Preorder Move Slow & Make Things, and enjoy a collection of thoughtful bonus content created just for you!

All Things Home

All Things Home

custom garland for a headboard (or mantel)

When I shared about our winter bed last week, I said I would share some more details about the garland draped over the headboard, so that’s what this post is about!  Before we get into the details of the garland, I want to address the practicality of having a garland draped over your headboard.  Our headboard is very high, probably about 5′ tall, so the garland is up and out of the way, even if we’re sitting up in bed to read.  The greenery used for this project is also artificial, so we’re not going to get any shedding.  If the garland was going to get tangled in my hair or drop needles all over us, it wouldn’t be a viable option.  But, as it is, it works and I really do love the way it looks.  If your headboard is shorter, you can always drape the garland on the

Read More
All Things Home

dressing the bed for winter

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Brooklinen.  As always, all words and opinions expressed are honest and my own. I don’t remember the last time I had sheets on my bed that weren’t white or cream.  It just became my go-to since it’s classic, timeless, and looks fresh and beautiful in all seasons.  But, as I was thinking about decorating our room for Christmas, I decided it might be a good time to try out some color. If you know me, you know I would’ve selected one of two colors.  Blue or green.  I picked blue.  More specifically, Brooklinen’s limited edition Indigo Washed Linen Core Sheet Set.  I really underestimated how much punch changing the color of the sheets could add to a room! If you’ve read my blog for a while, you may have read about Brooklinen here before.  I’ve worked with them as a blog sponsor and I’ve

Read More
1970 home renovation

tips on painting wood paneling

I know that some people are scared to paint paneling or perhaps are against it, especially if it’s wood.  As with any to-paint-or-not-to-paint debate, I take this stance.  If you love it as is and/or you think that painting the subject of the debate will devalue or damage said subject, then don’t paint it.  If you don’t love it as is and it’s a good candidate for paint, then paint it.  There are always what-ifs to consider but the thought that someone else down the road might not like it painted isn’t a good reason to not transform it into something that feels more like your style.  And I am no stranger to painting paneling so I figured I would share some things I’ve learned. The first paneling I painted was in my friend Shari’s farmhouse.  Not to confuse her with my Minnesota antiquing buddy, Cheri.  Shari and Cheri are

Read More
1970 home renovation

1970 home renovation | only making decisions as needed

There is one thing I’ve reminded myself over and over as we’ve been working on our 1970 home – I only have to make decisions about the house when I need to make them.  Of course, decisions that really and truly NEED to be made about a house are few and far between.  When we’re talking about aesthetics, preferences, cosmetic changes, etc. the decisions are typically self-imposed.  But, once you get rolling on a renovation, there is pressure to make every decision about it as soon as possible when the truth is, there are a lot of decisions that can wait until you see how everything comes together and live with it for a while. I still get asked about a backsplash (or the lack of one) every time I show my kitchen.  I knew that was a decision I didn’t have to make right away when we were working

Read More
Holiday

drying whole limes for decoration

It all started when I was shopping on a couple of months ago, deciding which artificial garlands I wanted to purchase to add to my Christmas decor this year.  Since they often sell out of their most popular items before we even hit the Christmas-decorating season, I wanted to shop early and take my time making intentional purchases.  As I was perusing the site, I came across this wreath made with some of their products and I had to stop and admire it.  I loved the combination of textures, the blue berries of the juniper sprigs, and the use of pinecones, dried limes, and a simple velvet ribbon.  I would love to make something similar for my kitchen. As a side note, I found a lovely and inexpensive velvet ribbon that comes in a couple of widths and over 30 colors .  It’s under $10 for 25 yards. So, I

Read More
1970 home renovation

what Dorothy would’ve done

One question I’ve been asked on occasion through the years of sharing our home on the blog is, “What do the previous homeowners think of your changes?”  With our PA house and then our MN house, I never heard from the previous owners. I never really expected to or even wanted to.  I know that changing a home is a sensitive thing.  For some people, they are happy to see a new owner make a house their own.  For others, it’s painful and even insulting to see their home changed.  I wasn’t very mindful of that when I first started sharing our PA home here on the blog almost 15 years ago (mostly because it was my mom and a handful of other people who read the posts!)  But, I have since become aware of the fact that I am sharing a place that someone else called home and they

Read More
All Things Home

the replacement priciple

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”] For those who don’t know, my husband, Jeff, is a pastor. So, he prepares and gives sermons each week and one of the topics that come up in sermons (and in our home) is the replacement principle.  Replacing harsh words with kindness.  Replacing complaining with gratitude.  Replacing selfishness with generosity.  You get the idea of the replacement principle.  Of course, that’s good stuff, but I’m not writing about that kind of replacement principle in this blog post.  I’m talking about the replacement principle I learned from my Oma. On the middle of the dining room table, my Oma had a bowl of plastic fruit.  That plastic fruit was a nice stand-in for live fruit until she discovered alabaster fruit.  They are beautifully painted and have a luminance that

Read More
Decorating

christmas decorations | new buys & old favorites

While I am excited about decorating for Christmas this year, I’m definitely not ready to start decorating.  I recognize that social media has joined retailers in the push to rush into the next season and there is understandably a lot of resistance to that.  We’re still enjoying fall leaves, making soup, and the early days of wearing sweaters and we’re not ready to set up the tree and go Christmas shopping.  So, I’m not sharing this post as a call to start decorating.  I decided to share this post now since I’m sure I’m not the only one who is thinking through Christmas decorating and what I might want to make and/or add this year.  You can view this post as a chance to do a bit of browsing, considering, and planning so when you’re ready to decorate, you’re ready! For the past three months, I have been purchasing a

Read More

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

next art sale

May 20th, 2026 at 1pm EST

Now Available for Preorder

Move Slow & Make Things

A book about creativity, intention, and making things with care. Sign up to receive updates, preorder details, and exclusive bonus content.

From the Studio

Artful pieces for your home and everyday life.

From original paintings and art prints to Pup Club releases and curated goods, each piece is created or chosen to bring warmth, creativity, and character into your home.

From the Studio and Home

Shop the Feed

A handpicked collection of items styled and shared throughout posts, projects, and social feeds. Every product is thoughtfully chosen to reflect a timeless, collected aesthetic.

Recent Video

Spring Posts

Explore the Shop

Explore the Blog

Categories
error: Content is protected.

Pin It on Pinterest