I returned from Costa Rica this morning and was immediately struck by the dry air in New England. My skin felt tight and the air felt less than easy to inhale. When I returned home I turned my humidifier to 'full blast' in my bedroom. Mine is not much to look at but it sure does work well, so it got me thinking, are there well designed units out there? Why yes, yes of course!

I'm not sure stacking your glassware face up or face down says anything about your outlook on life (like the proverbial glass half empty or full) but I am curious which you consider to be normal.

I am so excited to be leaving for a holiday in Costa Rica. As someone who has become somewhat of a homebody lately (I'll blame it on winter and working from home), I became slightly overwhelmed when I thought about all of the loose ends I would have to tie up before leaving.

A recent Etsy search led me to these snappy prints by artist Violet May. I love their graphic simplicity, their wit, and their movement.

I have done major work in my house over the past two years (floors, windows, electrical) and am now re-tracing my steps and focusing on smaller projects that have a big visual impact, like transforming this small fireplace nook.

A while back I blogged about fabric vs. plastic shower curtain liners. Maybe I am over thinking the bathroom, but recently a related subject came up while chatting with a friend-- how long is a shower curtain supposed to hang?

Generally, I find searching on Etsy a chore. The results go on and on and on and I rarely find exactly what I want. Recently though I got lucky and came across the beautiful work of photographer Elle Moss.

This week I wrapped up my first bathroom renovation. (Well, almost.) Having never done a bathroom renovation I didn’t really know what I was getting into. I remember thinking, how much could it really cost? This room is tiny! For today’s post I am going to outline all of my costs from start to finish. I realize that each bathroom comes with its own challenges and issues and this is simply one experience.

Name: Lisa & Dan and their 2 children
Location: Bedford, New Hampshire
Size: 6,200 square feet (including a small in-law apartment not pictured)
Years lived in: 10 — owned

Lisa and Dan moved into this outstanding farmhouse 10 years ago after living in a modern home made mostly of glass. It is clear from the first few steps inside that there is no shortage of modern amenities here — but when Lisa re-designed and re-structured this home, she did so with a reverence for the past. Ten years ago this home was an ill-conceived series of unrelated renovations. Graciously she put an end to that.

Lately I have been obsessed with the color gray. It may have something to do with the impending Fall and Winter seasons or the fact that most things in my home at this moment are white, and I am ready for a color overhaul. I have finally made space in my living room to add two comfy reading chairs near the fireplace and the wingback style chair has piqued my interest. After all, the design of the wingback was originally intended to shield us from drafts and to add some protection to the face when in front of a blaring fire.