Author: Nicole

You scroll through your feed and see it. That one house. The light is perfect, the corners are styled just so, and everything feels effortlessly cool. It’s more than just a filter or a good camera angle. Some homes are just incredibly photogenic. It Starts With Light Before anything else, there’s light. It’s the single most important element in making a space look and feel amazing, both in person and on camera. A room flooded with natural light from large windows is always going to have a head start. The way sunlight streams in, creating soft shadows and highlighting textures,…

Finding the right color palette for a rustic home is a special kind of challenge. It’s not about chasing trends or making a loud statement. It’s about a feeling. A sense of belonging to the landscape around it. Of being solid, honest, and warm. What Makes a Palette Rustic? So what does “rustic” even mean when it comes to color? It’s a palette pulled directly from the natural world. Think earth, stone, and timber. These colors feel grounded. They have a certain weight to them. There’s nothing synthetic or temporary about them. They’ve been around forever. And they’ll be around…

Some styles just feel…right. Like they belong exactly where they are. And when it comes to the relaxed vibes of farmhouse, cottage, and lake house aesthetics, that sense of place is key. But figuring out the nuances? That can get a little tricky. Defining the Core Feels Let’s start with the overall feeling each style evokes. Farmhouse, at its heart, is about honest simplicity. Think function first, with a warm, lived-in character that celebrates natural materials. It’s comfortable and unfussy, a bit rustic, and definitely welcoming. Cottage style, on the other hand, leans into charm and coziness. It’s often a…

A beautifully designed home has a certain feeling. It’s that sense of balance and personality that makes you want to linger. And that feeling has almost nothing to do with the price tags on the furniture. Great style is about the choices, not the budget. It’s about knowing where to spend and where to save. Building a Solid Foundation Some pieces in a home just work harder than others. These are the items it often pays to invest in. The foundation of a room. Think about the things you touch and use every single day. A great sofa is a…

There’s just something magical about lake life that makes me want to spend every possible second outside. I still remember the first time I saw a cozy little deck right on the water with twinkly lights and mismatched chairs and thought yep, this is the dream. If you’re anything like me, creating the perfect outdoor space is half the fun of owning (or dreaming about) a lake house. From breezy lounging spots to firepit corners that practically beg for marshmallows, there are so many ways to make it feel special. Here are some of my favorite outdoor living space ideas…

There’s just something magical about evenings by the lake. I always feel like the right lighting can turn even the simplest dock or deck into a cozy little paradise. Over the years, I’ve experimented with string lights, lanterns, solar stakes—you name it—and I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference. Some nights I just sit back with my feet up, watching the soft glow reflect on the water, and I think yep, this is exactly the vibe I wanted. If you’re looking to make your own lake house shine after sunset, I’ve got some beautiful lighting ideas you’ll…

There’s just something magical about a lake house. I always feel like time slows down the second I step outside and see the water shimmering through the trees. But let’s be honest… not all lakefront yards start out picture-perfect. I’ve definitely stood on a patchy lawn before thinking okay, this needs help and maybe a fire pit or three. So if you’re like me and dreaming of a space that feels cozy, natural, and totally you — you’re in the right place. I’ve gathered some of my favorite lake house landscaping ideas that are low-fuss but high on charm. Let’s…

There’s something magical about being by the lake that makes me want to spend every second outdoors. I’m always dreaming up new ways to make the deck feel like a cozy extension of the house rather than just a spot for chairs and a grill. To me, it’s the ultimate place for lazy mornings, barefoot dinners, and watching the sunset with a glass of wine. I’ve seen so many clever deck ideas that made me want to start rearranging my own space right then and there. So if you’ve got a lake view and a deck that’s begging for a…

There’s just something magical about waking up at a lake house and looking out over the water from the front yard. I always feel like the view deserves a little extra love to match the peaceful vibe. For me, landscaping the front yard is where the charm really begins. It’s not just about curb appeal… it’s about creating a space that feels welcoming from the very first step. I’ve spent way too many weekends sketching out ideas and hunting for the perfect mix of natural and pretty. So if you’re dreaming of a front yard that feels just as serene…

I’ve always had a soft spot for cozy lake houses. Something about the mix of rustic charm and relaxed comfort just makes my heart happy. I remember visiting one as a teen and thinking this is what peace feels like. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with finding little ways to bring that lakeside magic into everyday spaces. From weathered wood accents to soft throw blankets that practically beg you to nap, there’s just so much to love. If you’re into that lived-in, sunshine-on-the-water kind of vibe, you’re in the right place. Classic Nordic Charm by the Lake This charming little…