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inspireddesigntalk

New homeowner advice:
Design for real life…
because your family will use the room.

#realhomelife #interiordesignerlife #homehumor #relatable #familylife

New homeowner advice: Design for real life… because your family will use the room. realhomelife interiordesignerlife homehumor relatable familylife

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Giant Sputnik Chandelier | Jonathan Adler US

Cosway 28" Wide Barrel Chair | Wayfair North America

nuLOOM 10x14 Thigpen Contemporary Area Rug, Grey, Abstract Lines, Non-Slip Backing, Stain Resista... | Amazon (US)

Dark Synapse II Painting by Nash Rambler | Perigold

CHANNELS // EBONY + IVORY | LITTLE DESIGN COMPANY

PANEL :: MOHAIR VELVET // DOVE GREY | LITTLE DESIGN COMPANY

Faceted Brass Drink Table (7.5") | West Elm (US)

Gather Deep 2-Piece Right-Arm Wide Chaise Sectional Sofa + Reviews | Crate & Barrel | Crate & Barrel

Parker Half Round Wall Sconce | Lumens

We moved into Willow House in May 1998 🤍

Over the years, I’ve learned which design choices stand the test of time…
and which ones I’d do differently today.

This year, I’m sharing real design lessons from living here for 25+ years —
so if you’re a new homeowner, you don’t have to make the same mistakes.

This is the beginning of my Do As I Say, Not As I Did series.
Follow along for honest design advice, lessons learned, and real-life remodels ✨

#designmistakes #doasisaynotasido #newhomeowners #foreverhome #interiordesignlife

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

If you just bought a house, this is your permission slip.

You don’t need to renovate everything at once.
Live in your home first and learn what actually matters.

Some of our biggest design regrets came from rushing decisions we didn’t need to make yet.

Save this if you’re a new homeowner. 💕✨

#newhomeowner
#homerenovationtips
#designlessons
#foreverhome
#doasisaynotasido

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKHome #LTKOver40

Living room coffee table measurements you need to know!

Navy velvet sofa, pink velvet pillow, Faust faux pillow, area rug, gold vase, black bar cabinet, gold sconce, grasscloth wallpaper

#LTKstyletip #LTKhome #LTKover40

Design regret from our living room makeover…
I added an extra poly coat to this artwork thinking it would protect it.
But after years of sun exposure, the finish actually started turning yellow — just like hardwood floors can.
If I had known, I would have chosen plain canvas artwork instead.
Protect your artwork from direct sunlight so you don’t make the same mistake I did.
Happy Designing 💕✨

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal #LTKstorytime

Neutral sofas are a favorite in designer living rooms because they make two sofa layouts feel calm and balanced. This roundup includes curved sofas, slipcovered sofas, modular sofas, and leather sofas that work beautifully in conversation layouts and open concept living rooms. If you're wondering how to arrange two sofas in a living room, this video shows the designer layouts that actually work. I’m sharing the most common ways designers use two sofas, including facing sofas, L-shape layouts, sofas with accent chairs, and curved sofa layouts you often see in stores like Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Arhaus, and Lulu & Georgia. 1. Fur Sofa 2. Curved Sofa 3. Two Seat Sofa 4. Wide Track Arm Sofa 5. Bench Sofa 6. Wood Base Sofa 7. Contour Sofa 8. Slipcovered Bench Sofa 9. Slope Arm Slipcovered Sofa 10. Square Arm Sofa 11. Cinnamon Velvet Curved Sofa 12. Blue Modular Sofa 13. Leather track Arm Sofa 14. Moss Green Velvet Sofa

#LTKSeasonal #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

Bathroom tip: Don’t let the hardware color stop you from buying a vanity.

This bathroom vanity originally had silver handles. First I spray painted them blackened gold, and later replaced them when I found the perfect set for about $30.

Hardware is one of the easiest things to change in a bathroom and can completely update the look.

Anyone else ever swap out hardware when you didn’t like the finish?

Happy Designing 💕✨

#LTKOver40 #LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

Smart homeowner tip after 28 years in the same house.

Six years ago we switched our front door lock to a keypad so we could stop asking the neighbor for the spare key every time we locked ourselves out.

The only thing is… it runs on four AA batteries.

For six years I kept throwing them away.

Then my kids said,
“Why don’t you just buy rechargeable batteries?”

So I bought a pack for under $28 and now we just recharge them.

One-time purchase. Game changer.

Anyone else late to this? 😅

Happy Designing! 💕✨

#homeownertips
#smarthomeowner
#homeimprovementtips
#homehacks
#homeownerlife

Smart homeowner tip after 28 years 🏡

Outlet covers actually come in different sizes.
If the drywall cut is a little too big around your outlet or switch, the larger plate hides it instantly.

Simple fix most people don’t know about.

Happy Designing! 💕✨

Follow and comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/5Xwa3

#HomeownerTips
#HomeRenovation
#simplywhite
#foreverhome
#homehacks

This bathroom remodel is technically done… except I’m still deciding on shower doors.

Instead of spending around $1000 on glass doors, I hemmed extra-long waffle shower curtains and used a fabric liner for about $125.

I even used rods from old blinds to make them slide easier.

Six years later and it’s still working great.

Now I’m curious — do you prefer shower curtains or glass doors?

Happy Designing! 💕✨

Follow + Comment CURTAIN below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/5XU3N

#bathroomremodel
#bathroomideas
#bathroomdesign
#showercurtain
#homehacks

Now that the bathroom remodel is finally done, I’m writing the paint color @benjaminmoore Simply White on the back of the switch plate so I always have it for touch-ups.

Meanwhile I still have to repaint the closet… because I once painted it burgundy.

Note to my future self: never ever paint the inside of a closet anything but white.

Anyone else have a paint decision they regret? 😅

Happy Designing! 💕✨

#bathroomremodel
#homeownertips
#painttips
#interiordesign
#simplywhite

If you're wondering how to arrange two sofas in a living room, this video shows the designer layouts that actually work. I’m sharing the most common ways designers use two sofas, including facing sofas, L-shape layouts, sofas with accent chairs, and curved sofa layouts you often see in stores like Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Arhaus, and Lulu & Georgia.

1. Fur Sofa

2. Curved Sofa

3. Two Seat Sofa

4. Wide Track Arm Sofa

5. Bench Sofa

6. Wood Base Sofa

7. Contour Sofa

8. Slipcovered Bench Sofa

9. Slope Arm Slipcovered Sofa

10. Square Arm Sofa

11. Cinnamon Velvet Curved Sofa

12. Blue Modular Sofa

13. Leather track Arm Sofa

14. Moss Green Velvet Sofa

#LTKSeasonal #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

Twenty years later, there’s one thing I regret not doing in this bathroom remodel.

Heated floors.

Because there is nothing worse than stepping onto cold tile when you get out of the shower.

If you're remodeling a bathroom, consider installing heated floors. It’s one upgrade many homeowners wish they had done from the start.

Would you install heated floors in your bathroom?

Happy Designing! 💕✨

Thermal Bathrobe: @Tommy John

#LTKstorytime #LTKHome #LTKselfcare

Wedding gift bag! Inside there’s a set of tumblers, hats, facemask, candle, and Christmas ornament. It’s the perfect wedding day gift or shower gift for the bride and groom

#LTKmomlife #LTKTravel #LTKWedding

This bathroom remodel is technically done… except I’m still deciding on shower doors.

Instead of spending around $1000 on glass doors, I hemmed extra-long waffle shower curtains and used a fabric liner for about $125.

I even used rods from old blinds to make them slide easier.

Six years later and it’s still working great.

Now I’m curious — do you prefer shower curtains or glass doors?

Happy Designing! 💕✨

#bathroomremodel
#bathroomideas
#bathroomdesign
#showercurtain
#homehacks

Wedding gift bag! Inside there’s a set of tumblers, hats, facemask, candle, and Christmas ornament. It’s the perfect wedding day gift or shower gift for the bride and groom

#LTKmomlife #LTKstorytime #LTKWedding

Smart homeowner tip after 28 years 🏡

Outlet covers actually come in different sizes.
If the drywall cut is a little too big around your outlet or switch, the larger plate hides it instantly.

Simple fix most people don’t know about.

Happy Designing! 💕✨

#LTKmomlife #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

Floor to ceiling shower curtain and fabric liner from Amazon to elevate the look of your bathroom

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKBeauty #LTKHome

This table lamp from crate and barrel is like a work of art. It has a sculptural base and pleated shade. Perfect for a living room, bedroom, or home office

#LTKmomlife #LTKHome #LTKOver40

This cutest table lamp for a kids bedroom. The raffia shade is stunning

#LTKKids #LTKHome #LTKmomlife

Cozy living room accent chair with faux fur and mixed materials

#LTKOver40 #LTKSeasonal #LTKHome

Wedding gift ideas that are thoughtful, practical, and perfect for the bride and groom. This curated collection features Mr. and Mrs. tumblers, bride and groom hats, sleep masks, personalized-style candles, keepsake ornaments, and honeymoon-ready accessories. These newlywed gift ideas are perfect for bridal showers, engagement parties, bachelorette gifts, or wedding day surprises. Stylish, neutral, and meaningful gifts for couples starting their next chapter together.

#LTKOver40 #LTKSaleAlert #LTKWedding

28 years in one house taught me this about window screen repair.

We thought we’d have to call the window company.

It would’ve cost at least $150.

Instead, I ordered a $20 kit and replaced the back door screen and one window myself.

Before you replace it… check this.

Small fixes add up.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKHome #LTKOver40

Amazon Home Decor Finds That Look Expensive ✨

These Amazon finds are trending this week and perfect for creating a neutral living room that feels elevated and designer-inspired. Think modern accent chairs, curved furniture, organic wood console tables, brass wall sconces, plug-in picture lights, sculptural decor bowls, cozy throw blankets, woven storage baskets, and statement lighting that instantly upgrades your space.

If you love quiet luxury, organic modern, or warm neutral home decor — these affordable Amazon home decor pieces help you get the high-end look for less.

Save this for living room decor ideas, accent chair inspiration, and budget-friendly designer finds.

#AmazonHome #AmazonFinds #NeutralLivingRoom #OrganicModern #HomeDecorIdeas #AffordableHomeDecor #LuxeForLess

#LTKOver40 #LTKHome #LTKSaleAlert

After hot Pilates body weight. Sports bra size medium lulu leggings size 4.
5’3” 126lbs (this morning 🤣)

#LTKfitnessgoals #LTKmorningroutine #LTKdayinmylife

This gold toilet paper holder from target will elevate your bathroom decor. Perfect for an apartment or rental or if you don’t want to drill holes in your home

#LTKOver40 #LTKHome #LTKmomlife

Morning routine Vani cream to moisturize my faces and neck, apply Scalp Serum for Thinning Hair, and IMAGE MD® restoring eye masks under my eyes while I meditate

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKmorningroutine #LTKselfcare

Tissue box cover to elevate your bathroom decor. One of my favorite Amazon finds

#LTKmorningroutine #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

Shower curtain and liner we have in the guest bathroom while we decide on the shower door

#LTKmorningroutine #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

Six years ago we couldn’t decide on black or gold shower doors.

The quotes were anywhere from $450 to over $1,000.

So we put up floor-to-ceiling shower curtain panels instead.

Six years later?
Still no doors.

Sometimes not deciding isn’t a mistake.
Sometimes it’s savings.

Also I 💯 do NOT want black now.

Have you ever delayed a purchase… and ended up glad you did?

#LTKOver40 #LTKHome #LTKdayinmylife

Twenty years ago, this dining room was mostly a catch-all space.

So we reworked it into a sitting room with an expandable coffee table that opens when company comes over.

Your needs change over time—
and it’s okay to change your space to meet you where you are.

#homedesign #beforeandafter #functionalfurniture #functionalliving #coffeetable

This one hurt.

Our steam shower floor didn’t have enough slope.
It cracked. It leaked.

Fixing it cost us $5,850 in tile, plumbing, and glass door removal.

And while we were in there, we removed the marble shower seats too.

20+ years in the same house teaches you this:

Luxury isn’t worth it if it’s built wrong.

But now? She’s perfect!

#bathroomremodel #masterbath #steamshower #walkinshower #designmistakes

Home renovation reality… Everyone budgets for construction.

No one budgets for furnishing the bigger space.

Before you go bigger, price the furniture first.

It adds up fast.

Trust me.

#homerenovation #biggerhouse #homeownerlife #designlesson #realhomeowners

Twenty years ago, we invested $300,000 to make our house bigger.

What I didn’t think about?

Furnishing it.
Heating it.
Cooling it.
Higher taxes.

After the remodel, we ran out of furniture money.

Bigger isn’t always better.
Know the numbers before you build.

#ltkhome #homerenovation #designlesson #foreverhome #interiordesignerlife

No Entryway Living Room – Storage Ottoman Ideas

When shoes pile up and you don’t have a proper foyer, storage ottomans are genius. These stylish storage ottoman ideas double as hidden shoe storage, extra seating, and soft texture in a neutral living room. Tuck two under a console table, place one near the front door, or use a pair behind a sofa to create functional zoning in an open layout. Bouclé, linen, velvet, woven, and wood-trim styles all work beautifully in modern and organic spaces. The key? Choose performance fabric and a cohesive color palette so your entry solution looks elevated — not cluttered.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

No Entryway Living Room – Bookcase Divider Ideas

If your front door opens straight into your living room, a low bookcase divider can create a subtle “faux half wall” without blocking light. These open shelving and modern bookcase divider ideas help define the entry zone while maintaining traffic flow. Look for pieces around 30–36 inches high to preserve sightlines and keep the space feeling open. Open-back shelving, slatted designs, and light wood finishes work especially well in modern neutral living rooms. Style them minimally with books, baskets, and decor so they feel curated — not crowded.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKOver40 #LTKHome

No Entryway Living Room – Room Divider Ideas

For open layouts that feel undefined, foldable room dividers are an easy, renter-friendly solution. These room divider ideas add structure near the front door without permanent construction. Woven rattan, cane, wood frame, or fabric panels allow light to pass through while creating visual separation between the entry and living space. Use them when you need flexibility or want to soften an awkward layout with architectural interest. Choose materials and tones that match your living room design so the divider enhances your style instead of competing with it.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKOver40 #LTKHome