Home decor trends come and go, but as the new trends wiggle their way into our thoughts, the burning question many have is: How can I blend my existing décor with some new trends so that my home can feel fresh today, and for years to come, without restyling the whole house? It’s only natural to desire a home that feels both stylish and enduring without committing to a major overhaul. As a holistic designer, I strive to create spaces that can stand the test of time, yet feel fresh, up-to-date, eco-friendly (non-toxic and easy on the environment), warm, and welcoming. As we head into 2026, I am excited to see that some of the trends are shifting toward [...]

As 2026 approaches, I thought it’d be fun to reveal some of the major shifts happening in home décor — from sterile minimalism, stark whites, and cool grays to spaces that feel warm, emotional, textured, and distinctly personal. That’s exciting, but also worth pausing over: some of the “hot” trends are speculated to fade quickly, feel overly stylized, look cluttered, or lack practicality. Others will fill us with delight and become part of the family. This is the first of three articles on shifting trends in home design. If you’re planning a home makeover soon, make sure to read all three articles before investing in major makeovers, or click here to contact me for personal guidance. There are many [...]

Autumn’s crisp air stirs our natural instincts to prepare for the hastening winter. It motivates us to make our homes cozy and inviting, so that at the end of a long day, we cherish stepping inside and instantly feel our shoulders drop, our breath ease, and our minds soften. That moment—where space and spirit meet—is at the heart of hygge, the Danish art of creating comfort and presence. But beyond cozy blankets and flickering candles, hygge offers something deeper: a way to craft soulful spaces that support emotional well-being and connection. Hygge as a Way of Seeing Hygge, pronounced hyoo·guh, is often translated as “coziness,” but its true meaning runs richer. It’s about attending to the small details that [...]

Now that we have changed our clocks from Daylight Savings time to “Sun” time, it seems like a perfect time to rethink our outdoor décor. How can we let the beauty of the starlight and the warmth of subtle ambiance fill our senses as the days grow shorter? We’ve long been told that more light means more beauty, more safety, more life. Yet, as our modern world floods our nights with brightness, we’ve dimmed something precious — the quiet harmony of the natural world and our connection to it. The new movement in outdoor décor isn’t about chasing the spotlight. It’s about rediscovering balance, a deeper sense of peace, connection, and natural harmony. It’s about honoring the night. The [...]

….. and just like that, autumn arrived! One day it felt as if summer would last forever; the next day, autumn was here. After all, ‘here’ is Iowa, and Mother Nature likes to use the weather to get our attention. There’s an old Iowa saying, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes, it will change.” This has more truth than wit in it. As for us Iowans, we just give Mother Nature a nod and a smile, and go with the flow. With the leaves now falling, autumn invites us to slow down, reconnect with nature, and embrace the crisp air, earthy colors, and waning days with warmth and beauty. Autumn gives us the perfect opportunity to [...]

Have you ever walked into someone's home and marveled at how effortlessly clean and organized it is? No piles of shoes by the door, no piles of laundry to step around, no cluttered countertops—just calm, order, and space that feels good — a natural kind of good. Contrary to popular belief, these people aren’t born with magical cleaning powers. They simply have a few clear-sighted habits that take very little effort but make a huge difference. Here are 9 secrets of people with a tidy home — adopt one, adopt them all, you’ll love the results! 1.     They Clean as They Go What’s one of the biggest game-changers? Tidy people don’t wait for messes to pile up. [...]

When it comes to living with color, bold colors can be your best inspiration—or your biggest disaster. While cool whites and subtle patterns have long dominated the home scene, many homeowners and designers are now craving color and bold patterns, and are doing a 180-degree turn, abandoning the stark whites and turning to vibrant hues and shapes to add energy, personality, and drama to their spaces. But how do you embrace bold color and patterns without feeling like you live inside a crayon box? Living with color should not distract or agitate us; it should nurture our senses and center us. Please use it purposefully. Remember, as you introduce bold colors into your décor, we are naturally drawn to [...]

Many times, I am brought into a home because the homeowner is frustrated with a specific space. When that space is a home office, I have often found the same mistakes happening over and over. These mistakes are not only made by homeowners, but also by many designers, consultants, contractors, and architects. Hopefully, this article will shed some light on a few of these and help you set up a home office that works for you, not against you. Most design professionals will agree that an office needs to address function, aesthetics, ergonomics, and beauty. I agree, but where I stand apart is that I also address the emotional and mental well-being of the person occupying the space.  This [...]

I’ve always loved working from home. From day one, in 1997, when I made a career shift, I’ve loved working from home. Back then having a home-based career was a rarity. So, I guess I was ahead of my time, but it wasn’t for long, because things are different today. Today, home offices are a part of most households, whether in a full-time or part-time capacity. The question is — are they getting the respect they deserve? (Or, are you getting the respect you deserve?) Home offices need to be thoughtfully designed. They need to support you as much, if not more, than an off-site office. It is the hub for your professional career, and since you are the [...]

Working from home is fairly common these days; no one thinks twice when someone says they work from home. A few years ago, a home office would have been primarily used for personal finances and records. However in today’s world, approximately 32 million peoplework from home professionally. It doesn’t matter whether you're freelancing, running a personal business, or working remotely for a corporation; your home office plays a critical role in your professionalism, productivity, mental clarity, and overall well-being. But creating a space that truly supports your professional life takes more than just a computer and a chair. Working from home requires deliberate planning and a keen sense of balance. Here’s how to thoughtfully blend a home office into [...]