I'm so excited to announce the publication of my very first book, Design Defined. My hope is that this book will help you see the differences in interior design styles. I give the key elements, characteristics, and inspiration photos that make up 11 different styles. I get right to point discussing color schemes, furniture lines, décor, lighting, and more. I include a mood board for each style with a link to my website where you can purchase or compare products for that particular style. This can be a very useful tool for those who need a little help. As usual, I don't rattle on and on or overload you with info that isn't really important. 

My book is available in eBook format and hardback. The hardback version also makes a lovely coffee table book or gift. Both versions are available for purchase on Amazon, a link is below. ​

As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at absolutely no extra cost to you.

The interior design styles that I cover are:
Transitional
Modern Boho
Southwestern
Modern Victorian
Mid Century Modern
Traditional
Craftsman
Modern
Nursery
Minimalist
Modern Farmhouse

Amazon also gives you a "look inside" sneak peek. ​

I hope you will find this book helpful on your design journey and possibly save you money by not having to hire an interior decorator. 

-till next time

A common problem with barn doors is that they will not stay shut or open. If they are slightly out of level, they will move on their own. That was my problem but I discovered an easy fix! You only need 2 items: little felt pads and gorilla glue.

Put a dab of Gorilla Glue on your felt pad and stick it on your top rail (you'll need to determine the best spot for it which is about and inch from the wheel when it's pulled completely open).

Now just wait for it to dry and that little pad will do the job! Watch the video below to see how well it works.

Good luck and let me know if it works for you.

- till next time

​Do you love the look of black windows? I do but the price for them is outrageous so I have a great hack for you and it's really quite easy! Just trim your white windows with wide black trim, and there you go. You get the look of black windows without the added cost. 

I used 5" all weather boards and painted them jet black with a semi gloss exterior paint. We used a brad nail gun to attach them to the siding. This is a great, inexpensive way to add curb appeal to your home.

I also added the black trim around the front door and garage door. This created a cohesive look to the entire exterior of our home. 

I have a client who purchased black windows for his new house build. Before the house was even completed, the paint started peeling off his new windows. It was a nightmare. This can also happen if you decide to paint your existing white windows with black paint. So, be aware that could be a problem for you.

I now actually prefer this trim method over real black windows. If you decide to give this hack a try, send me pictures of your finished project!

I've had a lot of people ask for links to the boards. Click here for a link to the boards at Lowes.

​Below is an extra little video with a bit more explanation of how I attached the trim.

I have a new YouTube channel, click the image below to check it. Be sure to subscribe and hit that notification bell if you want to see more!

Till next time!

It’s always a good idea to order samples when possible. From wallpaper and paint, to flooring and fabrics, you should always order several samples before committing to any specific material. Place the samples together and visualize how all the elements will work together in the room. Save yourself a lot of time and expense by making educated decisions.

It’s very important to make sure there is room to move around in your home. For example, you should ideally leave about 18 inches between sofas, chairs and coffee tables. This gives you plenty of space for sitting and moving around while still having everything and everyone close.

Three truly is a magic number when it comes to design. Grouping odd numbers of items forces the eye to move around which creates a level of visual interest that symmetrical, even-numbered arrangements simply can’t compete with.

Repainting or refinishing furniture is a simple way to add color and character in your home on the cheap! Search for up-cycled furniture ideas on Pinterest for inspiration.

Keep an eye out for more helpful tips. Following me on Pinterest is a great way to keep up to date.

Till next time!

Today’s topic is all about repurposing materials. We built our house in 2020 and there were plenty of scraps left over so I took advantage of a few. First, the builder used temporary stair treads made out of 2x10s going to our second floor. When the real treads were installed he put them in the trash pile. I quickly removed them in thoughts of making shelves out of them. And so I did. I ordered pipe brackets from Amazon to attach them to the wall. They turned out great and everyone loves them. I got a total of 9 chunky shelves for free!

 (As an Amazon Associate I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you – my full disclosure statement is available here)

Next is the loft bed that my husband and I built in the spare bedroom for our grandchildren. We saved every board we found lying around our build site and the only thing we had to buy for this entire unit were two 4x4's. The 2x12's on the stair frame were originally used as form boards for the concrete on our front porch. I chipped and sanded concrete off for hours but it was worth it. I made the stair treads out of wood shelving leftover from the closet organizers we made.  

I have a few more things we repurposed but that will have to wait for a later post. Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest if you like this content and don’t want miss anything new.

Till next time!