Hello Decor Friends, If your kitchen feels like it’s almost there—but something feels a little scattered or unfinished—chances are it’s not about buying more things. It’s about how you’re placing what you already have. Today, we’re talking about two simple design tricks that make a big impact: anchoring and elevating. These are the quiet heroes of a beautifully styled kitchen. Once you see them, you’ll start noticing them everywhere. Let’s get into it. What Does “Anchoring” Mean? Anchoring is all about giving your eye a place to land. Without it, items can feel like they’re floating around with no purpose. Think of a tray on your countertop. Instead of having your olive oil, salt cellar, and soap dispenser scattered, placing them on a tray instantly creates a moment. It tells a story. It feels intentional. Anchors can be: Trays (wood, marble, metal) Cutting boards leaned against the backsplash A large bowl or sculptural object Even a stack of cookbooks The goal? Group items together so they feel connected instead of random. A quick designer trick: use the “rule of three.” Grouping items in odd numbers tends to feel more natural and visually pleasing. Let’s Talk About Elevation Now that your items are anchored, it’s time to give them some dimension. Elevation is exactly what it sounds like—varying the height of objects so everything isn’t sitting flat on the same plane. When everything is the same height, your eye gets bored. When you add height? Instant interest. Here are a few easy ways to elevate: Use a small riser or pedestal for soaps or spices Stack a couple of cookbooks and place an object on top Add a vase with fresh stems or greenery Lean a taller cutting board or artwork behind smaller items You’re creating layers—and layers are what make a space feel styled rather than staged. Anchoring + Elevating = Magic Here’s where it all comes together. Imagine a simple corner of your kitchen: Start with a wooden tray (your anchor) Add a soap dispenser and a small candle Place a petite vase with greenery (height!) Lean a cutting board behind it all Now instead of four separate items, you have one cohesive, styled vignette. That’s the difference. A Few Quick Tips to Keep It Effortless Edit ruthlessly. Not everything needs to be on display Mix materials. Think wood + ceramic + glass for depth Add a hit of black. It grounds the whole look (you know I love this one 😉) Keep function in mind Styling your kitchen isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. When you anchor your items and elevate them thoughtfully, your space starts to feel pulled together, calm, and effortlessly beautiful. And the best part? You can likely do this today with what you already own. Until Next Time, ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Have you heard the buzz about the bantry? If not, you’re about to—because this clever little hybrid is quickly becoming one of my favorite design trends to talk about (and to sneak into client homes whenever I can). So, what exactly is a bantry? Think of it as the perfect marriage between a bar and a pantry—hence the name. It’s a dedicated space in your home that blends the function of food storage with the fun of entertaining. Picture this: shelves styled with dry goods, glassware, cocktail essentials, maybe a coffee station… all living together in one beautifully organized, highly functional zone. It’s practical and pretty—and that’s exactly why it’s trending. Today’s homes are leaning hard into multi-functional spaces (we love a room that can pull double duty), and the bantry fits right into that mindset. Whether you’re hosting friends for wine night, grabbing your morning coffee, or packing school lunches, this space works overtime. It also gives you an opportunity to create a “moment” in your home—something styled, intentional, and a little bit elevated from your everyday kitchen cabinetry. And let’s be honest… open shelving with pretty jars, stacked glasses, and a hint of greenery? It’s basically décor disguised as storage. Now, if you’re thinking, “This sounds dreamy, but do I need a full renovation?”—absolutely not. Let’s talk about how to get the bantry look on a budget. First, start with what you have. A small section of your kitchen, an underused cabinet wall, a butler’s pantry, or even a dining room sideboard can become your bantry zone. You don’t need a massive footprint—just a defined space. Next, edit and elevate your storage. Swap out bulky packaging for glass jars, decanters, or matching containers. This one change instantly makes everything feel more intentional and styled. Bonus points if you label them (yes, we’re going for that “effortlessly organized” look). Then, layer in function. Think about how you’ll use your bantry. Coffee lover? Add a tray with your machine, mugs, and syrups. Entertainer? Include a few bottles, a cocktail shaker, and your favorite glasses. Snack central? Baskets and bins will be your best friend. Now for the fun part—styling. This is where your decorator heart gets to shine. Incorporate small pieces that make the space feel like you: a framed print, a small lamp (you know I love a cordless moment), a plant, or even a cutting board leaned against the backsplash. Remember my rule of odds and triangle styling—group items in a way that feels balanced but not too perfect. And finally, add contrast. This could be as simple as painting the back of a cabinet a deeper color, adding peel-and-stick wallpaper, or swapping hardware for something a little more elevated. A small detail can make a big impact here. The beauty of the bantry is that it’s not about perfection—it’s about creating a space that works for your life and looks good doing it. So now I have to ask… could you carve out a little bantry moment in your home? And would yours lean more coffee bar, cocktail station, or snack central? Until Next Time, ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Let’s have a little heart-to-heart today. As a designer, I love a beautiful space just as much as you do—but I also love a smart investment. Not everything that looks good is worth your hard-earned dollars, and sometimes the “extras” just don’t deliver the payoff we hope for. So today, I’m sharing 10 things that, in my experience, are often not worth the cost (and what I’d do instead). 1. Matching Furniture Sets I know they’re easy—but they can make a space feel flat and a little too “showroom.” Mixing pieces adds personality and makes your home feel collected, not purchased in one click. 2. Trend-Heavy Decor If it’s everywhere right now, it might not age well. Instead of going all-in on trends, sprinkle them in through pillows, art, or accessories that are easy to swap. 3. Overly Expensive Area Rugs Rugs take a beating—especially in high-traffic homes with kids or pets. There are so many beautiful, budget-friendly options now that look just as good without the stress. 4. Cheap Furniture That Needs Replacing Quickly This one might surprise you, but super low-cost furniture often ends up costing more in the long run. If it doesn’t last, you’re buying it twice. Invest where it matters—like your sofa. 5. Too Many Small Decor Items All those little pieces add up fast—and often create visual clutter instead of charm. A few larger, meaningful items will always feel more elevated. 6. Elaborate Window Treatments (When Not Needed) Custom drapery can be stunning, but not every window needs the full treatment. Sometimes a simple panel or woven shade gets the job done beautifully for a fraction of the cost. 7. Over-Customizing Every Space Built-ins everywhere sound dreamy, but they can get expensive quickly. Be selective—focus on the areas where they truly add function and impact. 8. High-End Bedding That You’re Afraid to Use If it’s too precious to live with, what’s the point? You want bedding that feels luxurious and livable—soft, washable, and welcoming at the end of the day. 9. Ignoring Lighting and Spending Elsewhere This is the flip side—people often overspend on decor and underspend on lighting. Great lighting transforms a room, so don’t skip it… but also don’t assume the most expensive fixture is the best one. 10. Buying Everything All at Once This is a big one. Rushing to “finish” a room often leads to choices you don’t love long-term. Give your space time to evolve—it’s where the magic happens. At the end of the day, good design isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how your home feels. Thoughtful choices, a little patience, and a clear vision will always win over impulse purchases. I’d love to know—what’s something you’ve purchased for your home that just wasn’t worth it? Until Next Time ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Styling pillows on a bed is one of those simple touches that instantly makes a room feel polished and inviting—and the best part is, there’s no one “right” way to do it. Think of your pillows as layers: start with your sleeping pillows at the back, then build forward with shams, and finish with a few decorative pillows that bring in color, pattern, or texture. You can keep it tailored and symmetrical for a more classic feel, or mix sizes and shapes for something a little more relaxed and lived-in. I always say, let the bed reflect how you want the room to feel: calm and minimal, or cozy and layered. And don’t overthink it… fluff, adjust, step back, and trust your eye. The magic is in the mix. Until Next Time, ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends— Let’s set the scene… Easter is on the horizon, and whether you’re hosting brunch, dinner, or something in between, your table is about to take center stage. But here’s the thing, pretty is expected. Memorable? That’s where the magic happens. Today, we’re taking your Easter table up a notch with five easy, wallet-friendly ideas… each with a little unexpected twist that makes your guests pause and say, “Wait, I love that.” And yes, still all doable in under 15 minutes. 1. Start with a Soft Spring Base… Then Break the Rules Begin with your light, airy foundation, soft linens, a neutral runner, or even a bare table. The twist: Add something slightly unexpected on top. Think: A striped dish towel as a runner A scarf with a subtle pattern Even kraft paper with a quick scribbled menu or doodle It keeps the softness of Easter but adds personality and a hint of “did she just do that?” (Yes, you did.) 2. Add Fresh Greens… in Something Unexpected You already know greenery is a must, tulips, clippings, faux stems. The twist: Skip the traditional vase. Instead, try: A row of drinking glasses Teacups Small bowls or even empty candle jars Line them down the table for a collected, layered look. It feels casual, charming, and a little more editorial than expected. 3. Create a Bunny or Egg Moment… But Make It Chic A nod to Easter is a must, but we’re keeping it elevated. The twist: Go tonal or monochromatic. Instead of colorful eggs, try: All white eggs Speckled neutral tones Wooden or ceramic bunnies Place them in a simple bowl or scatter a few down the table. It reads more “designer Easter” and less “egg hunt explosion.” 4. Use the Rule of 3… Then Add One Wild Card Group your three go-to items: Tall (vase or greenery) Medium (candle or bunny) Small (decorative accent) The twist: Add one slightly unexpected element. Maybe: A small framed photo A stack of mini books A decorative object you’d normally use elsewhere That one “offbeat” piece makes the whole table feel curated instead of predictable. 5. Make It Functional… with a Sweet Surprise Layer in those practical pieces, fruit bowls, napkins, small baskets. The twist: Add a tiny takeaway for each guest. Think: A chocolate egg at each place setting A handwritten place card A sprig of rosemary or lavender tied to a napkin It’s simple, thoughtful, and makes your table feel like an experience, not just a setup. The takeaway? Your Easter table doesn’t need more stuff, it just needs a little intention and a tiny unexpected moment. Because those are the details people remember. So tell me… which twist are you trying first—the teacup florals or the monochromatic egg moment? Happy Easter Everyone, May you experience, peace, joy, hope and love this weekend, Until Next Time, ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, So many of my design consultations begin the same way—homeowners tell me their room just doesn’t feel complete… like something is a little off, but they can’t quite pinpoint what it is. If you’ve ever felt that way, you are absolutely not alone. Today, I’m going to walk you through the exact details I look at when I first enter a room. Consider this your designer’s guide to figuring out what might need a little shift to make your space feel finished and pulled together. Rugs can really ground a space —but when they’re too small, the room can feel a bit disconnected. Going a size up often makes everything feel more pulled together. Designer Tip Area rugs need to house the front feet of furniture placed in a room. Now take a look around, are your area rugs the right size? Lighting is one of the biggest game changers in a home. A single ceiling light can feel a little flat, but layering in lamps and softer lighting instantly adds warmth. One ceiling light is never enough. Those standard white light switches and outlets? They tend to fade into the background… until they don’t. A small upgrade here can subtly elevate the whole room. Outlet covers can be metallic, paintable and come in a variety of colors.  Curtains have the power to make your ceilings feel taller and your windows feel grander. Hanging them a little higher and wider works wonders.  Designer Tip Drapery should kiss the floor. You don’t want them hung too short, it just looks like you miscalculated. Even when everything “matches,” a room can still feel flat. Look around and bring in different textures,  wood, linen, or woven pieces—adds depth and interest. Radiators, vents, and those functional elements of a home don’t have to be ignored. With a little creativity, they can blend in beautifully. Adding something with a bit of history —a vintage piece or something collected over time—brings character and personality into a space. It’s tempting to push all the furniture against the walls, but pulling pieces in just a bit can make a room feel more inviting and conversational. Taking a few extra minutes to measure before purchasing can save a lot of guesswork (and returns!) later on. When it comes to accessories, less really can be more. A few thoughtfully chosen pieces often feel more styled than lots of smaller items. Leaving a little breathing room is actually part of good design. Not every corner needs to be filled. And finally, mixing materials, like wood, stone, metal, and soft textiles, creates that layered, collected look we all love. The best part, none of these ideas are about spending more money. They’re simply about making thoughtful choices that help your home feel complete, comfortable, and truly yours. Which one of these stood out to you the most? Until Next Time, Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, If there’s one topic that’s quietly (and confidently) taking over the home styling world right now, it’s this: creating spaces that feel personal, layered, and truly lived in. Gone are the days of overly styled, perfectly matched rooms that look beautiful but feel untouchable. Today’s top trend is all about authenticity, homes that tell your story, not a showroom’s. At the heart of this shift is what many are calling a “collected” look. Think of it as a space that evolves over time rather than being designed in a single shopping trip. It’s the mix of old and new, high and low, meaningful and functional. A vintage lamp paired with a modern sofa. A stack of well-loved books beside a sculptural object. These combinations create depth and interest in a way that feels effortless, even if there’s intention behind every layer. One of the easiest ways to embrace this trend is by incorporating pieces that have a story. Maybe it’s a bowl you picked up while traveling, a piece of art from a local market, or even something passed down through family. These items instantly add soul to a space. They invite conversation and give your home a sense of identity that can’t be replicated. Texture also plays a huge role in achieving this look. When a space isn’t relying on bold color or perfectly matched furniture, texture steps in to do the heavy lifting.  Designer Tip Think woven baskets, soft linens, warm woods, ceramic finishes, and even a touch of metal. Layering these elements creates a richness that makes a room feel inviting and complete. Another key element? Letting go of perfection. Styling today is less about rigid rules and more about how a space feels when you walk into it. Does it feel comfortable? Does it feel like you? A slightly imperfect arrangement, like a casually draped throw or a stack of books that isn’t perfectly aligned—can actually make a room feel more welcoming. And let’s talk about color for a moment. While bold colors will always have their place, we’re seeing a strong move toward softer, more grounded palettes. Warm neutrals, muted greens, gentle blues, these tones create a calming backdrop that allows your collected pieces to shine. It’s less about making a statement with color and more about creating a mood. What I love most about this trend is how approachable it is. You don’t need a full redesign or a big budget to make it work. Start small. Restyle a bookshelf. Swap out a lamp. Bring in something unexpected. Over time, these little changes add up to a space that feels curated, not decorated. At the end of the day, the top trend in home styling isn’t really about following a trend at all. It’s about creating a home that reflects who you are, how you live, and what you love. And honestly, that’s a style that never goes out of fashion. Until next time, keep layering, keep collecting, and most importantly, keep making your home yours. Until Next Time, Tatum

Hello Decor Friends,  Styling built-in bookcases can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, but it really doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few thoughtful choices, your shelves can feel warm, layered, and beautifully connected to the rest of your home. Here are some simple step-by-step tips to style the shelves of your dreams.  1. Start with the Books Books are always the best place to begin. They give your shelves structure and help everything feel grounded. Mix vertical rows of books with a few horizontal stacks. The horizontal stacks are especially helpful because they create little platforms where you can place decorative objects. Try to keep most of the book spines in warm, neutral tones like creams, browns, or greens so the shelves feel calm and cohesive. 2. Bring in Your Color Story Your shelves should quietly repeat the colors already in the room. Since you already have some beautiful tones working in the room, consider adding a small ceramic vase, bowl, or decorative box that echoes those colors. It doesn't take much, just a few thoughtful touches to help everything feel connected and intentional. 3. Layer in Natural Materials If you have a fireplace and mantle take these things into consideration. You might incorporate things like: woven baskets carved wood objects ceramic vases marble or stone bookends leather boxes These materials add depth and richness to the shelves. 4. Vary Heights and Shapes To keep the shelves visually interesting, mix tall, medium, and low pieces. For example, you might include: a tall vase or jar a medium framed photo leaning against the back of the shelf a small bowl or decorative object in front This layering helps create depth and keeps everything from feeling flat. 5. Add a Touch of Greenery A little greenery can soften shelves and make them feel more relaxed and inviting. A small trailing plant, a vase with greenery stems, or a simple topiary can bring life to the arrangement. 6. Leave Some Breathing Room One of the biggest styling mistakes is filling every shelf. It’s perfectly okay and actually preferable to leave a little open space. Those quiet spots allow the eye to rest and help the shelves feel curated rather than crowded. Designer Tip   Books + decorative object + greenery or a small frame. It’s balanced, simple, and easy to repeat throughout the bookcase. Designer Objects That Always Look Beautiful in Built-Ins If you’re looking for pieces that elevate shelves effortlessly, these are a few favorites designers reach for again and again: Ginger jars or lidded urns These classic shapes add height and elegance. Marble or stone bookends They bring natural texture and help anchor groups of books. Decorative boxes Perfect for stacking and also great for tucking away small items. Small framed artwork or sketches Leaning art adds personality and depth to shelves A sculptural piece . Something simple and interesting like a brass knot, wood bead strand, or small sculpture adds a touch of character. The real goal isn’t perfection. The most beautiful shelves are the ones that feel collected, personal, and reflective of the people who live in the home. I hope these ideas help make the process fun and enjoyable.  Until Next Time -Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, As the days grow a little longer and the chill of winter begins to soften, many of us feel the natural urge to refresh our homes. While spring cleaning often focuses on the inside, the exterior of your home deserves just as much attention. After months of winter weather, a thoughtful exterior refresh can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal and create a welcoming first impression. The good news? You don’t need a full landscape overhaul to make your home shine. A few intentional updates can make a big difference. Here are three key things to plan for as you prepare your home for a spring exterior cleanup. 1. Refresh Your Landscaping Beds Winter can leave landscaping looking a little tired and untidy. Early spring is the perfect time to give your garden beds a refresh. Start by clearing out any dead leaves, fallen branches, or leftover plant debris. This simple step instantly makes your yard look more polished. Next, trim back shrubs and perennials to encourage healthy new growth. One of the easiest ways to elevate your curb appeal is by adding a fresh layer of mulch or pine straw. Not only does it help retain moisture and prevent weeds, but it also gives landscaping beds a clean, finished look that frames your home beautifully. Designer Tip  Pansies, tulips, and daffodils are early spring favorites that bring cheerful color after the gray days of winter.  2. Power Wash and Clean Exterior Surfaces You might be surprised how much brighter your home can look with a simple deep clean. Over the winter months, dirt, pollen, mildew, and debris can build up on siding, walkways, porches, and driveways. Power washing these surfaces removes that layer of grime and instantly refreshes the appearance of your home. Focus on areas that create the first impression: your front porch, front steps, driveway, and walkways leading to the door. Don’t forget about railings, shutters, and garage doors as well. While you’re at it, take a few minutes to clean your exterior light fixtures and wipe down your front door. These small details often go unnoticed until they sparkle again, and they help your home feel cared for and inviting. 3. Style Your Front Porch or Entry Think of your front porch as the welcome mat for your home. Even small styling touches can dramatically increase curb appeal. Start by assessing what may have weathered over the winter. Doormat looking worn? Planters empty? Outdoor pillows faded? Replacing or refreshing these elements can instantly elevate your entryway. Adding a pair of planters with fresh greenery or seasonal flowers is one of the easiest ways to bring life to a porch. A simple wreath on the front door or a lantern beside the entry can also add charm without feeling overly decorated. The goal isn’t to overwhelm the space but to create a warm and intentional entry that invites people in. Spring exterior cleanup doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By focusing on landscaping, cleaning exterior surfaces, and adding thoughtful porch styling, you can dramatically boost your home’s curb appeal. And honestly, there’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling into the driveway and seeing your home looking fresh, cared for, and ready for the new season. Happy spring refreshing 🌿 Until Next Time ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, If you’ve ever walked into a room and thought,  This feels flat,  chances are it wasn’t missing furniture — it was missing texture. Texture is the quiet hero of a well-designed space. It’s what makes a room feel layered instead of one-dimensional, curated instead of thrown together, and comfortable instead of cold. Even a neutral color palette can feel rich and inviting when you vary the finishes, materials, and fabrics within it. Let’s talk about five easy ways to add layers to your home — without a full renovation. 1. Mix Soft Textiles Start with what you can touch. Throw pillows, blankets, curtains, and rugs are your quickest path to warmth. Think linen paired with velvet, chunky knits next to smooth cotton, or a woven wool rug under a sleek coffee table. Why it works, soft layers absorb sound, soften hard lines, and make a space feel lived-in. When you combine different fabrics, your eye naturally moves around the room, which creates visual interest and depth. 2. Incorporate Natural Materials Wood, rattan, jute, stone, ceramic — these materials instantly ground a space. A woven basket, a marble tray, a wood bowl, or a seagrass rug adds organic texture that can’t be replicated by synthetic finishes. Designer Tip Natural elements bring subtle variation in tone and surface. They prevent a room from feeling overly polished or sterile and help balance more modern or streamlined pieces. 3. Layer Lighting Most rooms rely too heavily on one overhead light. Instead, aim for multiple light sources: table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, even candles. Each light source creates its own glow and shadow. Light itself adds texture. The way it hits a plaster wall, reflects off a mirror, or glows through a linen shade adds dimension. Layered lighting makes a room feel cozy in the evening and intentional during the day. 4. Vary Hard Surfaces Not all hard finishes need to match. In fact, they shouldn’t. Mix matte and polished finishes. Pair brushed brass with aged bronze. Combine smooth quartz with rustic wood. When every surface has the same sheen, a room feels flat. Mixing finishes adds contrast and sophistication. It gives the impression that pieces were thoughtfully collected over time rather than purchased all at once. 5. Add Architectural or Decorative Details This could be as simple as picture frame molding, beadboard, a textured wallpaper, or even stacked books styled with intention. You don’t need major construction to create interest. Layers at different heights and depths give the eye something to explore. They create shadow lines and dimension, which elevate a space from basic to curated. Bottom line, texture creates comfort because it mirrors the way we experience the world. We’re drawn to spaces that feel layered and nuanced. When a room combines soft and structured, smooth and rough, matte and sheen, it feels balanced. And balance feels good. If your space feels unfinished, don’t rush to repaint or replace furniture. Instead, ask yourself: Where can I add softness? Where can I add contrast? Where can I layer? Often, the design magic is in the details. Happy layering friends, Until Next Time ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked design elements in a family room… lighting. Not the “flip a switch and hope for the best” kind. I mean intentional, layered, mood-setting lighting that makes your space feel warm, welcoming, and pulled together. If you’ve ever walked into a room and thought, “Why does this feel flat?” , chances are, it’s not your sofa. It’s your lighting. Why Layering Light Matters Layered lighting simply means using more than one source of light at different heights and intensities. When you rely on a single overhead fixture, it casts harsh shadows and flattens the room. It might technically brighten the space, but it doesn’t  enhance  it. Your family room works hard. It’s where you relax, host friends, watch movies, fold laundry, maybe even answer a few emails. One light source can’t possibly support all of that. Layering allows you to adjust the mood and functionality based on what’s happening in the room. Think of lighting as the jewelry of your space. It highlights the features you love and softens the ones you don’t. 1. Ambient Lighting (The Base Layer) This is your overall light source — ceiling fixtures, recessed lighting, or a central chandelier. It provides general illumination so the room feels open and airy, but here’s the key: it should not be your only source of light. Use it as your starting point, not your entire plan. 2. Task Lighting (The Practical Layer) Reading in your favorite chair? Working on a puzzle? This is where table lamps and floor lamps come in. Place a lamp beside a sofa or armchair to create cozy reading zones. Add one on a console table to brighten darker corners. Task lighting brings purpose to specific areas and makes your family room more functional. Designer Tip Vary the heights of your lamps. A mix of taller floor lamps and lower table lamps adds dimension and keeps the room visually interesting. 3. Accent Lighting (The Magic Layer) This is where the personality shows up. Think picture lights, small decorative lamps, wall sconces, or even LED strips inside built-ins. Accent lighting draws attention to artwork, architectural details, or styled shelves. It creates subtle shadows and depth, making your space feel layered and intentional instead of flat. This is often the layer that turns a “nice” room into a “wow” room. A Few Practical Tips Use warm light bulbs (around 2700K–3000K) for a cozy, inviting feel.• Install dimmers whenever possible. They give you control over the mood. Don’t center everything around the ceiling. Spread light around the room.• Add lamps even if you think you have enough light — you probably don’t. And here’s something important: lighting affects how your paint colors look. A beautifully chosen wall color can fall flat under cool, harsh bulbs. When you layer warm light throughout the room, colors feel richer and more intentional. Your family room should feel like a place people want to gather. Layered lighting helps eliminate harsh shadows, highlights your favorite pieces, and makes the space feel comfortable at any time of day. So if your family room feels “off,” before you replace the rug or rearrange the furniture… try adding a lamp. You might be surprised how everything suddenly feels just right. Until Next Time, ~Tatum

Hello decor friends, We talk a lot about what to do inside our homes but today, we’re stepping outside. You may still have snow on the ground but it’s not too soon to begin thinking about your home’s exterior. It  is the first impression, and just like inside, a few common missteps can quietly sabotage all that curb appeal potential. Let’s chat about the top three mistakes I see homeowners make on their home’s exterior and how to avoid them. 1. Playing It Too Safe (or Too Trendy) There’s a delicate balance between timeless and trendy. One of the biggest mistakes, going all in on whatever is currently flooding your feed. All-black exteriors. Ultra-modern farmhouse everything. Stark white with high-contrast trim. Beautiful? Yes. Right for every home? Not necessarily. Your exterior should complement your home’s architecture and surroundings. A historic brick colonial might not love a moody charcoal makeover. A coastal cottage may feel heavy in deep espresso brown. On the flip side, playing it so safe that everything blends into beige oblivion can also fall flat. If your home disappears into a sea of similar houses, consider subtle contrast—maybe a richer front door color, upgraded lighting, or warmer trim. 2. Ignoring Scale and Proportion This one sneaks up on people. Tiny light fixtures flanking a grand front door. An oversized wreath that swallows the entry. Skinny shutters that don’t actually match the window size (this one is more common than you think). Exterior elements need to be sized correctly for the architecture. Lighting should be substantial enough to feel intentional. Planters should anchor the doorway, not look like an afterthought.  Designer Tip House numbers should be readable from the street—both functional and stylish. When in doubt, go slightly larger.  Undersized pieces feel timid. Proper scale feels confident and polished, if something feels “off” but you can’t quite name it, nine times out of ten… it’s proportion. 3. Forgetting That Landscaping Is Part of the Design You can have the prettiest paint color on the block—but if the landscaping is struggling, sparse, or wildly overgrown, it distracts from everything else. Landscaping frames your home. It softens hard lines. It adds texture, color, and life. Without it, even a beautifully designed exterior can feel unfinished. This doesn’t mean you need a full garden overhaul. Sometimes it’s as simple as: Fresh mulch Defined bed lines Symmetrical planters at the entry Seasonal greenery or blooms Keeping shrubs trimmed and windows visible. Think of landscaping as your exterior accessories. It’s the layer that makes everything feel thoughtful instead of accidental. Your home’s exterior doesn’t have to be dramatic to be beautiful. It just needs to feel cohesive, proportional, and cared for. If you’re ever unsure, take a photo from the street. Look at it as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Does it reflect the style and story you want to tell? Does anything feel too small, too trendy, or a little neglected? The outside sets the tone for everything inside. And when it’s done well, it’s not just curb appeal—it’s a warm welcome home. Until Next Time, ~Tatum