One of the best ways to add character and visual interest to your home is through artwork - particularly vintage or antique pieces. I have a growing collection of oil paintings that I’ve picked up over the years from antique stores and French flea markets, and they’re some of my most treasured finds. Every time I travel abroad, I bring at least one home as a souvenir.

The other day I was picking oranges to ship to friends and thought they were so pretty piled up in the entry it inspired me to take a few photos. Our entrance at Grove House continues to be a work in progress. The anchor pieces - the metal locker cabinet I’ve had for a decade and the large 5ft wood mirror made from the wheel of an antique camel wagon, are definite keepers. I’m still on the hunt for a cool chair or stool for the left side of the cabinet and I’ve been going back and forth about painting the entry a dark, moody color. Only because the library is directly opposite from the entry and it’s being painted tomorrow. Anyway, I thought I’d share a few glimpses of how I currently have it styled, what’s inside those baskets in the cabinet, and sources for a few similar items.

Storage doesn’t have to be strictly utilitarian, and it certainly doesn’t need to be unattractive - there are so many beautiful organizational items on the market right now! If you’re like me, January is a big month for getting my home in check, and I need it to be both functional and chic. Here I’ve gathered a few of the prettiest storage solutions to help you corral the clutter in style!

About six months ago I decided to take pottery lessons. I was in desperate need of a creative outlet that would not only physically prevent me from working, but one that would also occupy my mind so I wouldn’t think about it either. You see, I have a tendency to work - a lot. For the most part it’s incredible. I’ve been self employed for the majority of my adult life and absolutely love what I do. But what I’ve realized over the last few years (yeah, slow learner) is that I must set aside time to nurture my creativity. Like, actually write it in my calendar. After trying several creative outlets I finally stumbled upon the one that is perfect for me - making pottery.

One of my goals last year was to launch the Style Sessions | Prop with a Pro™ workshops, and I’m happy to say they were a great success! From the enthusiasm of the attendees to the perfection of the venue, Elsie Green, I couldn’t have been more pleased with how these one-day styling workshops turned out. Our next Style Session will take place on Sunday April 14th, 2019 in California wine country - the perfect place for a girls getaway! If you’re excited to join us for the next one, we’re offering early bird pricing until Jan 15th. Click here reserve your space! In the meantime, here’s a recap of the experience and a teaser of what’s to come.

As the year draws to a close, I find myself thinking about those of you who visit me here on the blog and how your warm comments and thoughtful conversations have kept me encouraged to stay the course on this platform. Over the last few years we’ve seen an influx of social media use and I often wondered if blogging would soon be irrelevant or obsolete. But there was always this small inner voice reminding me how I felt more of a connection with my blog readers through our shared interests and slower pace.