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    How to Hang Plates on the Wall

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    It’s been awhile since I’ve talked about how to hang plates on the wall. Since I get this question often (and I keep hanging more plates!) I thought I would share an update!

    I’ve tried various methods over the many decades I’ve been hanging plates on our walls, but the best way I’ve found to hang most plates and bowls are with these hangers.
    They are easy to apply and haven’t failed me yet! It’s important that you apply them according to directions and let the glue dry over night to make sure it’s secure.
    Click here for above sources
    Some of the reasons I like these hangers (besides how well they hold) are because they are mostly invisible and don’t damage the plates or the walls. I used to use wire plate hangers but they would make the plate stick out from the wall, the metal would often scratch the wall, the wire clamps showed around the perimeter and it would be easy to break a plate trying to make them fit.
    The way I apply these plate hangers, you can’t see them at all from the front.
    To make sure the plate or bowl lays flat on the wall, I apply the hanger on the disc like this below:
    Plate Hangers
    Sources: Rattan Cart // Floral Rug (color options) // More Sources
    I’ve always thought plates on a wall were so charming. I think of plates as affordable art because you can often find them inexpensively at secondhand or thrift stores. You can mix them with framed art, too. Even if you just have one decorative plate or bowl it will add interest and contrast to rectangular frames.
    Mix and match a variety of colors and patterns or even hang a whole set of plates and bowls to create a plate wall. It’s also a fun way to “use what you have” to decorate if you inherited a set of china you don’t need!

    Have you tried hanging plates on the wall?
    Pin this post for later ^ More

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      Realistic Faux Tulips: My Top Amazon Picks + Decorating Tips

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      This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

      Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorite realistic faux tulips and compare different stem options. I’ll also show you how various sets look together and share a few tips to help you create lovely arrangements!
      First, if you don’t want to sift through the tips in the post to find the links, here are my favorite Amazon tulips and a few others similar options if you are looking for a particular color or price point (and sometimes they have coupons!).
      These are the three types I ordered that look the most realistic:

      White Tulips
      Latex Coral Tulips (some of them on this link are a little different, these are latex, so be sure to double check what you order)
      Light Pink Tulips

      A couple more to consider:
      Tulips I don’t have yet but look similar to mine (and may come in other colors and bouquet sizes)
      Bigger set
      These white tulips (most realistic) mixed with these cream tulips (original set I bought years ago)
      I will begin by saying there is no comparison between real flowers and faux. Whenever it’s possible to have real, they will always be infinitely more beautiful. Real plants and flowers bring more joy and health benefits, too. :). But I do think there are reasons you may want consider having faux!
      We live in Washington state which is the tulip capital of the United States, so I feel a little guilty talking about faux when the tulip farms all around us are about to burst into bloom. 🙂 But, let’s talk about them anyway!
      Over the past few years I’ve been growing in my appreciation for having some seasonal faux stems and blooms around the house for a few reasons (not to mention faux blooms are getting so much more realistic!).
      Above: Light Pink Tulips // Latex Coral Tulips (some of them on this link are a little different, these are latex, so be sure to double check what you order)
      Here are a few of the reasons I have come to appreciate having faux blooms:
      They are available for a bouquet whenever I want them.I can have more than one bouquet at a time all year round.Buying real flowers often can get expensive.I don’t always have flowers in my yard and we’re just getting started with landscaping.I can put a seasonal bouquet anywhere in the house and don’t have to worry that our puppy Finnegan will sneak off to eat them.It’s nice to invest once and be able to keep them for a long time.I enjoy seeing pretty bouquets around the house more often.and best of all, I like that they are EASY CARE!
      I will share more about my definition of an easy care house sometime 🙂 but today let me show you some of my faux tulips!
      Tulips on the left // Tulips on the right
      I don’t know if you’ve looked for faux tulips lately, but they don’t all look the same.
      You can see the tulips on the left in the photo above look so much more realistic than the ones on the right–look at the difference in the leaves and stems (even though both of these tulips sets are very pretty).
      There are several distinctions that make the ones on the left look more realistic (and tips for what to look for when selecting faux tulips):

      The tulips are made of different materials that make them even feel like real tulips!
      The leaves and stems look more realistic
      The coloring on each bloom is more unique
      Some of the tulips in the set are closed and some are opening up — which I think is more like a real bouquet

      The more realistic blooms can be more expensive per stem, but it’s nice that you can find bouquets with fewer stems if you want to keep the cost down.
      Of course you can always collect more over time, or mix several types together!
      One way to stretch the budget is to mix new and old, or more expensive and less expensive, together.
      TIP: if you’re mixing more realistic stems with less realistic, try putting the more realistic leaves on the outer part of the bouquet.
      Let me show you a couple of tulip combinations I’ve used for my bouquets:

      Here is what this realistic bouquet of 10 tulips looks like in my pitcher.
      I love how simple, airy and natural just ten tulips look with a few flopping over the side of the pitcher.
      This is another set I considered as well — they look to be very similar. Be sure to check what they are made of when you shop if that matters to you, as well as compare what the leaves and stems look like (and the length of the stems).
      Sometimes one set is more expensive because it’s better quality or because of how many blooms are included (and that often makes the price per stem less, something to consider!).
      You can mix different types of tulips to stretch your budget but also the variation can give it a more realistic look. Or mix real with faux, no one needs to know :).

      Here is is what my pitcher looks like with 20 mixed stems —this has 10 stems that have the more realistic leaves (two bundles of five come in this one set — and you can get different colors) plus I added 10 stems of the less realistic leaves in a champagne color.

      This is what the champagne color tulips look like up close.

      Here’s a little bouquet of several colors with the more realistic tulips, wouldn’t these make a pretty bouquet? They come in different colors as well.
      Light pink
      Latex coral
      White

      These are the three types I ordered that look the most realistic:
      White
      Latex coral (some of them are a little different, these are latex, so be sure to double check what you order)
      Light pink
      I almost ordered these, they look very similar (they have more stems, but the cost per stem was less).

      And here is my original set of light pink tulips, my original set of coral tulips, mixed with a few of the newer realistic ones! I love coral so the pop of color on these is a joy-bringer….and they are holding me over until I can get to the tulip farms and buy the real deal!
      Want to watch videos where I compare these tulips and share tips on how to arrange them? Here are 3 you can check out:

      A comparison of my new coral tulips mixed with my original pink and coral sets.
      A close-up video of the realistic white tulip bundle.
      A comparison of my new white tulips with my original set, plus tips on how to arrange them together in a vase.

      Other sources in this post:
      Yellow cafe curtains and bunny mug — both temporarily out of stock sadly, but you can join the waitlist to be notified when they are back!
      Scalloped shade lamp in top kitchen photo More

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      in Style Tips

      How I Chose My New Couch (my top considerations and priorities)

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      This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

      After much research, I finally bought a new couch (actually, it’s a loveseat!) we’re excited about. I know many of you have been on the hunt for one, too. It’s not always easy to make a decision, so I thought I would share a little of my thought process and which one we chose in case it helps someone else.
      If you missed the backstory on why I needed a new sofa, you can read what happened in this post.
      Sofa Source
      Here is the couch we chose (in the mist performance double stripe fabric).
      We had several requirements and preferences that made finding the right sofa a little extra challenging. 🙂
      Here are some questions and considerations I look for and what helped us to make our sofa decision (I’ll share more later, too!):

      Quality: This is our forever home and the first thing you see when you walk in, so it was worth it to me to find one we will love. I prefer to buy quality furniture that we can keep for a long time. For health reasons I hoped to find one that was Greenguard certified (tested to be free of a lot of chemicals).
      New or Secondhand: I was open to buying one secondhand if I had found one that met our requirements in the short period of time I had to look. I did see a lovely one on FB marketplace but alas, it was much too big for our little space. It’s always worth looking though!
      In Person or Online Shopping: It was far more convenient for me to shop online. I wish we lived where there are lots of in person places to look for new or secondhand. It is a risk to buy online, so I carefully read reviews and felt even better if I had a positive past experience with the brand. And I carefully looked at every detail of dimensions and fabric etc to be sure it would be what we expected.
      Size: The couch needed to be 61 inches wide (to be able to walk all around it comfortably in the small space we had for it). That’s not a very common size, but anything else would’ve been way too big!

      Sofa We Chose (click here for details)

      Focal Point or Supporting Role: Some couches look good sitting against a wall or will be in supportive role, but in our space, the couch floats in the middle of the whole main floor. That makes it feel more like a focal point, so the style matters even more.
      Style and Shape: Because of where it sits as well as my own style preferences, I wanted it to have an interesting but classic shape and exposed legs. I felt that would feel less like a barrier in the middle of the room and more of a style setter. It needed to look good from all sides.
      Fabric and Color: I haven’t bought any furniture that it had to coordinate with, but it did need to look good with our paint colors since we just painted and we love the colors. As much as I’ve loved my past neutral or white couches in the past, I felt like a print or soft color would work better in this space and still fit with my style.
      I thought about various fabrics, even some lovely velvets that would make a room extra cozy, but I decided to go with one that felt like a summer beach house (since this is a beach house!). In the fall and winter I’ll pair it will cozy colors and textures. It’ll be fun to play around with new combinations and moods in every season!
      Also I wanted it to be a fairly easy to care for durable fabric because of puppies and babies. No fabric lasts forever but I think slipcovers are nice! I knew I could always have some made years down the road, so I decided that wasn’t a deal breaker for me.

      Sofa We Chose (click here for details)

      Cushion Styles: I looked at all options. I wasn’t going to be as picky about this because we had so many other must-haves, but there are different style preferences. Do you want down filled cushions / foam or no cushions, back cushions or solid back, removable or two sided cushions, one bench seat or two/three seat cushions? There are pros and cons for all of them! A plus of no back cushions is dogs can’t squish them or throw them on the floor. 🙂 The down filled are so comfy, but they will flatten out and you have to fluff them periodically. We chose a bench style cushion with down and I’m sure we’ll be happy with that! I really love a sink in cozy couch.
      Price: Quality and customizable couches can be very expensive, so if you are going to get one, you will want to love everything about them. I found options I liked under $3,000 (like this one) but in the end with the size, style, specifications and exact customizations I wanted, it became clear I was going to spend more. Fortunately I was getting a smaller sofa and not a sectional ha, plus we don’t need a lot of furniture in this house so this one investment felt worth it. I have a trade discount at some places, so that gave me a buffer to extend my budget, which helped.

      I can’t wait for it to arrive! It’ll unfortunately be a long wait. But in the meantime, I am excited to think about what else we may want to use in the room. I’ll share some mood boards for my overall inspiration soon, too.
      I’ll also do a round up post of the other sofas I considered, there were quite a few top contenders!
      Subscribe to my newsletter here to make sure you don’t miss my posts, and follow on Instagram here.

      Introducing my new step by step decorating course Room Recipe Method! Click for details. More

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      in Style Tips

      Lamps and Lights for a Cozier More Stylish Home (tips + lamps I love)

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      This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

      Blue and White Lamp // Botanical Art // Rug // End Table Cabinet
      This post is in partnership with Wayfair
      Lamps and lights are my favorite ways to make my home instantly feel more personal, cozy and stylish. I always opt for classic styles and even timeless statement lamps that can set the tone how I want our home to feel. Lamps can bring so much personality to a room, why choose boring styles?
      Did you know Wayfair has stylish lighting? I have been updating the lighting around our home and have found so many pretty fixtures and lamps I love.
      Today I’ll show you many of my most recent additions! It’s a great time to refresh your home not only for the winter months but for a fresh start to the new year. You can shop for so many home essentials during Wayfair’s End of Year Clearance sale to get big savings, including up to 60% off and fast shipping!
      I’ll share some tips throughout along with a round up of the lighting I have in my home and favorite sale items from Wayfair at the end of this post, too.
      Source: Semi Flush Mount Light
      This little hall had a builder basic ceiling light that we recently replaced with this classic beauty. I love the traditional look! It never fails to amaze me how a lighting change can update the feel of a home.
      Checkered Shade Navy Lamp
      We needed a table lamp for our puzzle table in this book nook. This darling one has a fun style with a timeless shape.
      Lamp
      It’s a perfect size and height — it doesn’t get in the way of doing puzzles! Form and function in a room is essential in a personal decorating style and in a cozy home.

      This classic blue and white chinoiserie lamp is a beauty! I fell in love with the birds on it. It’s the little things.
      Chinoiserie Lamp

      I prefer to mix and match timeless pieces in my home for many reasons but I love that it results in an inviting, charming, collected over time feel. That is applicable to our lighting as well!
      Lamp
      This little cutie fits everywhere, I love it so much I bought three in two different shapes and colors. How many of these lamps would be too many? Asking for a friend.

      You really can’t have too many lamps this time of year. Am I right? Lamps are an investment in our personal well-being as well as in our home.

      Floor Lamp // Botanical Art
      I suggest considering a floor lamp in every seating area. Task lighting has been wonderful for cozy winter nights reading in the snug! Pharmacy lamps are a classic style.
      One of the many design principles I teach in my HomeBody community is to use lighting effectively, not only to set the style of the space but to make people comfortable in the room.
      It’s my philosophy that our home should be our sanctuary. Everything we choose to include in a room is opportunity to make a difference in how we feel! It’s not about spending a lot of money or following design rules, but choosing elements with intention. If you need help making decisions for your home, join us for the new year in HomeBody Gathering Place and I’d be happy to help answer your questions.
      Click here for above sources
      New year, new you? Start by making your home your sanctuary. Save up to 60% off and get fast shipping when you shop during Wayfair’s End of Year Clearance event.
      Below are some recent decor finds I love from Wayfair, many of which are on sale. Click each image below for details. More

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      in Style Tips

      Decorating with Fishing Baskets

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      Source: Whale Tail Hooks
      Over the past couple of years I’ve gathered a few fishing baskets. A few people asked about this basket in my kitchen from a recent post, so I thought I would share about my little collection.
      You can find similar baskets in my Amazon shop, or if you have secondhand shops near you stop in now and then to see if you can find one!
      I discovered my first one tucked into the back of a local vintage store before I knew they had a name. The unique shape of the basket just caught my eye!
      Baskets of any kind are wonderful for decorating and organizing, but these definitely have extra character and charm.
      Click here for basket sources
      Source: Whale Tail Hooks
      We have a larger fishing basket hanging in our mudroom right now. I noticed my husband is using it for some of the dog supplements! So clever :). Love that it has the long handle — I think a basket looks so charming on a hook.
      How to Style Open Shelving in a Kitchen (+ secret ingredients to add to the mix!)
      This one that we had the apples in my recent shelf styling post moves around the house all the time. It really comes in handy to hide or elevate the look of a room with useful things inside.
      Wall Sconce and Shade Details
      These baskets also look adorable with a plant or flowers. I love using unexpected pieces like this.

      We hung this one on our door (on this white rope) with plants in it for our fall porch! You can line a basket with a plastic bag or put flowers in jars or drinking glasses.
      Sources: Whale Wallpaper // Lighthouse Guest Towel (comes with a sailboat one as well)
      I love the texture, shape, character and multi-purpose function of these baskets, don’t you?

      I’ve even used them as a charming way to hide extra toilet paper in our powder bath!
      You can find several similar basket styles in my shop here.
      Happy decorating! More

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      in Style Tips

      How to Style Open Shelving in a Kitchen (+ secret ingredients to add to the mix!)

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      This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

      Sources for above — click here
      Styling shelves can feel daunting, but it can be fun and less stressful when you know a few designer secrets for selecting the right items and how to style them.
      Here are some of my favorite tried and true tips for selecting items to display and how to style open shelving in a kitchen (or anywhere!).
      Botanical Plates // Brass Bells // Blue and White Chinoiserie Ginger Jar
      Pair practical and pretty
      I like to use both practical and pretty items decorate a kitchen. This philosophy is true of shelves, too. Often some of what I choose to display are pieces that are stored on the shelves because they are practical. They could be brought down off the shelves and used, such as a stack of plates, a pitcher or a basket.
      Seascape Art Print in This Wood Picture Frame //  This art print and others are in my Amazon Art and Frame Storefront // Blue and White Plates // Stoneware Crock
      Set the mood with a palette
      Determining a mood for your shelves will help you narrow down what you want on the shelves and ultimately brings everything together. The mood can be built around your style or the items you have to work with. It can be altered through the selection of colors and textures to give your shelves a more intentional, cohesive, streamlined look.
      A cohesive palette doesn’t mean everything has to match, or stay neutral or that you can’t use your favorite colors.
      Pick a mood word or two to describe the overall feeling you want to achieve. Do you want your shelves to reflect a certain season? What word would help you to describe the overall vibe? Moody? Happy? Colorful? Serene? To establish a strong mood, be intentional with what you add to the shelves. If something doesn’t contribute to the mood or is a distraction, it can go.
      Sources: Blue and White Chinoiserie Ginger Jar // Botanical Plates // Brass Bells // Favorite Cookbooks // Artificial Artichoke // Seascape Art Print in This Wood Picture Frame // This art print and others are in my Amazon Art and Frame Storefront
      A formula I use often in my home:
      A few shades of two colors + a wood and a white tone + a metal tone. Any additional hues are included in small doses.
      On the top two shelves you can see I used shades of blues and greens with mid-tone woods and whites. Then I included a few very small pops of reds and yellows only within the dishes on the plate rack.
      Blue and White Chinoiserie Planter Pot on Shelf // Seascape Art Print in This Wood Picture Frame
      Use unmatched + unexpected
      While you certainly can style shelves with one kitchen collection for impact, such as a matching set of dishes or all cookbooks, you can also mix pieces that don’t necessarily match or are unexpected in a kitchen. This makes it easier and more affordable to change the look through the seasons and show off smaller or growing collections in fresh ways.
      Mismatched pieces can look pleasing together because they all contribute to the mood and color palette you’ve selected. While it can be nice in a kitchen to display every day items on my open shelves I like to include pieces that aren’t necessarily just “kitchen related.”
      I use various collected or vintage items, interesting textures, a few plants, books, faux or real organic elements like florals, vegetables or plant stems, as well as artwork and vessels.

      Blend a mix of sizes and shapes
      Rounds, cylinders, rectangles, spikey or feathery shapes … blend together elements with opposite or unique shapes to add interest! Don’t use too many small items, but a couple of smalls will make the overall look more pleasing, interesting and natural.

      Pair, Lean and Layer
      To make mismatched pieces look more intentional and cohesive on shelves, practice the pair, lean and layer techniques. Start in the back. Depending on the length or height of your shelves, you may be able to lean a piece or two against the back wall of the shelves. Artwork and large platters or plates work well for this. Then layer / slightly overlap some pieces in front of others. Pair different heights, allowing some breathing space. Try to style three items together at least once for a cohesive grouping. Combine textures and colors for style and function — for example, placing apples in a basket.
      Kitchen Hardware // More Kitchen Details
      Step back and look
      Does the overall look feel natural and pleasing? Step back to look around the room, too, not just directly at the shelves. If it’s too cluttered or crowded or not interesting enough for your taste, nudge items around, add or take away colors, sizes or shapes, until you like the way it feels!

      Would you like to go behind the scenes of my home and be a part of a community of like-minded home lovers? Join me in real time each week to get insights into creating a sanctuary you love. You will learn my simple homemaking and decorating tips, be able to ask questions and get help decorating your home! Join us in HomeBody Gathering Place!

      Click here for mood board sources (and see more below)
      Botanical Plates
      Brass Bells
      Blue and White Chinoiserie Ginger Jar
      Seascape Art Print in This Wood Picture Frame // I ordered this art here because I wanted a specific size but you can also get these prints (and others) HERE on Amazon in a variety of sizes and some already framed as well!
      Blue and White Plates
      Stoneware Crock
      Favorite Cookbooks
      Artificial Artichoke
      Kitchen Hardware
      Blue and White Chinoiserie Planter Pot on Shelf
      Basket plant is in (pineapple lidded basket)
      Paint color: Classic Light Buff Sherwin Williams
      Kitchen Tour and Details
      Shop More of My House and Style
      Shop My Amazon Favorites More

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      in Style Tips

      How to Get the Look of a Nancy Meyers Kitchen

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      I have always loved the cozy timeless homes featured in Nancy Meyers movies such as Father of the Bride and Something’s Gotta Give and It’s Complicated.
      Increasingly I’ve been receiving messages on social media from people saying they spotted my new kitchen in several online “inspiration” videos and Pinterest boards that people have labeled as the “Nancy Meyers Aesthetic.” Two more showing my kitchen were messaged to me just today, so it seems that I’ve inadvertently captured a trending “Nancy Meyers” style in my own home. I do love this classic look and always have. I’m happy to hear that people love a timeless look as much as I do (but of course I wish people would at least credit my photos when they feature them.)
      I know it helps to break elements of a room down so you can see what it is that achieves a certain style, so that’s what we’ll do here today!
      Sources: Rattan Cart // Click here for all above sources
      The real magic behind “Nancy Meyers” style in many of these movies is that her kitchens are always feel so warm and welcoming. Don’t you agree? They feel like a place where people want to gather and make memories. Each kitchen is different, but there are some common threads that make these spaces feel like home to so many people.
      Choose appropriate architectural elements
      If a kitchen renovation is on the horizon for you, I think one of the keys to getting this “come in and make yourself at home” style is in selecting a mix of classic, interesting elements that are also appropriate for the home.
      In each Nancy Meyers movie, you can sense the feeling of being welcomed into the home as you go from room to room and into the kitchen. If the kitchen style didn’t make any sense with the rest of the home, you’d feel like you walked onto a different set! To get that same feeling in a real home, the elements chosen for a kitchen should make sense within the style and context of the rest of the home.
      The style of my own home was influenced by traditional cottages on Nantucket. We carried this same style through to our kitchen with choices that will make our home feel cohesive and welcoming for years to come.
      Architecture is a place where you can get creative in a renovation, but you really want to select elements that will make you feel at home there years from now, too. We’re still talking about Nancy Meyers movie kitchens decades later!
      Sources: Wood Oval Tray // Scalloped Lampshade Lamp and more
      Incorporate elements that aren’t pretentious
      Nancy Meyers kitchens are very nice, but they never feel pretentious!
      Regardless of your style you want to add a mix of elements that will feel warm and inviting so they feel lived in.
      For our new kitchen, we chose timeless elements such as honed Carrara marble and soapstone. A nickel faucet. Tongue and groove paneling. Creamy white cabinets in a traditional style. Timeless elements can feel classy yet unpretentious. They always feel like a home that has been around awhile, rather than one designed around the newest looks from a designer show room.
      It is true that organic finishes such as marble or soapstone will show the patina of age. While many people fear those signs of life, I embrace them because to me patina from daily use feels more welcoming and unpretentious. I wanted our own kitchen to feel like it has been in our family for years. Those signs of life will simply be evidence that our kitchen is enjoyed and has been a gathering place for family. (I wrote more about our countertop decision in this post.)
      Sources: Farmhouse Sink // Nickel Faucet (linked the same brand, finish and style of faucet I have but I bought mine through deVOL Kitchens, it appears to be a special deVOL edition and the price I paid was far less than the version on Amazon) // Rug: World Market (washable, Niko Blue and Rust Distressed Rug) or here is another similar washable rug, and one other similar rug // Kitchen Hardware // Brass Pendant Lights (other finish available)
      Include an inviting center island
      You sense that a Nancy Meyers kitchen is a gathering place. Whether it is large or small, or built in or free standing, center islands offer a sense of invitation. Islands are a destination where people can gather around to help in the kitchen or talk about the events of the day.

      Add nooks for display
      Nancy Meyers kitchens feel lived in by real people! Built ins or free standing furniture such as a little nooks or shelves, a bar cart, bookcase, plate rack or china hutch will bring a sense of personality, warmth and character which is essential in the “Nancy Meyers” kitchen aesthetic.
      We added several book nooks in our renovation so we can have our collection of books and cookbooks, art and other pretty pieces within reach and to add style through the ever-evolving seasons.
      Favorite Cookbooks // Favorite Home and Garden Design Inspiration Books
      Sources: Toile Cafe Curtain and how I hung it // See the stool niche behind the curtain here // Click here for all above sources
      Try Touchable Textures
      A variety of touchable textures help create more interest in a kitchen. Look for ways to bring in softness, color and personality through fabrics, curtains or rugs. In our kitchen we added rugs, pillows on the nearby banquette bench, as well as cafe curtains on our “stool niche” and window. We also incorporate a variety of other textures that add to the “touch-ability factor” such as such as a mix of marble, bamboo, rattan, soapstone, and wood.
      Click here for above sources
      Bring in plants and flowers
      Flowers and plants bring a sense of life to a kitchen which creates a more welcoming atmosphere. Put them into collected vases, pitchers and pots for an additional sense of character.
      Source: Rattan Basket
      Set out bowls of fruit and vegetables
      A bowl of fruit or vegetables adds to the simple charm of a lived in kitchen. Whether they are real or not, they make you feel like this is kitchen where people cook and eat real food!
      Sources: Toaster (color options) // Gold Frame // Kitchen Hardware
      Decorate with plates
      Plates are a classic element that can be used for more than just a meal! Hang them on the wall, stack them on a shelf or a plate rack to give it that charming “we live here” Nancy Meyers’ kitchen mood.
      Related Post: How I Hang Plates, Platters, and Bowls on the Wall
      Put every day on display
      A Nancy Meyers kitchen doesn’t feel cluttered or messy, but a glimpse into the every day lives of the people who work in that space makes it feel so much more like home. Hide what isn’t attractive but if your toaster is pretty, don’t hesitate to leave it out! If you use your stand mixer often, let it sit on the counter.
      Incorporating glass front cabinets for pretty items you don’t use as often will help items stay clean but still allows you to enjoy them as part of your decor.
      Place cooking or serving tools into stylish crocks, baskets or other containers. This adds style and but also organization and practicality where everything needed is within reach.
      And no need to fear of everything getting dusty. Items stay cleaner when you use and wash them often so if dust is a concern, reserve display for every day items!
      Find kitchen accessories here in my Amazon Storefront and more at the end of this post!
      Sources: Pendant Lights (similar to mine) // My Pendants
      Invite in lighting
      Pendants over islands, wall sconces or lamps on a counter are an opportunity to add personality as well as make a kitchen feel warm and welcoming even at night.
      Paint cabinets
      A soft or creamy white cabinet never goes out of style. You see them in several of Nancy Meyers movies. Her own real life kitchen is a soft white, so similar to the Something’s Gotta Give kitchen! We chose a soft creamy white for our English Tudor kitchen years ago and I still love that classic look today so we chose it again in our current kitchen!
      Paint is a “simple” way to update any kitchen. Not always cheap or easy, but much simpler than a renovation.
      White isn’t the only option for a Nancy Meyers look, try a color you love. Or mix in traditional wood tones for cabinets or islands!
      Someone had messaged me years ago after seeing “The Intern” movie because the kitchen cabinet color and subway tile reminded her of my own kitchen at the time. My kitchen had been updated before the movie ever came out. Dark painted cabinets were not yet trending at the time of my renovation, but I just felt like that darker color contrasted with classic white subway tile is what my builder grade kitchen needed. The email sender was convinced my kitchen inspired Nancy’s movie kitchen! Wouldn’t that be funny? Perhaps it did. The power of Pinterest …. and classic kitchens.
      My cabinet and wall paint color is Classic Light Buff by Sherwin Williams.

      Keep it classic
      I’ve loved designing all of my kitchens with classic elements and I love them all still! Over the past 17 or so years I’ve been messaged about ALL of my kitchens at one time or another feeling like a Nancy Meyers kitchen. We definitely share a love of classic kitchens! (Take a tour of my last kitchen here, and the kitchen before that here)
      The truth is that a Nancy Meyers kitchen incorporates the elements of so many classic kitchens that have been around for ages, long before the movies came out. Yet it is so fun that we can all watch and rewatch these movies and fall in love with them over and over again. They are timeless so they will continue to be loved by so many! These kitchens have captured our hearts and the longing we all have for our homes to be warm and welcoming.
      I hope you are inspired by all the ways you can create a kitchen you love by incorporating classic elements found in the Nancy Meyers aesthetic.

      Sources:
      White Lamp with Scalloped Shade (several color options and 2 size options)
      Patterned Rug (washable)
      Brass Hanging Bells
      Bamboo Roman Shades (see photos of these in our home here)
      Spode Blue and White Sugar Bowl
      Blue and White Striped Linen Napkins
      Stoneware Crock
      Wood Salt and Pepper Mills
      Cookbook
      Wood Cutting Board
      White and Wood Kitchen Island (Freestanding)
      Tea Kettle (many color options)
      Landscape Artwork
      Woven Scalloped Bowl
      Pendant Lights (similar to mine)
      Faux Boxwood Topiary
      Looking for more of my kitchen sources and details? Find them in my Kitchen Reveal + tour post here!
      More Get the Look Sources below (click the thumbnails for details): More

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      Coordinating Fall Pillow Combinations + Neutral Pillows for Any Season

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      Click here for above sources
      Pillows are one of the simplest ways to change the decor of a room. I usually try get the zippered covers in fabrics, colors and styles that are versatile enough to mix and match for the season (you can read more of my advice on all things pillows here, including my favorite inserts). I also like to have some neutrals that can work in every season!
      Today I am sharing a few fall pillow mood boards that I hope will inspire you for pretty pillow pairing possibilities! When you scroll down you’ll also find a few beautiful “neutral” pillows I bought on Etsy that I think could be used year round. Enjoy!
      Click here for above sources
      Click here for above sources
      Sources top to bottom left to right: Rust Floral Pillow // Cross Pattern Pillow // Mustard Stripe Pillow // Black and White Plaid Pillow // Beige Floral Pillow // Terracotta Floral Pillow // Teal Floral Pillow // Beige Velvet Pillow // Brown Plaid Pillow
      Sources: Linen Striped Pillow Cover // Gingham Neutral Pillow Cover // Blue Reversible Throw Blanket (as bench seat cover, see more styles of blankets like this in my home here)
      Source: Gingham Neutral Pillow Cover
      Source: Linen Striped Pillow Cover
      Source: Soft Pink Striped Pillow Cover
      Source: Brown Gingham Pillow on Wingback Chair // Jute + Cotton Rug with this rug pad // Blue and White Floral Ginger Jar // Clam Shell (similar) and other sources
      More Pillows (click the images below for details):

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      How to Pick Decorative Pillows That Go Together (5 tips on style, pillow inserts and saving money!)
      Throw Pillows in my Amazon Storefront
      5 Clever Ways to Make a Small Space Cozy and Inviting
      13 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Feel Like Fall
      Find more decorating advice for your home in our Style Tips gallery! More

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      in Style Tips

      How to Fall in Love with Your Room (+ Our New Living Room Arrangement Using What We Have)

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      It’s that time of year when we all want our living spaces to be cozy, welcoming and comfortable. We want to love our homes. But as you look around your room, do you ever have a nagging feeling that something is “off” but you don’t know exactly what it is? I definitely have! Perhaps you’ve considered getting rid of everything you have so you can start over with new things you love. I’ll admit that thought has crossed my mind a time or two.
      Sources: Plaid Arm Chair // Waffle Weave Blanket on back // Jute + Cotton Rug // Round Black Art (my art is birds which is sold out, but this is the same style with butterflies!)
      I’m a fan of using what you have when possible and not always buying new things.
      But sometimes it’s hard to figure out where to put the furniture you have, or how to combine what you have in a new way or a new room. And how to determine when you just need something new!
      Did you know years ago I wrote a book called But Where Do I Put the Couch? with KariAnne Wood from Thistlewood Farms? Seems like I should be an expert on answering that age old question of where a couch should go in a room, but as is often the case with design, the best answer is often found through trial, error and experimentation rather than in a universal set of rules to to follow.
      I think we need to give ourselves freedom to try new things, to break the rules and just arrange furniture in a way that is best for the room! This way your room will be better designed for you and make more sense.
      Source: Brown Gingham Pillow on Wingback Chair // Jute + Cotton Rug with this rug pad // Blue and White Floral Ginger Jar // Clam Shell (similar) and other sources // No link for those toys on the floor, ha!
      I am happy to say I stand by my advice in the book (which is not just about where to put the couch, by the way! It’s so much more than that! It answers 101 actual decorating questions from readers like you! Read all about it here).
      But even if we know the rules, break the rules or both, we can still feel stuck. I get stuck, too.
      Case in point.
      I was so excited when our renovation was nearly complete because I finally got to arrange furniture and get settled. But my enthusiasm soon turned to a slump. I just wasn’t feeling like the living room was coming together.
      It wasn’t the backdrops at all. I was grateful for this newly refreshed space and love our paint colors and new flooring. Love the new feel and layout of our main floor. I still planned to get blinds in the living room, and I knew we’d get those soon.
      Sources: Wicker Trunk // Jute + Cotton Rug // Leather Sofa Armchair Version (loveseat no longer sold) // Pleated Lampshade // Blue and White Stamped Pillow on Sofa // Dining Room Details
      While I was stumped at how to solve the furniture arrangement, a little voice in my head told me to STOP DROP AND ROLL.
      Catchy, yes? You’re welcome. A little lesson we all learned in kindergarten.
      This time though, there was no fire to put out.
      Just a little crisis in my head, but nothing STOP DROP AND ROLL can’t handle!
      STOP scrolling for more ideas that just overwhelm or confuse you.
      DROP the idea that shopping is the only way to solve problems.
      Get out of your head so you can get ROLLING!
      Sources: Blue and White Flower Pot // Plaid Arm Chair // Waffle Weave Blanket on back // Jute + Cotton Rug // Lidded Rattan Basket Under Table // Lidded Basket on Right // Round Black Art // Blue and White Geometric Blanket (reversible)
      Even though I felt stumped — like I already tried every combination or arrangement, I told myself I needed to get up and try again. If I didn’t like it, no problem, I could just move it all right back. If nothing else, it could give me clarity on what it was I needed so I could make a better decision.
      It was time to STOP DROP AND ROLL!
      I turned on my Fall Puttering Playlist, got my comfy tennies on, and started moving the furniture all around the room. I tried every possibility, even the ones I was pretty sure I wouldn’t love. But you never know until you try!
      Several arrangements later…it suddenly clicked! This felt right. Cozy, inviting, and pleasant for conversation. Funny enough, this is the arrangement I tried FIRST! I promptly dismissed it previously because when I tried it before, the dining room was still under construction.
      Sources: Wicker Trunk // Jute + Cotton Rug
      Here’s another handy tip. Don’t judge a room when it is under construction (or in a mess as the case might be). I can often look past a mess but this time, I made a quick judgement that was incorrect. I thought it was too crowded, but I am so glad I gave the arrangement another chance once the mess was picked up.
      There is plenty of room to get around, and the couch there gives each room a cozier feeling! It works! Best of all, I was so happy I was able to use what I already had! All I had to do was try and try again.
      Stop drop and roll.
      Sources: Blue and White Geometric Blanket (reversible)
      Once I fell in love with how the room felt with the furniture this way, it gave me ideas of things I had in other rooms that could serve a new purpose in this space. Our ottomans seemed too big and there were just too many legs in the room with four more on an ottoman (although I might try again, or maybe just get a new one someday). But I brought down a basket trunk I had up in the Snug and much to my surprise, it worked just fine in front of the couch!
      We love how the room feels now. I’m so glad I didn’t give up!
      If you’ve followed along here for awhile, you’ll recognize that many of these pieces are ones I’ve had for years and years and have used in many different ways in several homes!
      If you’re not feeling the love for your home, maybe it’s not your home or your furniture!
      Maybe you just need to STOP DROP AND ROLL!
      Source: Jute + Cotton Rug
      Hope this inspires you today! If you try a new arrangement in your home, I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @theinspiredroom. In my HomeBody Gathering Place membership group I share in depth on decorating and creating a sanctuary through custom mini-courses and workshops.
      Join the waitlist HERE (homebodygatheringplace.com) to join us when we open HomeBody Gathering Place again!
      Find more inspiration and encouragement for your home in my books, including Love the Home You Have, The Inspired Room, and Simply Home. Find all my books here.

      Jute + Cotton Rug – with this rug pad
      Plaid Arm Chair
      Blue and White Geometric Blanket (reversible)
      Waffle Weave Blanket on back of chair
      Round Black Art (my art is birds which is sold out, but this is the same style with butterflies)
      Blue and White Flower Pot
      Lidded Rattan Basket Under Table
      Lidded Woven Basket by fireplace
      Wicker Trunk
      Leather Sofa Armchair Version (loveseat no longer sold)
      Pleated Lampshade
      Blue and White Stamped Pillow on Sofa
      Brown Gingham Pillow
      Wingback Chair
      Blue and White Floral Ginger Jar
      Clam Shell (similar) and other sources
      Dining Room Details
      My Battery Operated Candles
      Blue paint color: Beach Glass Benjamin Moore
      White paint color: Classic Light Buff Sherwin Williams
      Find more sources from my home and more decor I love in my shops! More