LOOKING FOR SOMETHING

Black doesn’t make a home feel dark—bad lighting does. When used correctly, black adds contrast, depth, and a high-end feel. Best Black Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black Sherwin Williams Iron Ore Benjamin Moore Black Satin Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Sherwin Williams Cyberspace Where to Use Black: Accent walls Exterior doors Built-ins Designer Tip: Always layer black with: warm lighting natural textures lighter surrounding tones 👉 Read full guide here

Gray had its moment.Now ? It’s all about brown. Brown tones feel rich, cozy, and timeless. Top Brown Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze Benjamin Moore Wenge Benjamin Moore French Press Farrow & Ball Tanner’s Brown Sherwin Williams Black Fox Why Brown Works: Adds warmth instantly Feels luxurious Works with layered textures Designer Tip: Pair brown with: cream tones brass accents linen textures 👉 Read full guide here

If you want your home to feel high-end—this is where you go. Moody tones create depth, drama, and that designer look you can’t get with light colors alone. Best Moody Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore Mauve Desert Sherwin Williams Imagine Benjamin Moore Dusk to Dawn Sherwin Williams Poised Taupe Sherwin Williams Expressive Plum Where to Use Them: Dining rooms Offices Bedrooms Designer Tip: Balance moody walls with: warm lighting light textiles natural wood 👉 Read full guide here

I know what you’re thinking—pink? But the right pink doesn’t read “pink.”It reads warm, soft, and elevated. My Favorite Soft Pink Paints: Benjamin Moore Bashful Sherwin Williams Malted Milk Benjamin Moore Pink Bliss Benjamin Moore Bridal Pink Sherwin Williams Intimate White Why It Works: Warms up a space instantly Feels soft and inviting Works beautifully in natural light Designer Tip: Pink is stunning in bedrooms, living rooms, and even hallways. 👉 Read full guide here

If I had to pick one color that instantly makes a home feel expensive—it’s green. Green brings in that natural, grounded feeling that every designer is chasing right now. My Go-To Greens: Sherwin Williams Sea Salt Sherwin Williams Rainwashed Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog Benjamin Moore October Mist Sherwin Williams Rosemary Why Green Works: It acts like a neutral It pairs beautifully with wood tones It adds depth without heaviness Designer Tip: Use darker greens for drama, lighter greens for airy spaces. 👉 Read full guide here

Blue is one of the easiest ways to add color without overwhelming your space. The key? Stick to muted, gray-based blues. Designer Favorites: Sherwin Williams Misty Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray Sherwin Williams Dockside Blue Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud Benjamin Moore Blue Note Where to Use Blue: Bedrooms (calming) Bathrooms (spa-like) Offices (focused + grounded) Designer Tip: Avoid overly bright blues—they date your home fast. 👉 Read full guide here

If you’re scared of color—start with greige. It’s the perfect balance of warm and cool, which makes it one of the easiest ways to make your home feel elevated without overthinking it. My Favorite Greige Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray Sherwin Williams Repose Gray Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist Sherwin Williams Shoji White Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige Why Greige Works: It adapts to your lighting It pairs with almost every finish It creates a soft, designer look without feeling cold Designer Tip: If your home feels “flat,” layer greige with: warm woods textured fabrics black accents 👉 Read the full paint guide here

White paint is the most requested—and the most messed up—color in every home. Because here’s the truth: There is no such thing as “just white.” Every white has an undertone. And if you choose the wrong one, your home can instantly look yellow, gray, or even slightly green. My Go-To White Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore White Dove Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace Sherwin Williams Pure White Sherwin Williams Alabaster Sherwin Williams Snowbound How to Choose the Right White: Warm home (wood floors, beige tones) → choose warm whites (White Dove, Alabaster) Cool home (marble, gray floors) → choose crisp whites (Chantilly Lace) Designer Tip: Always test white on multiple walls + different lighting before committing. 👉 Read the full paint guide here

If there’s one thing I will always say as an interior designer—it’s this: Paint is the most underrated upgrade in your entire home. It’s affordable. It’s transformative. And when done right, it can make your home look like a completely different space—without buying a single piece of furniture. But here’s the problem…Most people choose paint completely wrong. They pick colors in isolation, ignore undertones, and don’t think about how it works with their home as a whole. So I put together my Designer’s Guide to Paint Colors —organized by color family with my go-to, tried-and-true shades that actually work in real homes. How to Choose the Right Paint Color (Like a Designer) Before we get into colors, here are the rules I follow every single time: 1. Always Look at Undertones Not all whites, beiges, or grays are the same.Some lean warm, some cool, and some can even pull green or purple. 👉 If your home has warm flooring (wood, beige tile): stick with warm whites & warm neutrals 👉 If your home has cooler tones (gray floors, marble): lean cooler, crisp tones 2. Test in Multiple Lighting Paint looks completely different depending on the time of day. Morning = cooler Afternoon = neutral Evening = warmer Never commit without sampling first. 3. Think About Flow (Not Just One Room) Your home should feel cohesive. That doesn’t mean every room is the same color—but they should relate to each other. 4. Paint is Your Biggest “Mood Setter” Want cozy? Go deeper.Want airy? Go lighter.Want elevated? Add contrast. The Best White Paint Colors White is the hardest color to get right—and the one I get asked about the most. My go-to designer favorites: Benjamin Moore White Dove Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace Sherwin Williams Pure White Sherwin Williams Alabaster Sherwin Williams Snowbound Designer tip: White Dove & Alabaster = warmer, softer whitesChantilly Lace = crisp, clean white The Best Beige & Greige Paint Colors These are your “safe but elevated” neutrals —perfect if you want warmth without going yellow. Top picks: Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray Sherwin Williams Shoji White Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist Sherwin Williams Repose Gray Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige Designer tip: If you’re scared of color… start here. The Best Blue Paint Colors Blue is one of my favorite ways to add color while still feeling timeless. Best shades: Sherwin Williams Misty Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray Sherwin Williams Dockside Blue Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud Benjamin Moore Blue Note Designer tip: Blue works like a neutral when it’s slightly muted or gray-toned. The Best Green Paint Colors Green is having a major moment—and I don’t see it going anywhere. My favorites: Sherwin Williams Sea Salt Sherwin Williams Rainwashed Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog Benjamin Moore October Mist Sherwin Williams Rosemary Designer tip: Green instantly makes a home feel expensive and grounded. The Best Pink Paint Colors (Yes, Really) Hear me out—pink is one of the most underrated neutrals when done right. Top choices: Benjamin Moore Bashful Sherwin Williams Malted Milk Benjamin Moore Pink Bliss Benjamin Moore Bridal Pink Sherwin Williams Intimate White Designer tip: Soft pinks read as a warm neutral—not “pink”—especially in natural light. The Best Purple Paint Colors This is where you get moody, elevated, and designer-level. Best shades: Benjamin Moore Mauve Desert Sherwin Williams Imagine Benjamin Moore Dusk to Dawn Sherwin Williams Poised Taupe Sherwin Williams Expressive Plum Designer tip: These tones work beautifully in dining rooms, offices, or bedrooms. The Best Brown Paint Colors Brown is back—and it’s giving luxury, Ralph Lauren, cozy richness. Favorites: Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze Benjamin Moore Wenge Benjamin Moore French Press Farrow & Ball Tanner’s Brown Sherwin Williams Black Fox Designer tip: Brown adds depth that gray never could. The Best Black Paint Colors If you want drama—this is it. Go-to blacks: Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black Sherwin Williams Iron Ore Benjamin Moore Black Satin Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Sherwin Williams Cyberspace Designer tip: Black doesn’t have to feel dark—it creates contrast that makes everything else look better. The Best Red Paint Colors Red is bold—but when done right, it’s stunning. Top picks: Benjamin Moore Caliente Sherwin Williams Fired Brick Benjamin Moore Dinner Party Farrow & Ball Blazer Sherwin Williams Carriage Red Designer tip: Use red in smaller spaces or as an accent for maximum impact. Final Thoughts: The Power of Paint If your home feels “off”…If it doesn’t feel finished…If it doesn’t feel like you … It’s probably your paint. Paint is the foundation of your entire home.Get it right—and everything else becomes easier.

March is the quiet shift between seasons. The days get longer. The air softens. Even before true spring arrives, you can feel the change happening. March isn’t about dramatic reinvention — it’s about lightening what feels heavy and preparing your home for what’s next. This March reset checklist will help you refresh your home, complete essential home maintenance tasks, and prepare for spring with intention. How to Reset your home for March Instead of tackling everything at once, I break the month into focused weekly themes. This makes spring prep feel manageable instead of overwhelming. Week 1: Windows + Light March is about bringing light back into your home. Wash interior windows and wipe down sills Dust blinds and clean curtain panels Clean mirrors and glass surfaces Wipe light fixtures and bulbs Open windows to air out the house You would be surprised how much brighter and fresher your home feels just from this one reset. Week 2: Pantry + Fridge Reset A new season is the perfect time to clear out expired food and reorganize. Remove everything from one pantry section Toss expired items Wipe shelves thoroughly Decant or organize loose items Clean fridge shelves and drawers This is also a great time to transition toward more seasonal produce and lighter meals. Week 3: Closet + Textiles Lighten your layers. Edit one closet (donate winter extras) Wash pillows and mattress pad Rotate or flip your mattress Store heavy throws Steam or lint-roll coats Even removing 10–20% from your closet can make your entire home feel calmer. Week 4: Outdoor + Entry Refresh Spring hosting season starts at your front door. Sweep porch or patio Wipe down front door and hardware Shake out entry rugs Clean outdoor furniture If weather allows, this is also a good time to prep your outdoor space before pollen hits. March Home Maintenance Checklist In addition to weekly resets, here are the essential monthly home maintenance tasks for March : Wash windows (interior and exterior if possible) Deep clean entryway or mudroom Rotate and flip mattresses Clean out pantry and toss expired items Vacuum sofa cushions and under furniture Power wash porch or patio (weather permitting) Clean ceiling fans before spring pollen arrives These small maintenance habits make a big difference heading into spring. March Seasonal Produce List Eating seasonally is one of the easiest ways to align your home with the rhythm of the month. Fruits in Season (March) Apples Banana Grapefruit Kiwi Kumquats Lemon Lime Oranges Pear Persimmon Strawberry Vegetables in Season (March) Arugula Avocado Asparagus Beets Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Collard Greens Cucumber Kale Leeks Parsnips Potatoes Spinach Sweet Potato March is perfect for roasted vegetables with lemon, big arugula salads, citrus-forward dressings, and simple sheet-pan dinners. Important Dates in March Here are a few dates to plan around this month: March 8 – International Women’s Day March 9 – Daylight Saving Time March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day March 20 – First Day of Spring It’s also a good time to: Prep tax documents Look ahead to April and plan for deeper spring cleaning What to Watch in March If you love a cozy early-spring night with the windows cracked and a new series queued up, here are a few March releases to add to your list: Premiere Shows & Series DTF St. Louis (HBO/HBO Max) Marshals (Paramount+) Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette (FX/Hulu/Disney+) Outlander (Starz) Rooster (HBO/HBO Max) Scarpetta (Prime Video) Virgin River (Netflix) The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Hulu) The Madison (Paramount+) Imperfect Women (Apple TV) Company Retreat (Prime Video) The Bachelorette (ABC) Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen (Netflix) New Movies & Films Reminders of Him (In Theaters, March 13) Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (Netflix, March 20) Project Hail Mary (In Theaters, March 20) Young Sherlock (Prime Video, March 4) Vladimir (Netflix, March 5) Major Event The Oscars (ABC/Hulu) – March 15 Final Thoughts: A Gentle Beginning March isn’t about pressure. It’s about: Clearing what’s expired. Washing what’s dusty. Donating what no longer fits. Letting fresh air back in. A thoughtful March home reset sets the tone for your entire spring season. Open the windows. Lighten the layers. Begin again.

If weeknight dinners feel overwhelming lately, this is your sign to simplify.This 4-day meal plan is built around easy, comforting recipes that don’t require complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen — just solid, reliable dinners you’ll actually want to make. These are the meals I’m making this week, complete with a full grocery list and step-by-step instructions so you can save, shop once, and cook with less stress. The 4-Day Meal Plan Monday: 🍝 Baked Rigatoni Tuesday: 🌮 Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Wednesday: 🥗 Mediterranean Chicken Bowl Thursday: 🥦 Chinese Beef & Broccoli This lineup balances cozy comfort food with lighter, fresher options — perfect for busy weeknights. 🛒 Full Grocery List Meat & Protein Ground beef — 1 lb Italian sausage — 1 lb Flank steak — 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts — 2½–3 lb total Grains & Pasta Rigatoni pasta — 1 lb Rice (for bowls + beef & broccoli) — 2 cups uncooked Canned & Jarred Marinara sauce — 24 oz Crushed tomatoes — 24 oz Salsa — 16 oz Chickpeas — 1 cup Kalamata olives Dairy Mozzarella cheese Butter Sour cream Cheddar cheese Feta cheese Produce Yellow onion — 1 Garlic — 1 bulb Broccoli — 1 large head Ginger — 1 small piece Cherry tomatoes — 1 pint Cucumber — 1 Red onion — 1 Lemons — 1–2 Fresh parsley — optional Red bell pepper — 1 Oils & Condiments Olive oil Peanut oil (or neutral oil) Soy sauce Dark soy sauce (optional) Dry sherry wine Chicken or beef broth Spices & Pantry Italian seasoning Cornstarch Brown sugar Salt & black pepper Chili powder Cumin Garlic powder Onion powder Oregano Paprika Cayenne pepper Toppings & Extras Avocado Lettuce Tomato Guacamole Tzatziki sauce 🍝 Monday: Baked Rigatoni A cozy, classic baked pasta that’s perfect for the start of the week. This recipe makes plenty, so leftovers are almost guaranteed — and honestly, it’s even better the next day. Ingredients 1 lb rigatoni pasta 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed 1 lb ground beef 1 medium yellow onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 24 oz marinara sauce 24 oz crushed tomatoes 1 tsp Italian seasoning ¼ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp black pepper 4 Tbsp butter 3 cups shredded mozzarella Instructions Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large pot, sauté sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned (about 8–10 minutes). Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add 2 Tbsp butter and stir until melted. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well. Transfer to a 9×13 baking dish and top with mozzarella. Cover and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes , then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Stir in remaining butter and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. 🌮 Tuesday: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos This is a true dump-and-go dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, making taco night effortless and customizable for everyone at the table. Ingredients 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts 16 oz salsa ¼ cup water 2 tsp chili powder 1½ tsp cumin 1 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper ⅛ tsp cayenne (optional) 8 corn tortillas Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime, cheese Instructions Add chicken breasts, salsa, water, and all spices to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours . Shred chicken directly in the sauce using two forks. Serve in warm tortillas and top as desired. 🥗 Wednesday: Mediterranean Chicken Bowl This bowl is fresh, filling, and great for meal prep. Bright flavors, simple ingredients, and easy customization make it a midweek favorite. Ingredients 1 lb chicken breast 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp paprika Salt & pepper, to taste 1 cup uncooked rice 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cucumber, diced ½ red onion, finely chopped 1 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped Juice of 1 lemon ½ cup tzatziki sauce (optional) Instructions Toss chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 10–15 minutes. Cook rice according to package instructions. Heat a skillet with oil and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest, then slice. Assemble bowls with rice, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chickpeas, feta, olives, and parsley. Drizzle with tzatziki if using. 🥦 Thursday: Chinese Beef & Broccoli This quick stir-fry tastes like takeout but comes together fast at home. It’s perfect for ending the week strong. Ingredients 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain 3 cups broccoli florets 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced 2 Tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional) 2 Tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry ½ cup beef or chicken stock 1 tsp brown sugar 1 Tbsp cornstarch (for marinade) 1 Tbsp cornstarch (for sauce) 2 Tbsp peanut or neutral oil 1 cup uncooked rice Instructions Toss beef with 1 Tbsp soy sauce and 1 Tbsp cornstarch; set aside for 10 minutes. Steam broccoli with ¼ cup water for 1–2 minutes until just tender. Remove and set aside. Heat oil in a skillet over high heat and sear beef in a single layer for 1–2 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and stir briefly. Whisk stock, remaining soy sauces, wine, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Add broccoli and sauce to pan; cook until thickened. Serve over rice. Final Thoughts This is the kind of meal plan that actually works in real life — simple ingredients, familiar flavors, and minimal prep . Save this post, use the grocery list, and take the stress out of weeknight dinners. If you want more weekly meal plans like this, let me know — this might be a new series 🤍

If there’s one thing I know as a Type‑A interior designer who loves being at home , it’s this: a beautiful home stays beautiful when it’s maintained consistently—not when you’re panic‑cleaning before guests arrive. 😅 This is the exact framework I use to keep my home running smoothly year‑round. Think of it as a realistic, designer‑approved reset system that prevents overwhelm, protects your investment, and keeps your space feeling calm, elevated, and lived‑in (in the best way). Instead of tackling everything at once, break home care into daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, and yearly rhythms . When each task has a place on the calendar, nothing feels heavy—and nothing gets forgotten. Daily: Small Tasks That Keep Your Home From Spiraling These are the non‑negotiables. They take minutes, but they make the biggest difference in how your home feels. Make the bed Wash dishes or load the dishwasher Wipe kitchen countertops Wipe kitchen sink Clean stovetop after use Quick wipe of bathroom sink Wipe toilet seat and rim Tidy high‑traffic areas (entry, living room, kitchen) Designer tip: A tidy entry and kitchen instantly make the whole house feel clean—even if nothing else gets done. Weekly: Your “Reset the House” Essentials This is your baseline clean—the reset that makes the next week easier. Vacuum floors and rugs Mop hard floors Clean all bathroom surfaces Clean mirrors Dust furniture Change bed sheets Quick clean of fridge shelves (check for spills) Empty household trash bins Pro tip: I always do this on a Sunday reset. Fresh sheets + clean floors = instant mental reset. Monthly: Often Forgotten (But Makes a Huge Difference) These tasks keep grime, odors, and wear from building up over time. Clean washing machine drawer and door seal Clean dishwasher filter Dust blinds Wipe baseboards and skirting boards Clean inside the microwave Wipe kitchen cabinets (outside only) Why it matters: These are the details that separate a surface‑level clean from a home that truly feels fresh. Every 3–6 Months: Deeper Cleaning to Stay Ahead Think of this as preventative care for your home. Deep clean oven Clean range hood and filters Wash pillows and duvets Clean shower curtain or glass screen Descale kettle and coffee machine Vacuum under furniture Properly clean inside the refrigerator Designer note: Clean textiles (pillows, duvets, upholstery) matter just as much as clean floors. Seasonal Resets (Perfect for Spring & Fall) These are my favorite resets—when function meets a fresh start. Rotate wardrobes Wash throws and cushion covers Flip or rotate mattres Declutter cabinets and closet Refresh entryway or hallway Check smoke alarms This is also when I reassess storage, edit clutter, and make small styling updates. Yearly: Big Maintenance Items Most People Forget These protect your home long‑term and are worth scheduling ahead. Deep clean carpets and upholstery Clean windows (inside and outside) Wash or dry clean curtains Clear gutters Clean dryer vents Pressure wash patio and walkways Important: These tasks extend the life of your home and help prevent costly repairs later. Fall: Weatherproof & Protect Systems Fall is all about prepping your home before colder weather hits. Clean and inspect chimney Cover outdoor furniture, grill, and AC Turn off exterior water and disconnect hoses Seal cracks around windows and doors Rake leaves and clean yard Winterize sprinkler system Clean gutters and downspouts Overseed and aerate lawn Insulate outdoor faucets Check attic vents Install or replace door weatherstripping Bring in outdoor décor Winter: Emergency Prep & Indoor Focus This season is about safety, warmth, and indoor upkeep. Stock emergency food, water, and flashlights Insulate hot water heater Install storm doors or windows (if needed) Inspect fire extinguishers Clean garbage disposal Cover delicate plants Set ceiling fans to clockwise Service snow blower before first snow Clean range hood and replace filter Prevent frozen pipes (open cabinets, drip faucets if needed) Spring: Post‑Winter Reset & Warm‑Weather Prep Spring is when your home comes back to life. Wash exterior windows and siding Inspect attic and basement for leaks Inspect roof and chimney Clean gutters and downspouts Service air conditioner Inspect driveway, deck, and fencing Re‑seal deck or fence as needed Inspect sprinkler system and heads Check window screens Clean dryer vent and vacuum fridge coils Organize garage and shed Replace exterior light bulbs Test smoke detectors Summer: High‑Use Season & Exterior Upkeep Summer puts your home to work—these tasks keep everything running smoothly. Uncover outdoor furniture, grill, and AC unit Touch up exterior paint and trim Clean refrigerator coils Clean bathroom exhaust fans Clean behind washer and dryer Fertilize lawn Wash trash and recycling bins Set ceiling fans to counter‑clockwise Repair window screens Power wash driveway, walkways, and patio Check foundation and basement for cracks Sharpen mower blades Final Thoughts A well‑maintained home isn’t about perfection—it’s about systems . When you know what to do and when to do it, your home stays calm, clean, and elevated without constant effort. Save this checklist, screenshot what you need, and remember: small habits done consistently will always beat one giant, exhausting clean. If you want more designer‑approved routines, resets, and home systems—this is exactly what I love sharing. 🤍