Hello Decor Friends, There’s something magical about a beautiful accent table lamp. It’s one of those finishing touches that quietly transforms a room from "almost done" to "this feels like home." While overhead lighting is essential, table lamps create warmth, add personality, and make a space feel inviting long after the sun goes down. The best part, choosing the perfect accent lamp isn't just about finding one that matches your décor. It's about selecting a piece that complements your room, serves a purpose, and adds another layer of beauty to your home. If you're looking for the perfect accent table lamp, here are my three favorite tips to help you choose one you'll love for years to come. 1. Think About Scale Before Style It's easy to fall in love with a lamp in a showroom or online, only to bring it home and discover it's much too large—or disappears entirely on your table. Before shopping, take a quick measurement of the surface where the lamp will live. As a general rule, the lamp should feel proportional to the table and surrounding furniture. A petite lamp on a large console often feels lost, while an oversized lamp on a tiny side table can overwhelm the space. Also consider the height. When you're seated beside a lamp, the bottom of the lampshade should generally sit around eye level. This keeps the light comfortable while creating a balanced look. A well-scaled lamp doesn't call attention to itself—it simply makes the entire room feel "right." 2. Choose a Lamp That Adds Personality Accent lamps are one of my favorite opportunities to introduce character into a room. Think of them as functional artwork. Instead of automatically choosing the safest option, look for interesting materials, textures, and shapes. Ceramic bases with beautiful glazing, natural stone, woven rattan, ribbed glass, aged brass, wood, or sculptural silhouettes all bring personality to your space. Designer Tip If most of your furniture has clean lines, consider adding a lamp with a softer, organic shape. If your room already has plenty of curves, a more architectural lamp can create wonderful contrast. Remember, not every piece has to match perfectly. Some of the most beautiful rooms feel collected over time rather than purchased all at once. Your lamp should tell a little story about your style. 3. Let the Lampshade Finish the Design The shade is often overlooked, but it has just as much impact as the base itself. A crisp white linen shade creates an airy, timeless feel. Textured woven shades add warmth and casual elegance, while darker shades create moodier, more intimate lighting. Pay attention to the shape as well. Drum shades offer a clean, contemporary look, empire shades feel more traditional, and tapered styles work beautifully in transitional spaces. And don't forget the light bulb! A warm white bulb (around 2700K) creates the cozy glow we all love in living rooms, bedrooms, and reading nooks. It's amazing how much difference the right bulb can make. The goal isn't simply to light the room—it's to create an atmosphere that feels welcoming and relaxed. A thoughtfully chosen accent lamp adds height, texture, warmth, and personality all at once. It's one of the hardest-working accessories in your home, and often one of the easiest ways to refresh a space without a major investment. So the next time you're styling a side table, console, or bedside table, don't rush the lamp selection. Find one that fits your space beautifully, reflects your personality, and casts a warm glow over the moments that matter most. Until next time, Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Summer has a way of inviting us to slow down, gather with the people we love, and enjoy meals that somehow taste even better outside. The best part, you don't need an elaborate tablescape or a closet full of entertaining pieces to create a table that feels welcoming. A few thoughtful touches can completely transform an everyday meal into something that feels special. Here are three quick and easy summer tabletop ideas that are beautiful, budget-friendly, and simple enough to pull together in just a few minutes. 1. Let Fresh Flowers Do the Heavy Lifting Nothing says summer quite like fresh blooms. Instead of one large arrangement, try placing several small bud vases or recycled glass bottles down the center of your table. Fill each one with a few stems from your garden, grocery store bouquets, or even wildflowers picked during an afternoon walk. How to do it: Choose flowers in one color palette for a cohesive look. Space the vases evenly down the center of the table, leaving plenty of room for serving dishes and conversation. The smaller arrangements create movement without blocking anyone's view across the table. Designer Tip Mix in a little greenery like eucalyptus, fern clippings, or olive branches to make your flowers look fuller while stretching your floral budget. 2. Add Color with Layered Linens One of the fastest ways to refresh a table is with textiles. A simple runner paired with colorful napkins instantly creates a polished look without requiring much effort. How to do it: Start with a neutral table runner—linen, cotton, or even a lightweight scarf works beautifully. Layer bright napkins in cheerful summer shades like coral, citron, soft blue, or sage green. Tie them with twine or ribbon and tuck in a sprig of rosemary or lavender for an extra special touch. The layering adds texture and personality while making even everyday white dishes feel intentional. Designer Tip Don't worry about matching everything perfectly. Summer tables feel their best when they look relaxed, collected, and effortlessly welcoming. 3. Create a Simple Citrus Centerpiece Fresh fruit isn't just for eating—it also makes one of the prettiest summer decorations. Lemons, limes, oranges, or peaches instantly bring vibrant color and a fresh seasonal feel to your table. How to do it: Fill a wooden bowl, woven basket, or large glass vase with citrus or seasonal fruit. Scatter a few pieces along the runner or tuck in a handful of fresh greenery for extra texture. The result feels organic, cheerful, and beautifully understated. As a bonus, your centerpiece is completely practical. Guests can grab a lemon for their iced tea or snack on fresh fruit after dinner. Keep It Simple One of the biggest misconceptions about entertaining is that everything has to be perfect. It doesn't. Some of the most memorable summer gatherings happen around simple tables filled with laughter, great conversation, and food shared with family and friends. Your guests won't remember whether every napkin matched—they'll remember how comfortable and welcome they felt sitting around your table. So don't overthink it. Grab a few flowers, pull out your favorite linens, add a bowl of fresh citrus, and invite people over. Summer entertaining is meant to be easy, joyful, and a little bit effortless. Until next time, happy decorating—and happy hosting! ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, If you’re looking for one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your kitchen a fresh new look, let me introduce you to one of my favorite design tricks—updating your hardware. It’s amazing how something as simple as new cabinet knobs and pulls can completely transform the personality of your kitchen. Think of hardware as the jewelry of the room. You can have beautiful cabinetry, but the right hardware adds the finishing touch that makes everything feel polished, intentional, and current. The best part, this is a weekend project that doesn’t require a full renovation or a big budget. Here are a few simple tips to help you choose the perfect hardware for your space. 1. Start with Your Home’s Style Before falling in love with a particular finish or shape, take a step back and look at the overall style of your home. Modern kitchens tend to look best with sleek, simple bar pulls. Traditional spaces shine with timeless cup pulls, classic knobs, or detailed designs. Farmhouse kitchens pair beautifully with matte black, antique brass, or oil-rubbed bronze finishes. Transitional homes have the flexibility to mix classic shapes with modern finishes for a timeless look. Choosing hardware that complements your home’s style will make the entire kitchen feel cohesive. 2. Pick a Finish That Works with Your Space Hardware doesn’t have to match every metal in your kitchen—but it should coordinate. Matte black creates bold contrast and works with almost any cabinet color. Brushed brass adds warmth and sophistication while feeling current without being overly trendy. Brushed nickel remains a favorite because it’s versatile, durable, and complements both warm and cool color palettes. If your kitchen already has stainless steel appliances, don’t feel obligated to choose stainless hardware. Mixing metals can add depth and character when done thoughtfully. 3. Think About Scale One of the biggest mistakes I see is choosing hardware that’s too small. Longer pulls on drawers often feel more custom and make larger cabinets easier to use. Smaller cabinet doors can still look beautiful with classic knobs or shorter pulls. If you’re unsure, buy a couple of different sizes and hold them up before making your final decision. Sometimes seeing them in place makes the choice much easier. 4. Don’t Forget Comfort You’ll touch your cabinet hardware every single day. Choose pieces that feel comfortable in your hand. Sharp edges or tiny knobs might look beautiful online but can become frustrating over time. Good hardware should be just as functional as it is attractive. 5. Invest in Quality You don’t have to spend a fortune, but quality hardware is worth the investment. Solid metal hardware feels substantial, wears better over time, and won’t loosen or discolor as quickly as less expensive alternatives. Since it’s something you’ll use countless times each day, durability matters. Designer Tip If your cabinets already have one hole for knobs, replacing them with similar hardware makes installation quick and simple. If you’re switching from knobs to pulls, consider using a cabinet hardware template to ensure every hole is perfectly aligned. A little extra measuring goes a long way toward achieving a professional-looking finish. And don’t be afraid to mix knobs and pulls! I often use knobs on upper cabinets and pulls on lower drawers to create both visual interest and everyday functionality. Refreshing your kitchen doesn’t always require new cabinets or a major renovation. Sometimes the smallest changes have the biggest impact. New hardware can instantly make a kitchen feel brighter, more current, and uniquely yours—all in just a few hours. So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to give your kitchen a little love, this might just be your sign. Until next time, happy decorating! – Tatum

Hello Decor Friends! Summer weekends have a way of bringing everyone together. Whether it’s neighbors stopping by for lemonade, family gathering for a backyard barbecue, or friends lingering on the patio long after sunset, the best memories are often made at home. The good news, you don’t need a designer budget or an elaborate setup to create a welcoming space. A few thoughtful touches can make your guests feel special while keeping your wallet happy. Here are three of my favorite DIY-friendly decorating ideas that instantly elevate your summer gatherings. 1. Create a Charming Beverage Station Instead of making guests search through the kitchen for drinks, dedicate a small table, console, or bar cart as a self-serve beverage station. It becomes both functional and decorative. Start with a large pitcher of lemonade, iced tea, or infused water. Add colorful glasses, striped paper straws, and a small bowl of sliced citrus or fresh mint. Finish the look with a simple bouquet of grocery store flowers in a mason jar or inexpensive vase. Place everything on a tray to keep it organized and polished. Not only does it look intentional, but it also encourages guests to help themselves so you can spend more time enjoying the party instead of playing bartender. Designer Tip Shop your home first. A wooden cutting board, wicker basket, or serving tray can instantly become the foundation of a beautiful beverage station. 2. Set a Layered Outdoor Table You don’t need expensive dishes to create a table your guests will remember. The secret is layering. Begin with a neutral tablecloth or runner. Add inexpensive woven placemats, stack your everyday dinner plates, and finish with colorful napkins. Tie each napkin with twine and tuck in a sprig of rosemary, lavender, or greenery from your yard for an effortless finishing touch. For the centerpiece, gather a few small glass jars or recycled bottles and fill them with simple flowers or fresh greenery. Grouping several small arrangements often looks more collected and elegant than one large centerpiece. This entire look can be created for very little money, yet it feels fresh, inviting, and perfect for summer entertaining. 3. Add Cozy Evening Ambiance One of the easiest ways to make guests want to stay longer is by creating a warm, inviting atmosphere after the sun goes down. Scatter battery-operated candles on tables, add a few rechargeable lamps if you have them, and string café lights or solar lanterns around your patio or deck. Toss a few outdoor pillows onto seating areas and drape lightweight throws over the backs of chairs for cooler evenings. The goal is to create little pockets of comfort that invite conversation. Soft lighting makes every gathering feel more relaxed, and your outdoor space instantly feels like an extension of your home. Designer Tip Solar lanterns and battery-operated candles can be used year after year, making them one of the best decorating investments for outdoor entertaining. Beautiful hosting isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a space where people feel welcome. Fresh flowers, layered tables, and cozy lighting don’t require a big budget, just a little creativity and intention. This summer, don’t wait for everything to be “just right.” Invite your friends over, pour the lemonade, light the candles, and enjoy the moments that matter most. Sometimes the simplest gatherings become the memories everyone talks about long after summer has ended. Until next time, happy decorating and happy hosting!

Hello Decor Friends… Your front porch is more than just the entrance to your home—it’s the first “hello” guests receive before they ever step inside. It sets the tone, creates curb appeal, and gives your home personality. The good news, you don’t need a major renovation or a huge budget to create a porch that feels welcoming and beautifully styled. Whether you have a sprawling wraparound porch or a small front stoop, here are five easy steps to create a space you’ll love coming home to. 1. Start with a Beautiful Foundation Every well-designed porch begins with a solid base. Think of your porch as you would any room inside your home—it needs a foundation to build upon. A large outdoor rug instantly adds warmth, texture, and definition to the space. I love using classic black-and-white stripes for a timeless look, but neutral woven rugs also create a relaxed, inviting feel. Just be sure your rug is large enough to anchor the space rather than looking like an afterthought. A beautiful foundation makes everything else you add feel intentional. 2. Add Height with Planters Nothing brings life to a front porch like greenery. Choose two oversized planters for either side of your doorway or place one statement planter beside your entry if space is limited. Fill them with a combination of greenery and seasonal flowers for color and texture throughout the year. One of my favorite designer tricks is to use plants with varying heights. A taller centerpiece surrounded by trailing greenery creates a full, luxurious look without feeling overly formal. Designer Tip Matching planters instantly create symmetry and elevate your entire entry. 3. Layer Your Decor The secret to a professionally styled porch is layering. Instead of placing one item in each corner and calling it finished, think in layers. Add a welcoming wreath to the front door, incorporate lanterns of different heights, stack a few decorative pots, or include a cozy outdoor pillow on a bench or chair. Mixing materials like wood, metal, wicker, and ceramic keeps the space feeling collected rather than overly matched. Remember, the goal is warmth—not clutter. 4. Create a Cozy Seating Area If your porch allows, include a place to sit. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A pair of rocking chairs, two comfortable chairs with a small table between them, or even a simple bench creates an inviting atmosphere. Add outdoor cushions and a throw pillow or two to soften the space. Suddenly your porch becomes more than an entrance—it becomes a destination for morning coffee, evening conversations, or simply enjoying the sunset. A porch that invites you to linger is always a porch that feels welcoming. 5. Finish with Personality Now comes my favorite part—the finishing touches. A seasonal wreath, a charming welcome mat, lanterns with battery-operated candles, a decorative watering can, or even a small garden stool can make your porch feel uniquely yours. The best porches tell a story about the people who live there. They don’t have to be perfect—they simply need to feel lived in and loved. As the seasons change, swap out flowers, wreaths, and pillows to keep your porch feeling fresh without completely redecorating. A few thoughtful updates throughout the year are often all it takes to keep your home’s first impression looking beautiful. Your front porch is your home’s handshake. With a beautiful foundation, layers of greenery, comfortable seating, and a few personal touches, you can create an entrance that’s welcoming, timeless, and full of charm. Decorating doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest changes make the biggest impact. Until next time, friends… happy decorating! What is one thing you’d love to add to your front porch this season—a cozy seating area, oversized planters, a new wreath, or something completely different? I’d love to hear your ideas! Until next time, -Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Have you ever noticed that beautifully styled coffee tables seem effortless. The secret is that designers follow a simple formula that creates balance, interest, and personality without making a table feel cluttered. Today, I’m sharing four easy steps to help you style your coffee table like a designer. 1. Start with a Base Layer Every great coffee table arrangement begins with an anchor piece. This is usually a decorative tray, a stack of books, or a large decorative bowl. Why it work. A base layer creates structure and helps the items on your table feel intentional rather than randomly placed. Think of it as the foundation that ties everything together. Designer Tip Choose a tray in a material that complements your room, such as wood, woven rattan, marble, or metal. 2. Stack a Few Books Coffee table books are one of a designer’s favorite styling tools. Not only do they showcase your interests, but they also add height and visual structure to your arrangement. Books create the perfect platform for layering smaller decorative pieces such as candles, beads, or small sculptures. Designer Tip: Select books with beautiful covers that reflect your personality, whether that’s design, travel, gardening, fashion, or architecture. 3. Add Something Living Nothing brings a coffee table to life quite like greenery or fresh flowers. Plants soften hard surfaces and add natural texture and movement to the space. Even a small arrangement can make a big impact and prevent the table from feeling too stiff or staged. 4. Layer in a Decorative Object This is where your personality gets to shine. Add one decorative object that reflects your style—a candle, decorative beads, a sculpture, a piece of pottery, or a collected treasure from your travels. Why it works. Decorative objects create visual interest and give the eye a place to rest. They also tell a story about who lives in the home. Designer Tip Resist the urge to add too many accessories. A few carefully chosen pieces will always look more sophisticated than a crowded tabletop. The most beautiful coffee tables combine varying heights, textures, and shapes while leaving plenty of breathing room. Remember, not every inch of the table needs to be filled. Sometimes the empty space is just as important as the décor itself. Now I’d love to know—what is one item that always makes its way onto your coffee table? Until Next Time -Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, If you've spent any time with me, you know I love finding beautiful pieces that are both practical and pretty. One decorating item that checks both boxes every single time is the humble basket. Whether woven from seagrass, rattan, water hyacinth, or wicker, baskets bring texture, warmth, and personality into a home while helping keep everyday clutter under control. The best part, baskets work with almost every decorating style—from farmhouse and traditional to coastal and modern organic. They add that collected, lived-in feeling that makes a house feel like home. Today, I'm sharing five ways to decorate with baskets, along with what to look for when shopping for them. 1. Use Large Floor Baskets for Blankets A large woven basket beside a sofa or chair is one of my favorite decorating tricks. Not only does it provide a home for cozy throws, but it also adds texture and softness to a room. Try a basket with handles for easy movement and fill it with folded blankets in complementary colors. It's practical, beautiful, and perfect for creating that cozy, welcoming feeling we all love. 2. Style a Tray Basket on a Coffee Table Flat baskets or woven trays are wonderful styling tools. Place one on a coffee table, ottoman, or kitchen island and use it to corral candles, books, greenery, or decorative objects. Grouping items inside a basket creates an intentional look while keeping surfaces organized. Plus, the woven texture adds warmth against hard surfaces like wood, stone, or glass. 3. Add Wall Baskets for Character Decorative wall baskets have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They create beautiful texture and visual interest while serving as artwork. Mix different sizes, shapes, and weaving patterns for a collected look. A basket wall can add instant charm to an entryway, dining room, or hallway without requiring a huge investment. 4. Store Everyday Items in Lidded Baskets Lidded baskets are the secret weapon of organized homes. They hide everything from toys and electronics to extra cords and magazines while still looking attractive. Place them on shelves, under console tables, or in family rooms where you need storage but don't want to sacrifice style. 5. Use Small Decorative Baskets Throughout the Home Never underestimate the power of a small basket. They work beautifully on bathroom counters holding hand towels, in guest rooms storing necessities, or on kitchen counters organizing napkins and utensils. These little baskets add layers and texture while helping everyday items feel intentional rather than cluttered. Why Designers Love Baskets Baskets offer so many benefits beyond storage: They add warmth and texture to a room. They soften hard surfaces and furniture. They help organize everyday clutter. They work in nearly every decorating style. They are affordable ways to add character and personality. Think of baskets as the finishing touch that helps a room feel collected and complete. Five Things to Look for When Purchasing Baskets Before filling your cart, keep these tips in mind: 1. Look for Natural Materials Seagrass, rattan, wicker, and water hyacinth often provide the most timeless and versatile look. 2. Check the Construction Make sure the weave is tight and sturdy. A quality basket should hold its shape and feel substantial. 3. Consider Scale Choose baskets that fit the size of your room and purpose. Oversized baskets make a statement, while smaller baskets are perfect for organization. 4. Think About Handles Handles make baskets easier to move and often add an attractive design detail. 5. Mix Shapes and Textures Don't buy all the same basket. Mixing round, rectangular, chunky, and tightly woven styles creates a more collected and designer-inspired look. Decorating doesn't always require major renovations or expensive purchases. Sometimes the simplest pieces make the biggest impact. Baskets bring beauty, texture, and functionality into a space while helping everyday life feel a little more organized. So tell me, decor friends—where do you love using baskets in your home? I'd love to hear your favorite basket decorating ideas! Until next time, Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Let’s talk about one of my favorite ways to give your home an instant personality boost—the front door! Your front door is the first thing guests notice when they arrive and one of the last things they see when they leave. Think of it as the handshake of your home. It sets the tone, creates curb appeal, and gives visitors a little glimpse into the style waiting inside. The good news, choosing the perfect front door color doesn't have to feel overwhelming. If you've ever stood in the paint aisle staring at hundreds of swatches wondering where to begin, you're not alone. Today I'm sharing three easy steps to help you confidently choose a front door color you'll love. Step 1: Let Your Home's Exterior Be Your Guide Before falling in love with a color online or on Pinterest, take a good look at your home's exterior. Your brick, stone, siding, roof color, and shutters all play a role in determining what colors will work best. Warm-toned brick tends to pair beautifully with colors like navy, deep green, black, or rich charcoal. Cooler-toned homes often look stunning with shades of blue, gray, or even a soft sage green. The goal isn't to perfectly match everything. Instead, look for colors that complement your home's existing finishes and create a cohesive look. A simple trick, stand across the street and take a photo of your home. Looking at it through a photo often helps you see the overall color story more clearly. Step 2: Consider the Personality You Want Your Home to Have Your front door is one of the easiest places to add character and charm. Ask yourself, what feeling do I want guests to have when they arrive? If you love timeless and classic style, a black front door never disappoints. Want something welcoming and relaxed, consider shades of blue or green. Looking to make a bold statement, a deep teal, rich burgundy, or cheerful yellow might be the perfect fit. I often tell clients that your front door is a wonderful place to take a small design risk. It's much easier to repaint a front door than an entire room, so don't be afraid to let a little personality shine through. Step 3: Test Before You Commit This may be the most important step of all. Paint colors can look dramatically different depending on the time of day, the amount of sunlight, and even the landscaping around your home. Before painting the entire door, purchase sample sizes and paint large boards or sample areas. Move them around and observe them in morning, afternoon, and evening light. Samplize is one of my favorite products to use to audition a paint color. Easy to use, reusable paint sticker and now they come in larger sizes. What feels like the perfect navy at noon might look almost black by sunset. Taking a few extra days to test your color can save you from disappointment and ensure you love the final result. The Bottom Line Choosing a front door color doesn't have to be complicated. Start by considering your home's exterior materials, think about the personality you want your home to convey, and always test before committing. A fresh coat of paint on your front door is one of the most affordable ways to boost curb appeal and make your home feel more inviting. Sometimes the smallest projects create the biggest impact. Now I'd love to hear from you—what color is your front door today, and if you could paint it any color tomorrow, what would you choose? Until next time, Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, If you’ve been itching to freshen up your home but don’t want to spend a fortune (or break out complicated power tools), this one is for you! Sometimes the smallest weekend projects can make the biggest impact in a home. A few thoughtful changes can add personality, warmth, and that little extra “designer touch” we all love. Today I’m sharing 3 wallet-friendly weekend warrior decorating ideas that are simple, approachable, and full of style. Best part, no specialized tools required! Create a “Collected” Coffee Table One of the easiest ways to elevate a living room is by styling your coffee table with intention. So many homes have the basics—a candle, a remote, maybe a coaster—but layering in a few curated pieces instantly makes the space feel more polished. Start with a stack of 2–3 coffee table books. You can find beautiful options at HomeGoods, thrift stores, or even online marketplaces for less than you’d think. Add a small plant or fresh flowers for life and texture. Then finish with something personal or sculptural: beads, a small bowl, a candle, or a decorative object. The secret, vary the heights and shapes. Group items in odd numbers and leave a little breathing room so it doesn’t feel cluttered. This project can usually be completed for under $50 and instantly gives your room that layered, designer-inspired look. Swap Out Lampshades & Add Lighting Layers Lighting is one of the most overlooked design details in a home, but wow does it make a difference. If your room feels flat or unfinished, this may be the culprit. This weekend, try swapping outdated lampshades for something more current. Linen shades, black shades, or softly tapered styles can completely modernize a lamp you already own. No tools needed—just unscrew and replace. Then, add one additional light source to the room. A small rechargeable lamp on a bookshelf, buffet, or kitchen counter adds cozy ambiance and gives your home that warm layered glow designers are always chasing. This simple refresh can make your home feel more expensive and inviting without touching the furniture. Style Your Entry Like You Mean It Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home. Whether it’s a grand foyer or a tiny corner beside the door, giving it a little love can make a huge impact. Start with a mirror or framed art piece if you don’t already have one. Add a basket underneath for shoes or bags, a small lamp for warmth, and a tray or bowl to catch keys. Then add greenery. Faux or real—it doesn’t matter! Greenery instantly softens a space and makes it feel welcoming. If you already have these items, challenge yourself to “shop your home.” Move accessories from other rooms and play around with styling until it feels fresh. Decorating doesn’t always have to involve major renovations or giant budgets. Sometimes the most meaningful updates are the ones completed over a relaxing weekend with a cup of coffee, a good playlist, and a little creativity. Happy decorating, friends! Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, There are some stores that feel a little bit like a treasure hunt every single time you walk through the doors, and for me, HomeGoods and Homesense are exactly that. I can walk in for one basket and somehow leave inspired with a completely new idea for a room refresh! The beauty of these stores is that their inventory changes constantly, which means if you spot something special, you almost have to grab it before it disappears forever. While everyone shops differently, there are five things I always keep an eye out for because they can instantly elevate a home and make it feel more layered, personal, and collected. 1. Unique Pottery One of my favorite things to hunt for is unique pottery. Oversized vessels, handmade-looking bowls, textured urns, and interesting ceramic pieces can add so much character to a space without requiring a full redesign. Pottery brings in warmth, shape, and an organic element that helps soften a room and make it feel lived in. I especially love mixing pottery styles together—something rustic paired with something modern creates that “designer collected over time” look we all love. Even a simple vase on a console table can completely change the feel of a room. And honestly, you can never have too many beautiful vessels for seasonal branches or fresh flowers. 2. Throw Pillows with Trim or Tassels Basic pillows are easy to find, but pillows with beautiful details like tassels, fringe, contrast trim, or unique textures always catch my eye. These little accents make a pillow feel custom and far more expensive than it actually is. It’s one of the easiest ways to add personality and polish to a sofa, chair, or bed. I love using pillows to introduce color and pattern into a room without making a huge commitment. If you want to freshen up a space for a new season, pillows are one of the quickest transformations you can make. Plus, layered textiles instantly make a room feel cozy and inviting. 3. Coffee Table Books Decorative coffee table books are one of my favorite styling tools. They add height, color, personality, and help create those layered vignettes you see in beautifully designed homes. Whether stacked on a console, styled on built-ins, or placed under a decorative object, they help a space feel intentional. I also love that coffee table books tell a story about the people who live in the home. Travel, fashion, gardening, architecture, cooking—whatever interests you, there is likely a gorgeous book to reflect it. They are both functional and beautiful, which is always a win in design. 4. Lamps with Character If you know me, you know I believe lighting is one of the most important layers in a home. I am constantly searching for lamps with interesting bases, unexpected textures, or unique silhouettes. A lamp can act almost like sculpture in a room while also creating the warm glow that makes a home feel welcoming. Character lamps are especially wonderful because they can make even builder-basic spaces feel custom. A gorgeous lamp on a bedside table or console can completely elevate the surrounding decor. And bonus points if it has a fabulous shade too! 5. Unique Wrapped Soaps This may seem like a small detail, but beautifully wrapped soaps are one of my favorite affordable luxuries to pick up. They make wonderful guest bathroom accents, thoughtful hostess gifts, or pretty additions to a tray beside a sink. The packaging alone often feels like a little piece of art. I also love how these soaps help create a sensory experience in a home. Beautiful scent, lovely wrapping, and thoughtful presentation all contribute to making a space feel cared for and welcoming. Sometimes it’s the tiniest details that leave the biggest impression. Now I want to know… what is the one thing you always look for when you walk through HomeGoods or Homesense? Until Next Time ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Bathrooms are one of those spaces in our homes that work hard every single day. We start our mornings there, end our evenings there, and somehow they still tend to get pushed to the bottom of the decorating priority list. But here’s the good news… you do not need a full renovation budget to make a bathroom feel fresh, updated, and more custom. If I had just $250 to spend updating a bathroom, here’s exactly where I would focus my money to get the biggest visual impact without ripping out tile or calling a contractor. First things first… I would paint. Paint is hands down one of the most transformative things you can do in a bathroom. Whether it’s the walls, vanity, or even the ceiling, a fresh color instantly changes the mood of the space. If the bathroom currently feels builder-grade or tired, I would lean into a warm, calming color story. Think soft greens, moody blues, creamy neutrals, or even a rich charcoal on the vanity for drama. A gallon of paint and supplies could easily stay under $75, and the payoff is huge. Bathrooms are smaller spaces, which means you can be a little bolder with color without overwhelming the room. Next, lighting. Nothing dates a bathroom faster than the original vanity light fixture. Swapping out lighting is one of those updates that makes people think the entire room was renovated. I would look for a simple modern fixture in black, aged brass, or brushed nickel depending on the style of the home. There are so many affordable options online now that look high-end without the luxury price tag. Even a clean-lined fixture with frosted globes can completely modernize the room for around $60–$80. Then I would absolutely update the mirror if the budget allowed. You know the ones… the large frameless builder mirrors that stretch wall to wall. Instead of replacing the entire thing, I would either add a frame kit or swap it for a more decorative mirror with personality. An arched mirror, wood-framed mirror, or even a vintage-inspired shape adds instant character. If replacing the mirror stretches the budget too far, framing the existing mirror is a fantastic compromise that still gives a custom look. Now let’s talk accessories because this is where bathrooms begin to feel styled instead of simply functional. I would bring in: A pretty hand towel with texture A small lamp or rechargeable accent light if there’s space A wood stool or tray for warmth Fresh greenery or stems Matching soap dispensers instead of plastic bottles These little details matter more than people realize. They soften the hard surfaces and make the bathroom feel intentional. And finally, if there was any budget remaining, I would swap hardware. New cabinet knobs or drawer pulls are like jewelry for a vanity. It’s a small change that creates a surprisingly large impact. Matte black, antique brass, or even acrylic hardware can completely elevate basic cabinetry. What I love most about these updates is that they focus on atmosphere. A bathroom does not have to be massive or expensive to feel beautiful. Thoughtful layers, better lighting, fresh paint, and a few curated accessories can completely shift how the room feels. And honestly, sometimes that’s all a home really needs. Bye For Now Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Have you ever walked into one of your rooms and thought, “Why does this space no longer feel like me?” Sometimes a room does not necessarily need a full renovation or all new furniture. Often, it simply needs fresh inspiration and a few thoughtful changes to make it feel alive again. Today, let’s talk about how to find inspiration for a room refresh and the surprising places great design ideas often begin. The trick is learning where to look for it. One of the first questions I ask clients is, How do you want the room to feel? Calm and cozy? Bright and energetic? Sophisticated and moody? Inspiration is less about copying a perfectly styled Pinterest room and more about creating a feeling that supports your life and your family. Sometimes the best inspiration is already sitting right inside your home. Look around at the things you naturally gravitate toward. Maybe it is a favorite piece of artwork, a collected pottery piece from a trip, a floral fabric you love, or even a stack of books with colors that catch your eye every time you walk by. Those little clues often tell the story of what you are naturally drawn to. Nature is another incredible design muse. Step outside and pay attention to color combinations that already exist around you. Soft greens mixed with warm woods. Crisp white flowers against dark mulch. Blue skies layered with earthy stone. Some of the most timeless interiors borrow directly from nature because those combinations already feel balanced and calming to us. Travel can also spark fresh ideas. Think about the boutique hotel you never wanted to leave, the charming café with the cozy lighting, or the vacation rental that immediately helped you relax. What specifically made those spaces memorable? Was it layered textures? Moody paint colors? Warm lighting? Sometimes inspiration comes from the experience a room created rather than the actual furniture inside it. And let’s talk about social media for a second. Pinterest and Instagram can absolutely be helpful, but here is my friendly reminder: do not get trapped trying to recreate someone else’s home exactly. Inspiration should guide you, not pressure you. Save images that consistently catch your attention and then look for patterns. Maybe every image you save has soft lighting, natural textures, black accents, or collected vintage pieces. Those repeated details help define your personal style. Another unexpected source of inspiration? Your wardrobe. Yes, really. If your closet is filled with warm neutrals, linen textures, and soft blues, chances are you will feel most comfortable living in spaces that reflect those same tones. Our personal style often translates naturally into our homes. One of my favorite ways to begin a room refresh is by creating a simple “inspiration tray.” Gather paint samples, fabric swatches, photos, greenery, wood tones, and little objects you love. Seeing everything together helps you identify a cohesive color story and gives direction before spending money on large purchases. Most importantly, give yourself permission to evolve. Your home should grow and change as your family, routines, and preferences change too. A refresh does not have to happen all at once. Sometimes new pillows, a fresh paint color, layered lighting, greenery, or rearranging furniture can completely shift the energy of a room. Inspiration is everywhere once you start paying attention. Your home is simply waiting for you to notice what speaks to you most. Until next time, ~Tatum