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Hello Decor Friends! Wall sconces are like jewelry for your walls: they add personality, create ambiance, and make a home feel warm and thoughtfully designed. Whether you’re updating a bedroom, refreshing a bathroom, or brightening a hallway, the right sconces can transform a space. With so many styles, sizes, and finishes to choose from, where do you begin? Here are five simple tips to help you choose sconces like a pro. 1. Start with Their Purpose Before falling in love with a beautiful fixture, think about what you need it to do. Are you looking for soft, ambient lighting in a hallway, task lighting beside your bed, or perhaps a decorative statement flanking a beautiful mirror? For bedrooms, I love adjustable sconces that make nighttime reading easy. In bathrooms, sconces with frosted or fabric shades can provide flattering, diffused light. And in entryways, a pair of gorgeous sconces can instantly make the space feel more welcoming. Designer Tip Decide whether your sconces need to be functional, decorative, or a little of both. 2. Get the Size and Scale Right Size matters, friends. A tiny sconce on a large wall can look lost, while an oversized fixture can overwhelm a smaller space. Consider the height of your ceilings, the furniture nearby, and the overall proportions of the room. For bedside sconces, a common starting point is approximately 60–62 inches from the floor, but always consider your headboard height, mattress height, and how you’ll use the light. Designer Tip Before purchasing, use painter’s tape to outline the fixture on your wall. It’s an easy way to visualize the scale. 3. Mix Your Metals with Confidence Here’s a little design secret: your sconces don’t have to match every other metal finish in the room. I love mixing aged brass with matte black or pairing polished nickel with warm wood tones. The trick is making your finishes feel intentional. Try repeating each metal somewhere else in the space to create a cohesive look. And remember, a little contrast adds personality. 4. Think About the Light Itself A beautiful fixture is wonderful, but the quality of light is just as important. For cozy spaces like bedrooms and living rooms, I recommend warm white bulbs, generally around 2700K. Dimmers are another must have. They allow you to adjust the mood from bright and functional to soft and relaxing. 5. Let Your Personality Shine Sconces are a wonderful opportunity to introduce something unexpected. Try a pleated fabric shade for a classic, collected look, a sculptural brass fixture for modern elegance, or a charming antique-inspired sconce for timeless character. Choose something that complements your home without feeling overly matched. Great lighting isn’t just about seeing better, it’s about creating a home that feels beautiful, comfortable, and uniquely yours. And sometimes, the smallest design details make the biggest difference. Photo courtesy of Pinterest Until next time, -Tatum

Hello Decor Friends! Let's talk about one of the most common decorating dilemmas I hear from homeowners: "Do all the wood tones in my home need to match?" The short answer, absolutely not! In fact, mixing wood tones is one of my favorite ways to give a room warmth, character, and that beautifully collected-over-time feeling. Gone are the days when your dining table, sideboard, coffee table, and picture frames all needed to be the exact same shade of brown. A thoughtfully designed room should feel layered and personal, not like everything arrived together in one big furniture delivery. Here's the secret: while mixing wood tones creates interest, there's a little art to making those different finishes feel intentional rather than accidental. Today, I'm sharing three practical designer tips to help you mix wood tones with confidence. 1: Start with a Dominant Wood Tone Think of your dominant wood tone as the foundation of your room's color story. If you have hardwood floors, those will often be your starting point. If your floors are carpeted or tiled, look to your largest piece of wooden furniture, such as a dining table, console, or beautiful antique cabinet. Once you've identified that main wood tone, introduce one or two complementary finishes. For example, if your floors are a medium oak, consider pairing them with a darker walnut coffee table and a lighter natural wood accent chair. Designer Tip Aim for two or three wood tones in a room. This gives you variety without making the space feel visually busy. 2: Pay Attention to Undertones Here's where a little designer knowledge goes a long way. Just like paint colors, wood finishes have undertones. Some lean warm, with hints of yellow, orange, or red, while others have cooler gray or taupe undertones. And then there are those lovely neutral woods that play well with almost everything. The trick is to find finishes that complement one another. For instance, warm honey oak pairs beautifully with rich walnut or medium brown finishes. A weathered gray wood might look lovely alongside a muted, neutral oak. You don't have to match undertones perfectly, but you do want the overall combination to feel harmonious, they need to play friendly together. Designer Tip Bring wood samples together in natural light before committing. What looks perfect in a showroom can look completely different in your home. 3: Create Balance by Repeating Wood Tones This is one of my favorite tricks for making a room feel professionally designed. Rather than having every wood finish appear only once, repeat a tone in another area of the room. Let's say you've introduced a dark walnut coffee table into a living room with lighter oak floors. Consider repeating that darker finish in a picture frame, decorative bowl, or side table. Suddenly, the darker wood doesn't feel random, it feels intentional. Your home should tell your story, and mixing wood tones is a wonderful way to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and uniquely yours. Don't be afraid to pair that inherited antique chest with a modern oak table or introduce a beautiful vintage find into a room filled with newer furnishings. Some of the most interesting rooms are the ones that look as though they've evolved over time.Remember, the goal isn't perfectly matched furniture. It's a beautifully balanced home. Now I'm curious, decor friends: Are you comfortable mixing wood tones, or do you still find yourself trying to make everything match? Until next time ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends! When the temperatures start to dip and we find ourselves reaching for cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and an extra blanket, our homes deserve a little seasonal coziness, too! And one of my favorite ways to welcome the colder months is using plaid. Now, before you start picturing lumberjack shirts, rustic cabins, and red-and-green Christmas decorations, let me assure you that plaid has grown up! Today's plaids are sophisticated, playful, and surprisingly versatile. When used thoughtfully, they add warmth, personality, and just the right amount of pattern to a space. The best part, you don't need a big budget or an entire room makeover to make plaid work beautifully in your home. Here are five designer-inspired ways to embrace plaid this season. 1. Think Beyond Traditional Red and Green One of the easiest ways to give plaid a modern twist is to rethink its color palette. Instead of traditional holiday combinations, consider muted sage and cream, chocolate brown and camel, dusty blue and oatmeal, or even burgundy paired with soft blush. These updated color stories feel fresh, sophisticated, and seasonal without screaming Christmas! Designer Tip Choose a plaid that incorporates two or three colors already found in your room. This creates a collected, intentional look rather than something that feels overly themed. 2. Start Small with Textiles You don't need plaid wallpaper or a new upholstered sofa to make an impact. A pair of plaid pillow covers, a beautifully draped throw, or even a plaid table runner can completely change the mood of a space. One of my favorite wallet-friendly tricks is purchasing seasonal pillow covers rather than entirely new pillows. Simply swap the covers and store the extras until next season. Designer Tip Mix your plaid with solid velvets, chunky knits, or soft linens. The contrast in textures adds richness without overwhelming the room. 3. Give Plaid an Unexpected Home Who says plaid belongs only on the sofa? Try adding a plaid ribbon to a simple evergreen wreath, lining a decorative tray with plaid fabric, or using plaid napkins with everyday dinnerware. I especially love the idea of framing a beautiful piece of plaid fabric as seasonal artwork. It's inexpensive, unexpected, and adds a little personality! Even a small plaid lampshade can bring charming, tailored character to a bedside table or reading nook. 4. Mix Plaid with Other Patterns Here's where things get interesting! Plaid plays surprisingly well with stripes, florals, and even scalloped details. The secret is varying the scale. Pair a larger plaid with a delicate floral or narrow stripe, keeping the colors connected. For example, imagine a chocolate-and-cream plaid pillow paired with a tiny sage floral. It's layered, chic, and anything but predictable. 5. Create Cozy Moments, Not Entire Plaid Rooms Sometimes the smallest details create the biggest feeling of warmth. A plaid blanket tossed over an armchair, a stack of favorite books, a small lamp glowing nearby, and suddenly you've created a cozy little retreat. That's the magic of decorating for the colder months. It's less about filling every corner with seasonal decorations and more about creating spaces that invite us to slow down, settle in, and stay awhile. A Little Plaid Goes a Long Way Plaid is one of those timeless patterns that can feel traditional, contemporary, whimsical, or beautifully tailored depending on how you style it. My advice, start with one piece you love, build around your existing colors, and don't be afraid to mix things up! Now I'm curious, decor friends! Are you a plaid lover, or have you always thought of it as a little too traditional? Perhaps this is the season to give this classic pattern a fresh look! Until Next Time – Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Lighting is one of those details that can completely change the personality of a kitchen. It’s functional, of course, but it’s also an opportunity to add warmth, character, and a little bit of that wow factor. And here’s the good news: your light fixtures do not have to match. In fact, a kitchen often feels more thoughtfully designed when the lighting coordinates rather than matches perfectly. Think of your fixtures like jewelry. Your earrings, necklace, and bracelet don’t need to come from the same set—they just need to look like they belong at the same party! So, how do you mix kitchen lighting without ending up with a room that feels busy or disconnected? Here are my top three tips. 1. Find One Common Thread When choosing different fixtures, give them something that visually connects them. This could be the finish, shape, material, or overall style. For example, you might choose larger woven pendants over an island and pair them with simple aged-brass sconces near the sink. They’re very different fixtures, but the warm tones create a relationship between them. Or perhaps you love black. Try black lantern-style pendants with a softer fixture over the breakfast table that incorporates just a touch of black. The goal isn’t matching—it’s conversation. Your fixtures should feel like they’re talking to one another. 2. Let One Fixture Be the Star Every room needs a little hierarchy. If every light fixture is shouting, “Look at me!” your eye won’t know where to land. Choose one area where the lighting gets to make the statement. In many kitchens, that’s over the island. Go bigger, more sculptural, or introduce an interesting material there. Then allow your other lighting—sconces, recessed lights, or a fixture over the sink—to play a supporting role. If your kitchen opens into a dining or breakfast area, decide which fixture deserves top billing and let the other complement it. A little restraint goes a long way toward creating a designer look. 3. Pay Attention to Scale You can choose the most beautiful fixture in the world, but if the scale is wrong, something will feel off. A large kitchen with a substantial island usually needs fixtures with enough visual weight to hold their own. Tiny pendants over an oversized island can feel lost. On the flip side, multiple oversized fixtures in a smaller kitchen can quickly overwhelm the space. Before purchasing, look at the fixture’s actual dimensions—not just the pretty online photo! Consider ceiling height, island length, spacing, and the other visual elements in the room. Designer Tip Going a little larger is exactly what gives a kitchen that custom, designer feel. The secret to mixing kitchen lighting is really quite simple: coordinate, don’t match. Choose a common thread, establish a star, and get your scale right. When those three things work together, your lighting can feel collected, intentional, and beautifully layered. So, Decor Friends, take a look around your kitchen. Are all of your fixtures trying a little too hard to match—or is there an opportunity to mix things up? Photos found on Pinterest Until Next Time –Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Let’s talk about something that has become a bit of a design-world darling: washable rugs. If you have kids, pets, muddy shoes, red wine drinkers—or simply a house where people actually live—the idea of tossing your rug into the washing machine sounds pretty fantastic. But are washable rugs really the answer for every room? As a designer, my answer is: sometimes! Why We Love Them The biggest advantage is right there in the name: they’re washable. Spills, pet accidents and everyday dirt don’t necessarily mean an expensive professional cleaning or a permanently stained rug. That makes them especially appealing in homes with young children and pets. I also love the freedom they can give you to use lighter colors or patterns in spaces where you might otherwise play it safe. Washable rugs have also come a long way aesthetically. There are beautiful options available now in vintage-inspired patterns, soft neutrals, geometrics and wonderful colors. You no longer have to sacrifice style for practicality. Things to Consider Washable doesn’t always mean effortless. Large rugs can become very heavy and cumbersome when wet, and depending on the size of your washing machine, an oversized rug may still need a trip to a commercial-size washer. Another consideration is feel. Some washable rugs are thinner and don’t have the plushness, texture or substantial hand of a wool or traditionally woven rug. In a beautifully layered living room, that difference can matter. They can also shift, wrinkle or curl more easily, making the rug pad or backing particularly important. Where Do We Use Them As a designer, I especially like washable rugs in high-traffic, high-mess areas. Think kitchens, breakfast areas, mudrooms, laundry rooms, playrooms and kids’ bedrooms. They can also be fantastic in vacation rentals and pet-friendly homes where durability and easy maintenance are priorities. For a formal living room, dining room or primary bedroom where the rug is an important part of creating warmth and luxury, I may lean toward wool or another more substantial natural fiber instead. It really comes down to choosing the right rug for the job. 3 Tips Before You Buy 1. Check your washing machine capacity. Don’t assume “washable” means your machine can handle it! Look at the manufacturer’s washing instructions and consider the rug size. 2. Look beyond the pattern. A pretty rug will grab your attention, but pay attention to thickness, edge construction, backing and how the rug feels underfoot. A good rug pad can make a huge difference. 3. Order a sample when possible. Online colors can be deceiving. Look at the rug in your own home, with your flooring, furniture and natural light before committing to a large size. The bottom line, washable rugs are another great tool in our decorating toolbox—but they aren’t necessarily the right tool for every room. Use them where their practicality shines, and invest in something more substantial where texture and luxury matter most. Remember, great design isn’t just about how your home looks. It’s about making sure it works beautifully for the way you actually live. Until Next Time ~ Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Just when we thought we had mastered cottagecore, grandmillennial, and quiet luxury, along comes another design style with a name that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea: Burrowcore. And yes, it is every bit as cozy as it sounds. Burrowcore is all about creating a home that feels like a retreat from the outside world—a space that is warm, layered, personal, and wonderfully comfortable. Think less “perfectly styled showroom” and more “I may never leave this room.” The idea is to create your own little burrow: a home that feels protective, welcoming, and filled with the things you genuinely love. So, What Does Burrowcore Look Like Warm, earthy colors. Burrowcore leans into colors found in nature. Think mossy greens, mushroom browns, warm creams, muted ochres, soft rusts, and deep, moody neutrals. The palette should feel grounded rather than overly bright or trendy. Layers—and then a few more layers. This is not the time for a lonely throw pillow! Mix chunky blankets, linen pillows, vintage rugs, woven baskets, soft upholstery, and natural wood. Texture is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel instantly warmer. Low, cozy lighting. Put the overhead lights on notice. Burrowcore loves pools of soft light created with table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, candles, and even those wonderful little rechargeable lamps tucked onto bookshelves and countertops. Collected pieces with personality. Your grandmother’s bowl, a stack of well-loved books, pottery from a favorite trip, an old wooden stool, framed art you found at an antique shop—bring it all in. Designer Tip Burrowcore isn't about matching. It is about creating a space that feels as though it developed over time. Nature comes indoors. Wood, stone, linen, wool, pottery, dried branches, plants, and other organic materials help create that earthy, tucked-away feeling. Try It at Home Want to experiment without completely redecorating? Start with one cozy corner. Choose a chair you already own and create a little reading “burrow” around it. Add a small side table, a warm lamp, a soft throw, a textured pillow, a basket for books or magazines, and perhaps a small piece of art on the wall. If you have room, layer a small vintage-inspired rug underneath. Suddenly, an unused corner becomes the spot everyone wants to claim. And that may be what I love most about Burrowcore. It isn't asking us to create homes that simply look beautiful. It is reminding us to create homes that feel good to live in. So fluff the pillows, turn on the lamps, grab your favorite blanket, and embrace your inner homebody. Your burrow is waiting. Photos courtesy of English home Until Next Time – Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Is there anything that says welcome quite like a beautiful wreath on the front door? I received a number of questions this weekend about front door decor. Here ya go, a few ideas, from one fall loving, seasonally relevant friend to another. As we ease into early fall, you may not be ready for pumpkins, orange leaves, and full-on harvest decorating just yet. A wreath is one of my favorite ways to begin transitioning your home into the new season without going overboard. And here’s the best part: a designer-looking wreath doesn’t have to come with a designer price tag. Start with a simple base, add a few beautiful elements, and keep your color palette intentional. Here are five early fall wreath ideas I’m loving. 1. The Collected Grapevine Wreath You know I love something that feels collected rather than overly decorated, and a grapevine wreath is perfect for that look. Start with an inexpensive grapevine base and add a few wispy branches, dried grasses, seed pods, or faux foliage. Don’t feel like you need to cover the entire wreath! Leaving some of the grapevine exposed creates a relaxed, organic look that feels much more designer-worthy. 2. The Hydrangea Wreath Before you toss those beautiful hydrangea blooms from your garden, give them a second life! Dried hydrangeas naturally develop the most beautiful muted shades of green, mauve, brown, cream, and dusty pink. Cluster them around a grapevine wreath or tuck just a few blooms along one side for an asymmetrical look. It’s practically free—and absolutely gorgeous. 3. The Ribbon-Forward Wreath Sometimes you don’t need to remake your wreath. You just need a fabulous ribbon! Take a simple greenery or grapevine wreath and add an oversized sash, layered ribbon, or long trailing bow. Look for velvet, block prints, plaids, stripes, or rich solid colors. Designer Tip Try chocolate brown, olive green, burgundy, plum, or mustard for an early fall palette that feels sophisticated without screaming pumpkin season. 4. The Foraged Wreath This one might be my favorite wallet-friendly idea. Take a walk around your yard and see what you can find! Interesting branches, dried grasses, magnolia leaves, seed heads, pinecones, and other natural elements can create an incredibly beautiful wreath. The trick is restraint. Choose two or three materials rather than using everything you find. Repeating the same elements creates a more intentional, elevated design. 5. The Unexpected Color Wreath or Basket Who says a fall wreath has to be orange? Try building your wreath around an unexpected color story: burgundy and blush, blue and brown, sage and cream, plum and green, or even layers of rich neutrals. Start with your front door color and let that guide you. When your wreath complements your home rather than simply matching the season, the entire entrance feels more custom and thoughtfully designed. So, Decor Friends, consider this your invitation to give your front door a little early-fall love. Pull out the wreath you already own, wander through your yard for a few beautiful finds, grab a fabulous new ribbon, or start fresh with a simple grapevine base. Choose one idea that inspires you and make it your own. Your front door is the first welcome into your home—let it tell a little story about the season ahead. And when you’re finished, snap a picture and share it with me. I’d love to see which wreath made it to your front door this fall! Photos courtesy of Etsy Until Next Time -Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Labor Day weekend always feels like that little bridge between summer and fall. We’re still enjoying long days and warm evenings, but there’s also that tiny itch to start cozying up our homes for the season ahead. And a three-day weekend? That’s practically an invitation for a little home project! The good news is you don’t need a major renovation, a contractor, or a giant budget to make your home feel refreshed. Here are three easy, wallet-friendly DIY projects you can tackle this Labor Day weekend—and still have plenty of time left for relaxing. 1. Give Your Front Door a Mini Makeover Your front door sets the tone for your entire home, and a few small changes can make a surprisingly big impact. Start with a good cleaning—door, trim, light fixtures and all. Then consider giving your door a fresh coat of paint. A soft sage, moody blue, warm charcoal or even a beautiful earthy neutral can completely transform your entrance. Finish it off with a new doormat, a simple seasonal wreath and a pair of planters filled with late-summer greenery. Designer Tip Before buying anything new, shop your garage, attic or storage closet. A planter you already own may just need a fresh plant—or a coat of spray paint—to feel brand new. 2. Create a Small Accent Wall Wallpapering an entire room can be an investment, but one small wall? Now we’re talking! Look around your home for a forgotten little space: a powder room wall, the back of a bookcase, a small entry, laundry room or even the wall behind your bed. Try peel-and-stick wallpaper, a bold paint color or a simple DIY trim treatment. You don’t need a huge space to create a little design moment. This is one of my favorite kinds of micro-makeovers because you get a lot of visual impact without committing an entire weekend—or your entire decorating budget—to the project. 3. Refresh Something You Already Own Before heading out to buy something new, take another look at what you already have. That tired side table, paint it. An old lamp, try a new shade. A dated picture frame, give it a coat of Rub ’n Buff. A forgotten vase, fill it with branches or hydrangeas clipped from the yard. Sometimes our homes don’t need more things. They simply need us to look at what we already have with fresh eyes. Pick one piece that has been bothering you and give yourself permission to experiment. If it’s already sitting in the donation pile, you really don’t have much to lose! Keep It Simple Your Labor Day project doesn’t need to turn into a renovation marathon. Choose one small project that you can start and finish in a day. Put on your favorite playlist, grab a fun drink, roll up those sleeves and enjoy the process. Because sometimes the smallest changes are the ones that make us fall in love with our homes all over again. Happy Labor Day Weekend Until Next Time, -Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, After you’ve chosen the perfect wallpaper—the color, pattern, and texture that makes your design-loving heart happy—the next step is making sure it’s installed beautifully. And that means finding the right professional for the job. A beautiful wallpaper installation starts with choosing an experienced installer. Before you book, take a little time to make sure they have the skills and experience needed for your specific wallpaper. Today I wanted to give you some tips when talking to potential installers. Experience Matters Not all wallpaper installs the same way. Ask whether your installer has worked with the type of paper you’ve selected—especially specialty materials such as grasscloth, vinyl, metallic, or PVC-free Type II wallcoverings. Some materials require special techniques, including overlapping and double-cutting, so experience really does matter. Get More Than One Estimate It’s always a good idea to talk with a few installers before making your decision. Compare not only pricing, but also their experience, availability, and familiarity with your wallpaper. The least expensive quote isn’t always the best choice—you’re looking for someone who will give you a beautiful, professional finish. Ask How They Handle the Unexpected Even experienced installers run into challenges. Uneven walls, tricky seams, bubbles, wrinkles, pattern alignment, or unexpected wall conditions can all happen. Instead of asking, “Have you ever had a problem?” try asking, “How do you handle problems when they come up?” A great installer should be comfortable explaining how they troubleshoot and make adjustments along the way. Designer Tip Book your installer early! Talented wallpaper professionals can fill their schedules quickly, so once you’ve chosen your wallpaper, start looking for your installer. A little planning upfront can make the entire process—and your finished walls—so much better. Until Next Time, ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, You know I love a home that feels collected rather than decorated, and Jingdezhen hand-painted ceramics are one of those beautiful elements that can instantly add history, color, and personality to a space. Jingdezhen, China, has been celebrated for centuries for its exquisite porcelain and ceramic artistry. Each piece is meticulously crafted and painted by hand, often featuring antique reproduction designs inspired by traditional Asian motifs. Think delicate florals, scenic landscapes, botanical details, and charming folk-art patterns. The beauty is in those little variations and imperfections that remind us these pieces have been touched by an artisan—not simply rolled off an assembly line. And while these ceramics may have a traditional history, don't think for a second that they only belong in traditional homes. They are wonderful mixed into contemporary, transitional, coastal, and even modern interiors. In fact, that little bit of contrast is often what makes a room more interesting. So, where can you use them in your home? Style Them on a Bookshelf Bookshelves are the perfect place to incorporate a smaller ginger jar, vase, bowl, or decorative piece. Nestle one beside a stack of books or pair it with a more contemporary object. The pattern and color break up all those straight lines and add a lovely collected layer. Create a Beautiful Console Moment Try a pair of larger Jingdezhen jars or vases on an entry console. Add a lamp, artwork, and perhaps a small stack of books, and suddenly your entry feels intentional and welcoming. Don't be afraid to mix these traditional ceramics with a clean-lined or modern console—the contrast is fabulous. Bring One Into the Kitchen A beautiful ceramic piece doesn't need to be reserved for the living room. Use a jar to hold wooden spoons, display a decorative bowl on your island, or fill a vase with fresh branches or flowers. It's an easy way to bring something special and unexpected into an everyday space. Add Character to Your Dining Table Instead of a traditional centerpiece, use a grouping of hand-painted ceramics in different heights and shapes down the center of your dining table. Add greenery or flowers to one or two pieces and leave the others empty. It feels relaxed, layered, and far less formal than a perfectly matched arrangement. Give Your Mantel Some Personality A single ginger jar or a mismatched pair can be beautiful on a mantel. Mix them with framed artwork, candlesticks, or other collected treasures. Remember, everything doesn't need to match. A little tension between old and new is often what gives a room its personality. Jingdezhen ceramics are a wonderful reminder that our homes don't need to be filled with the newest things. Sometimes it's the pieces inspired by history and tradition that bring the most character. Designer Tip Mix old with new, traditional with contemporary, and beautiful with practical. That's how we create homes that don't just look decorated—they feel like they have a story to tell. Until Next Time, ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, Have you heard the term “micro-makeover” popping up lately? I have—and as a designer, I am completely on board. The micro-makeover is gaining traction in the design world, and the idea is wonderfully simple: instead of completely renovating a room, you make a few small, intentional changes that create a surprisingly big impact. Think fresh paint, updated lighting, new cabinet hardware, wallpaper in an unexpected spot, rearranging furniture, changing out textiles, or finally replacing that one piece that has never quite worked. In fact, micro-makeovers are being called one of 2026’s growing home trends, as homeowners look for more approachable ways to personalize their spaces without taking on a full renovation. And can I just say… finally! As a designer, I fully support the idea that your home does not have to be completely torn apart in order to feel fresh, beautiful and more like you. Sometimes the best design decision isn't to start over—it's to look at what you already have with fresh eyes. Here are three reasons I love the micro-makeover. 1. It’s Kinder to Your Budget Let’s begin with the obvious one. Renovations are expensive. And sometimes we convince ourselves that if we can't afford to redo the entire kitchen, bathroom or family room, we shouldn't do anything at all. I disagree. A dated kitchen might not need new cabinets. Maybe those cabinets need beautiful new hardware, updated lighting and a fresh wall color. A tired bedroom might need new bedding, larger lamps and properly hung drapery—not an entirely new furniture set. Micro-makeovers allow you to put your dollars where they will make the biggest visual difference. 2. You Can Actually Finish Them Anyone who has lived through a renovation knows the drill: dust, delays, backorders, contractors and the occasional moment when you wonder why you ever started! A micro-makeover can often happen over a weekend or gradually, one project at a time. Paint the powder room. Change the chandelier. Style the bookshelves. Add wallpaper behind the bed. Replace the builder-grade mirror. Done. There is something incredibly satisfying about making a change and actually getting to enjoy the result almost immediately. 3. Your Home Evolves Instead of Being “Done” This may be my favorite reason. I don't believe the most interesting homes are designed in one giant swoop. The best homes evolve. They collect stories, layers, artwork, furniture and little details over time. A micro-makeover gives you permission to slow down. Instead of chasing every new design trend, you can ask, “What would make this room feel better to us?” Maybe it's better lighting. Maybe it's moving the furniture. Maybe it's painting the ceiling. Maybe it's simply removing half the accessories and giving the room some breathing space. Small doesn't have to mean insignificant. So, Decor Friends, if you've been staring at a room thinking, I need to completely redo this, try changing the question. What are three small things I could change that would make the biggest difference? You might be surprised by how little it takes to fall in love with your space all over again. And that is a design trend I can fully support. Photos courtesy of House & Home Until Next Time, ~Tatum

Hello Decor Friends, There is something so satisfying about rolling up your sleeves, grabbing a paintbrush, and tackling a project around the house. DIY projects can save money, teach new skills, and leave you with a real sense of accomplishment. I am all for a weekend project when it comes to styling shelves, planting flowers, or giving a piece of furniture a fresh coat of paint. But... not every project belongs on your DIY list. Some home improvements can end up costing far more to fix than they would have cost to hire a professional in the first place. Here are three projects that are worth leaving to the experts—and why. 1. Electrical Work Changing a light fixture, that may be manageable for experienced homeowners. Rewiring outlets, adding circuits, or moving electrical components, that's a different story. Electrical work isn't just about making everything function properly—it's about keeping your home and family safe. Incorrect wiring can create fire hazards, damage expensive appliances, or even result in serious injury. Professional electricians understand local building codes, know how to troubleshoot hidden issues, and ensure everything is installed safely. While it may seem like an area to save a few dollars, it's one investment you'll never regret making. 2. Tile Installation We've all watched those incredibly satisfying tile videos online that make the process look effortless. The reality, great tile work is a true craft. Installing tile requires careful planning, perfectly level surfaces, precise cuts, proper spacing, and the right mortar and grout for the application. One small mistake can leave you with uneven floors, crooked lines, cracked tiles, or water damage down the road—especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Professionals know how to prepare the surface correctly and create a finished look that will last for years. Beautiful tile should feel timeless, not like something you're trying to hide with a bath mat. Designer Tip There is a special kind of math when it comes to tile work and wallpapering. Be careful my friends to get your math right when taking on these two projects. 3. Cabinet Painting Painting walls is one thing. Painting kitchen cabinets is an entirely different project. Cabinets require extensive preparation—cleaning away years of grease, sanding, priming, filling imperfections, and applying durable finishes that can withstand everyday use. Skip one of those steps, and you'll likely end up with peeling paint, visible brush strokes, chipped corners, or a finish that simply doesn't hold up. Professionally finished cabinets look factory smooth because professionals use specialized products, equipment, and techniques that most DIY projects simply can't replicate. Knowing When to Call an Expert One of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner is knowing when to DIY—and when to delegate. Spend your weekends arranging flowers, refreshing your front porch, styling your bookshelves, or painting an accent wall. Those projects are fun, rewarding, and can make a huge impact. When it comes to projects involving safety, precision, or long-term durability, trust the professionals. You're not just paying for labor, you're investing in years of experience, specialized tools, problem-solving skills, and the peace of mind that the job has been done correctly. Sometimes the most budget-friendly decision isn't doing it yourself—it's having it done right the first time. Until next time, happy decorating, and remember: every beautiful home is a blend of creativity, thoughtful choices, and knowing when it's time to call in an expert. Until Next Time, ~Tatum