ANATOMY OF A BEDROOM

I might have a preternatural knack for entering a room and knowing what feels off in a space. Maybe we all do, but we can’t always pinpoint exactly what is making our spaces feel so blah! I remember doing this very thing as a teenager, shuffling furniture around in my grandmother’s house so that the room felt just right.

Rooms are a lot like people—multifaceted, layered, and sometimes just in need of a little jushing to become their best selves. I wanted to use this very generic before image (which is AI-generated) to show how common challenges we all face can be addressed.

BEFORE (AI)

Adding Texture to Overcome Monotony

I think we can all agree this room is reading very monotonous! It has everything to do with that millennial shade of grey. Adding texture can solve a lot of this! And it can be as simple as the way you style your bed. For example, here I chose really lovely textural elements like a striped quilt, velvet pillows in a punchy colour, and a great floral lumbar. Remember, it’s not about being matchy matchy. This is a great formula you can steal for your own spaces.

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Unifying Colours for Ceiling Design

Also, the tray ceiling is sticking out way too much. Painting everything a unifying colour and letting the textural elements do the work was really what I was going for. It allows the ceiling to recede, so it’s not such a choppy look. Speaking of the ceiling, the fan is one of those eyesores that I’m sure everyone who has lived in a builder-grade home has had to deal with. I say, if you don’t live in a tropical climate and it’s not an absolute necessity, ditch it! There are so many beautiful, elegant lighting fixtures out there. Having great statement lighting will really create a focal point. I chose a particularly elegant one with great conical linen shades.

Mixing Furniture Styles for Visual Interest

Also, in the vein of not being matchy matchy, you know when you can immediately tell that everything was bought from the same store! It might seem like a great idea, but it’s actually dragging your space down because there is just a lack of visual interest. , I married a really traditional antique-style dresser in a dark tone with lighter, more organic modern nightstands—completely different in form, but that’s the key to a great mix-and-match look.

Enhancing Depth With Art and Drapery

Art and drapery aren’t just finishing touches—they’re essential. They add depth, warmth, and personality to your space. Choose art that speaks to you. Here, I lowered the height of the headboard because it was out of scale and felt a little dated. This gave ample room to create a special moment with art above the bed. The drapery adds another textural element while also completing the room. It’s one of those things that makes everything feel more intentional.

For more edits like this and me applying my preternatural skills (haha) to your space, check out my Room Review. It’s one of the most affordable yet impactful services that I offer.

FALL FRONT PORCH DECOR

Fall Front Porch Styling

Who’s here for the fall vibes?! I might be in the minority, but I love this time of year. Fall brings that cozy, warm feeling, and while we may be spending more time indoors, the front door is where that welcoming feeling truly begins. Let’s be honest—it’s an area that often gets overlooked, but a thoughtfully styled porch or entryway can set the tone for your whole home.

I’ve pulled together a few of my favorite tips to help you create a polished but inviting entrance. 

Front Door Color

The color of your front door is kind of a big deal—it really sets the stage for your entire home. My rule of thumb? The materials on your home’s exterior—whether it’s the roof, brick, stone, or siding—should all work together with the door color to create a cohesive look.

I love a classic black or navy door, especially with brass hardware. It’s a combo that feels crisp and polished, and it never goes out of style. If you’re after something a little more current, mushroom tones or deep maroons and burgundies are fantastic options—these colors are definitely having a moment right now! In my fall guide, I’ve shared some of my favorite shades that make a statement without feeling overly trendy.

I also find so much inspiration in historical colors. They have an enduring appeal that feels just as relevant now as it did decades ago. You’ll often see these timeless shades on classic architectural homes, like townhouses in London or brownstones in Brooklyn. And if you’re going for a little extra drama, try a high-sheen finish—there’s nothing better than a glossy black door!

For wood stains, I love rich, deep hues like walnut or ebony to add warmth and character. Of course, not every home needs a dark stain; lighter oak stains work beautifully too, depending on the style of your house. It’s all about matching the stain to your home’s architecture, so the door complements the overall design.

Hardware

Think of hardware as the finishing touch for your home. Swapping out small details like doorbells, house numbers, or mailboxes can really elevate the look of your porch. I’m a big fan of materials like aged brass, polished nickel, or bronze—they add elegance without overpowering the design. I also love well-designed house numbers, especially with an interesting font style. When they say “the devil is in the details,” it’s so true! I’ll definitely be the person swapping out their doorbell ringer :)

Doormats

Don’t underestimate the humble doormat! It’s both a welcoming and practical element for your porch. I love keeping it simple with natural materials like coir; it gives that clean, organic look while doing its job of keeping dirt out. And don’t go skimpy on the size—your doormat should feel in proportion to the front of your home, so go a bit larger for a polished look.

Lighting

Lighting is one area where people often miss the mark! I see a lot of undersized fixtures that don't quite make the impact they should. It’s usually better to go a bit oversized and dramatic with your lighting—it creates more presence and elevates the space. Also, think outside the box and go for something unique. A standout fixture can really change the feel of your entire entryway.

Fall Planters and Fall Decor

Of course, you can’t forget the finishing touches—planters and all those fall plantings. For planters, go for weather-resistant materials that can handle the season. I love pairing them symmetrically for a classic look, or grouping them in different sizes and styles for a more laid-back feel.

When it comes to pumpkins, staggering them on your steps adds that welcoming touch. I’m a big fan of heirloom varieties in shades like pale greens and soft oranges—they feel a bit more special than the usual orange. You can often find these beauties at local garden centers or nurseries, and if you’re lucky, sometimes even on sale at big box stores!

As for wreaths, again, I like to keep things natural. There are so many beautiful options out there, from simple grapevine wreaths to ones with dried hydrangeas for an elegant, understated touch.