally stained wood, but I painted it white a few years ago. The back wall has green curtains hung high and wide. Actually, looking at the photos reminds me I need to get a longer curtain rod. Not to mention the curtains would do well with some pleats (and training).

My absolute favorite view is from the kitchen. It has the perfect combination of almost all the elements in the room and looks well styled and put together. On the table is a wooden vessel from Target and a glass vase filled with faux fall stems. I kept the styling minimal as this is generally how it looks and operates on a day-to-day basis.

I don’t have a great shot looking into the living room from the dining room. The one above is probably the best. Maybe next time, I’ll try to shoot from outside the window to capture the whole room.

Well, there you have an update on the renovated dining room. This room will continue to evolve, and I’ll slowly change the room up over time. I’ve already mentioned that I want to get a longer curtain rod and train the curtains. I also want to recover our chair cushions with a Crypton fabric (this fabric is super durable for kids). Right now, they are covered in microfiber, which is also a great fabric for kids. However, after 11 years (7 with a baby/child), they could definitely use a refresh. The rug will eventually be replaced. Maybe when my son B is a little older, and there are fewer spills. I’m not in a rush, though, and I plan on enjoying this version of the dining room for some time.

Green has been a trending color for several years now, and I couldn’t be happier. It is my favorite color, after all. Recently, I went on a hunt to find affordable green geometric wallpaper for a project I’m working on. I definitely found a lot of fun ones that could go in a variety of different rooms. For practical reasons, all of these are non-woven and paste-the-wall application-style (installation is pretty easy for this type of paper, see my tips here).

Some feel modern and simple, and others feel more classic and complex. Which ones are your favorites?

When fall arrives, I think of bonfires, football games, and high school. What about you?

Julian Fellowes Presents Doctor Thorne: This Amazon Prime show is several years old (2016!) and was created by the person behind Downton Abbey. It’s set in England in the 1800s and shows how love, family, money, and class intersect. I’m halfway through the series and enjoying it immensely (I was very late to this party). You’ll definitely get some Bridgerton vibes.

A traditional home with a very fun exterior color: WOW! This is how you do a pink house.

Have you ever seen the short video Inner Workings?

Have you ever looked at a home, and it felt generic? Maybe it had a hotel vibe. The design is appealing. Each piece is in the right proportion, and the fabrics are coordinating, but something is just missing. For me, the missing piece is usually a person’s personality! I recently watched a home tour on Architectural Digest, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the art. It seemed so generic, especially for the owner’s personality. It felt like the art was picked and placed because the wall needed something and not because it fit the person.

Not long after, I watched another home tour (also on AD). The home struck me as so fun and personal. The personality of the space instantly made it feel warmer and more interesting. I kept thinking about that space and wished that AD would feature more homes like that one. I also asked myself–Does my home feel like my personality? Am I showing who I am?

For the most part, yes! I definitely think the rooms are me (some more than others). So I’ve been thinking about easy ways to infuse personality into a space. Here are 10 ways to make your home feel more like you.

1. Color Palette

This is a fun one if you love the color. Why hide it in your house? Try to incorporate your favorite colors into the space. Don’t think colorful interiors can be sophisticated? I challenge you to prove yourself wrong.

2. Art

I’m finding that I have strong opinions about art. Not necessarily in the, you should like this type art, but more in the, I don’t know if you can outsource the art selection for your house. I know that sounds strict, but everything about art is so personal. What attracts you, what makes you happy, what is interesting or important to you.

3. Textiles

I think textiles are magical, and I am somewhat obsessed with them. (I am seriously looking for a book or online class to learn more about textiles- please recommend a few to me if you know of any!) Textiles can bring so much personality into the room by picking different textures, prints, and types. I particularly think mixing textiles and patterns level up rooms in both the design sense but in the personal/personality way, too. It’s also a skill that takes time to perfect but 100% worth the effort.

4. Unique Items

Pick up that weird picture frame or odd-looking crane sculpture. Those unique items will let people see who you are. My wood snail is one of my weird things. It’s probably not everyone, but that’s also the fun part of it.

5. Collections

Collections can instantly make a room feel personal and give a glimpse into who you are and what you like. I absolutely adore the image above, where they have a collection of dog prints on the wall. I can guarantee that person likes dogs!

6. Books

I guess it’s a thing to buy books only because they have a pretty spine and will look nice in pictures… It seems like a waste to me, but books are a great way to incorporate what you love. For example, do you love military history? Pick up a coffee table book or two that you enjoy looking at and use that as your coffee table decor. Sarah Johnson styled the above coffee table with stacks and stacks of books.

7. Unexpected Touches

It’s funny how something little can totally transform an object. For example, a standard throw pillow can instantly be elevated by adding the right piping or trim. These small touches can also convey personality. Bonus points if the person does it themself and it’s executed well. I particularly love the hand-painted armoire above.

8. Wallpaper (or stenciling)

It’s hard not to show personality when picking a wallpaper. There are a million different options out there, so covering all the walls in a print/pattern can’t help but give a little glimpse into who you are.

9. Statement Furniture

A bold chair, table, or sofa can go a long way. It could have a unique shape, pattern, or both. It will probably be memorable, and people will never forget it! Just make sure you love it, and don’t just go bold for bold sake. Kelly Wearstler may be the queen of bold statement-furniture. Sometimes I look at her stuff, and I think it’s pure craziness, but it always works.

10. Family Photos

Oh, the controversial family photos. Some people hate them, and other people love them. For me, I think thoughtful family photos add warmth and happiness to a house. I’m all for it and like when I visit people’s homes that celebrate their loved ones.

I’m finally sharing my living room progress. I’ve been dragging my feet because, well, I’m still working on my photography skills. The room feels so good in person, but I can’t seem to capture the right images. I’m trying to be patient with myself as I learn the right height, exposure, and settings. I used a wide-angle lens for all the shots, which I think contributed to some of my problems (some of the images look a little distorted – like the proportions are off). I also think I should have tried to capture photos on an overcast day, as I was battling bright light for some of the pictures. Nevertheless, let’s talk about and celebrate the progress of this room. It makes me very happy, and I just like spending time here.

Let’s start with the before pictures because it’s always fun to see how things have changed. This first photo is from the real estate listing. The room was bright, painted white, and had wood trim. This room is not large by any account. It opens up into the dining room and has a doorway into the entryway (you’ll see that in some of the photos below).

Right before we started demo, I snapped some quick photos on my phone. They are dark (it was a cloudy day), but it gives a good sense of the overall room size. The first photo looks into the dining room, and the second one looks into the living room from the dining room.

Here is a quick shot after we removed the carpet and prepped it for the hardwood flooring installation. I had also painted the walls (Asiago by Valspar) and trim (Ultra Pure White by Behr). These small changes started to make it feel like a different room.

We installed the white oak hardwood flooring, and I was over the moon excited. Sadly, this is how it sat for a couple of months while we worked on the dining room and all the trim work.

After some delay, we finished it off by installing larger baseboard trim and quarter round around the perimeter.

And now the official after photos – all furnished!

We had all the furniture and accessories before the demo, so we just put everything back into place. These two chairs are from HomeGoods (one is Charlotte style by La Z Boy, and the other is from a manufacturer I’ve never heard of). I had the two chairs flank the window and put a small table between them. I searched for months for the right table because I needed something relatively short as I didn’t want to block the window. The floor lamp is from Target (years ago), and the wicker basket under the table stores some board games.

You can also see the doorway to the entry at this angle. Don’t mind our shoes (hey, this is real life!). You’ll also see that the entry has old hardwood floors and unpainted wood trim. We are installing the hardwoods room-by-room, so the entry will eventually get the new floorings/trim, but for now, it’s in an in-between phase.

Here is looking into the living room from the entry. Our XL DIY art is on full display here. The coffee table is from Hayneedle (no longer available), and it’s topped with a large blue woven tray. Of course, it’s full of magazines. They seem to be taking over the house these days. The rug is from Overstock.com, and I love it. It’s textured, soft, and has two different weaves that create a nice striped pattern. Quick disclaimer – I ordered an 8′ x 10,’ but the dimensions are slightly smaller. I ordered the “bleach” color.

Looking into the living room from the dining room, you see an old console table (I think it’s 10 years old!). We bought it for our first house, and it has moved with us everywhere. It’s starting to show its age, so I may replace it or do a DIY makeover. I use it to display a bunch of family photos. I’ve talked about this before, but I’ll repeat it. Kate Spade’s home tour really inspired me. She had a table just crammed full of family photos, and I thought it was so sweet. It’s not necessarily the most “beautiful” thing, but it’s probably one of the happiest moments in the room. We also have some baskets which store my son’s craft supplies. I threw blankets on top for a little more grown-up look.

As I said, the living room is pretty small. With a different layout, I could have included a full-size sofa but decided to use a loveseat (also a HomeGoods find) instead, so it could float in the middle of the room and face the chairs. I wanted this space to feel intimate and be an area for people to have conversations and play games.

It’s always fun to take a few detailed shots. I love snails (you’ll see them throughout the house). This little wood snail is from Target (many years ago now).

I really like the piping and texture on this blue pillow.

This room is done for now. Eventually, I’ll change out the blinds for a bamboo shade, replace or refinish the console table, and layer in more art on the walls (I already have a ton that I just need to frame and hang). Also, let’s do a sneak peek of the dining room because it’s almost done, too! EEK!

My family and I visited Myrtle Beach for the first time this year. It’s such a great, affordable beach vacation with lots of things to do nearby. I wanted to write down our favorite sites, so others could check them out if they are looking for something to do.

1. The Beach

Obviously, we need to start with the beach. It’s clean and super easy to get to. There is consistent and easy access every block or two. Likewise, they have showers and foot spigots at every entry/exit point (at least of the ones I visited). The only thing I wished I knew before is that there is a layer of shells when you walk into the ocean, and it can hurt your feet. You can get past it if you go out far enough, but I recommend swim shoes. In addition, you will get bits and pieces of seashells everywhere, and some seem embedded into your skin! It’s a wonderful place to take a walk, and people are out there all hours of the day.

2. Broadway At The Beach

Broadway at the Beach is a short drive from the beach boardwalk and has basically everything you need to stay busy. They have shopping, entertainment, and many great places to eat (We really liked the Dave & Busters and Yamato Habachi). Most entertainment venues are indoors, so it’s a great place if you need a break from the sun. In addition, they have fun shops, like Broadway Magic or It’s Sugar, that kids will enjoy.

3. Ripley’s Aquarium

While visiting the boardwalk, check out Ripley’s Aquarium. It can be a nice break from the sun or something fun to do when it’s raining. It’s a compact aquarium but has show stoppers like the stingray tank and shark tunnel. The ticket line can grow quickly, so I recommend purchasing the tickets on your phone. It saves you so some time!

4. Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf

Like many tourism destinations, Mrytle Beach has a wide array of mini-golf options. There were tons to choose from, but we decided to go to Mt. Atlanticus, and I was very impressed! It has two courses (you can do both for a reasonable price). The course is easy enough for kids but still fun for adults. It’s designed to keep you moving, which is helpful since it’s hot outside and usually bustling. We did the “Caves” course and appreciated the opportunity to be out of the sun for many of the holes. Lots of fun and you get some beautiful views of the ocean. It’s hard to see, but the picture above has the ocean in the back.

5. Brookgreen Gardens & Zoo

This botanical garden and zoo are located 30-45 minutes away from Mrytle but worth the drive. You pay a single price to access the gardens and zoo, which are on the same property. Also, the tickets are good for 7 days. It’s a nice retreat from the hectic atmosphere of the beach. You can stroll through the gardens and grounds, take in the beautiful landscapes, and even view some art. They have the largest collection of sculptures. The zoo is small and houses animals local to the area. Like the gardens, the zoo has a meandering path, so it feels peaceful.

I know I’ve been late with the last two posts and skipped an entire week in the middle of July. It’s been a busy summer and we just got back from vacation (our first vacation in over 2 years!). Thanks for understanding and continuing to check on the blog. I appreciate it so much and promise a more regular schedule moving forward. Today, we are talking about one of my favorite design details – scallops and boy are they are everywhere! This sweet little detail can be found on furniture, accessories, soft lines (curtains/bedding), and everything in between.

The scallop is simple but makes any space feel a little more charming, whimsical, and feminine. It works for kids or adults and can be used in any room. I’ve been slowly saving my favorite scalloped interiors on Instagram and Pinterest and thought I would share them here.

The first image is by Edith-Anne Duncan Design (remember when I linked her Instagram back in December). In my opinion, Edith is the queen of colorful traditional interiors. She also records a fun “Coffee and a Chat” series on Instagram where she’ll answer design questions and give general advice (a fun little watch with lots of helpful tips). She recently shared this sneak peek of a set of Jack & Jill vanities at one of her new projects and, wow, they are stunners. The scallop trim transforms this otherwise simple vanity. Plus that color is FUN!

I must have a thing for scallops in bathrooms (this is the second of 4!). This bathroom vanity is by Reusch Interior Design, a firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio. She also picked a bright color but used a large-scale scallop on the face of the vanity. Her whole design is cheerful and the trimmed-out scallop plays right into that feeling.

Oye. Heidi Callier can do no wrong. This scalloped (marble?) backsplash is out of this world. It makes that whole bathroom feel classy and fun!

Scalloped mirrors are always a win.

This cute little console table is so adorable with the scallops. I love that the scallops have breaks in between them. It’s a fun variation.

It’s official. Scallops can go on anything – no matter how large or small. Just look at the adorable stool and bed (next picture down).

I love this bright green sunroom. It has a fun scallop pattern above the windows and the pattern is echoed on the ottoman.

I cannot get over this scalloped-edged shelf. Adorable!

That scalloped trim on the crib is perfection.

This next image is pretty unique. The window cornice box has an inverse scallop pattern. Nice to see a unique take on the scallop trend.

Scallop, scallops everywhere! Even on this adorable, tiny lampshade. Don’t forget to check out the scalloped pillowcases, too!

Oh, hello scalloped bed canopy, very pretty. I also totally respect that whoever made this lined the pattern up perfectly (like this fabric was made for these scallops).

Scallops on the edge of curtains seem like a no-brainer.

I’ll end with two adorable outdoor sheds with scalloped trim. Very sweet!

A Deep Dive Into Claire McCardell: Until last month, I didn’t know who Claire McCardell was. I stumbled on an interesting bathing suit on Pinterest, which took me down an hours-long rabbit hole to read everything I could about the designer. Claire McCardell is an American women’s fashion designer that was prominent in the 1930s-1950s. She was notable because she established the “American” look and emphasized function, wearability, and comfort. Her clothes were well made, comfortable, and stylish. Claire studied at the Parsons School of Design in New York and was well versed in couture construction, fashion, and structure. However, her clothing was designed for the everyday American woman using durable, common fabrics. Her clothes were considered “simple” as they didn’t include a lot of fanciful decoration, but the lines and cut of the garments were sophisticated and interesting. One article even credits Claire with designing the precursor to the ubiquitous hoodie and ballet flat shoes. I find Claire’s designs flattering, interesting and relevant. Her story is equally as fascinating. If you want to learn more, check out these articles: Article 1, Article 2, Article 3 (watch video), Article 4 (Claire’s Time Magazine Article), Article 5, Article 6 (nice pictures). I’m also impatiently waiting for a book about her. It’s out of print but seems widely available at libraries (particularly colleges).

The Time Tax: Why is so much American bureaucracy left to average citizens? This article highlight all the hurdles that citizens must clear to get access to government programs and benefits. It states that government makes the process difficult and time-consuming (hence time tax), so fewer people use the services. It’s interesting and worth a read. However, it makes me think of another article I read years ago. It focused on how companies have essentially put a greater burden on the consumer to do more work (another time tax), so the companies can profit more (this article is a good overview of the concept but focuses on employment). Employers argue this change is “giving customers the power.” But, most times, it gives the customer a headache. This is one of those concepts I started seeing everywhere once I was aware of it.

Three Birds Renovations: Facade & Floorplans (episode 2): Three Birds Renovations is an Australian-based interior design company that produces a YouTube series (I list their YouTube channel as one of my favorites). Each season follows the renovation (or construction) of one client’s home. This season is different. They are working with a home builder to design a “Three Birds Home.” Basically, they are collaborating to create a spec home that anyone can build. So far, it’s been an interesting look behind the curtain. It’s a totally different process than how I would have imagined, but that’s another conversation for another day. Today, I want to talk about a company highlighted in this episode, Lifesize Plans. If you watch the episode, you’ll see the designers go to what looks like a warehouse that projects their floor plan to scale on the ground. It allows them to walk through and make sure the details are right (i.e., hallways aren’t too wide or narrow, kitchen spacing feels adequate). It seems like such a cool service! Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be available in the US (yet).

A couple of years ago, I learned about public domain art. Basically, it’s art that is no longer protected by any copyright and is free for any personal or commercial use. With the help of the internet, many museums have made this artwork downloadable, making it possible for people to download high-quality images and sell them. Indeed, Etsy (and other websites!) has a thriving market where people sell prints of these paintings/drawings/illustrations, etc. (just check out this article). I’m not against anyone profiting from this. Those people are spending hours sifting through thousands of pictures and curating the best ones. In some cases, even trying to enhance them digitally. But I am bummed that many of the sellers don’t give credit to the artist or provide the name of the painting/print. One of the best parts of art is learning about who made it.

The good news is that anyone can search through these digital archives to find great art, and I fell into that rabbit hole over the weekend, sorting and scrolling through thousands of images. I downloaded any artwork that spoke to me. I learned about some really interesting artists and discovered the styles I like best. I’ve created a gallery page linking all these images on the blog (I’ll link it below). Maybe that will save some of you time if you’re looking for affordable art.

While searching, I realized there is an extensive amount of artwork out there just waiting for people to enjoy. It makes me sad to think that great art isn’t everywhere–especially when it can be nearly free! There should be a nonprofit organization or a staff member at every museum who consults with local businesses and government to have art in all public places and offices. Of course, it could be curated for the individual business or setting. It would be a great way to expose everyone to all this art just waiting for people to appreciate it.

Where to Find Free Art

This is a short list of websites where you can find public domain art. Of course, many smaller museums will also upload their artwork too, but this list will keep anyone busy for a while!

Smithsonian

The Met

National Gallery of Art

Art Institvte Chicago

RawPixel

Biodiversity Heritage Library (Flickr Account)

My Curated Collection

As mentioned above, I created this page on my blog to curate my favorite free art, and there was so much more that I saw that stood out to me but didn’t have enough time and capacity to download. I’m hoping to update the page slowly over time. Some of my favorites are below. For example, I love the North Woods Club and For to Be a Farmer’s Boy. Happy hunting!

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