full spectrum design
The first snow of the year is coming down hard and fast. Coating everything with a big, billowy blanket. The kids are pumped. They want to go outside and experience a different world.
elevating the everyday
I read an interesting article by Louis Perrine this week. I recently discovered him, a really thoughtful thinker on aesthetics and architecture.
media & online business thoughts for 2026
I was recently blurbed in the Wall Street Journal. I found out in a group text with a bunch of friends: someone had sent it, and everyone was really excited, congratulating me as if I had finally "made it."
trends for 2026
Every time I write about trends, there's a part of me that feels like a bully - telling people what they have and don't have and how it will be in or out of style.
the heat is on
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays, I hope it was terrific. We had a dreamy, unseasonal 70-degree Christmas, and the kids loved it.
some things i saw this week that i liked
A fella I spoke to years back about design & career just sent me this. He has partnered with Vanish Designs, a company that makes anti-glare pop-up screen consoles and cabinets.
getting lost, consistently
A good buddy of mine invited me to play bass with him at a Christmas show. Not a big thing, just two songs.
I used to be totally obsessed with performing and writing music; it was all I could think about during high school, college, and for years after.
I would get lost for hours writing and practicing songs.
night time is the right time
The backyard sauna is almost done! All the wall paneling is installed, everything is wired, just need to install the heater and make an adjustment to the upper bench. So excited to reveal this.
thanksgiving ripples
I was lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving with my mom's family this year in northern Indiana, just south of Chicago. My grandma, 93, was there, and it's always wonderful to see her.
becoming a panelist
We did something we've never done before this week. I've been eyeing this Vendanges mural wallpaper for a while - the huge empty dining wall was calling out for something.
a couple things i can’t stop thinking about
The return of the study. I've made videos and written about the idea of analog spaces before—the intersection of a library, office, and an artist/writer's studio.
some things i saw this week that i liked
The Arden Lounge Chair by ZM Home. Bamboo & cane furniture really had a moment 5+ years ago. Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters & Safavieh pushed the MCM meets Refined Boho look hard. But I haven't seen all that much of that material lately, and I miss it. Couldn't resist featuring this piece; such an inviting shape, and seems like the kind of thing that could go almost anywhere.
building an empire
Amber Lewis is someone who has quietly ended up everywhere - in-store retail, big online retail, designing many beautiful homes, been featured in every magazine and blog you can think of, and has numerous brand collaborations.
just enough to get by
I've been really sick over the last week. Some kind of very intense cold. Feeling a little better this morning, but it's still got me in its grip.
design never sleeps
Just got back from an incredible trip to Florida, and landed right back in the middle of a tornado - renovations, multiple shoots for a TV network, architect, the new sauna, and more filming for my forthcoming program (for those interested in learning and building a business around design)
forcing functions
It has been another whirlwind week, gearing up for a bunch of filming in our home, repainting about 40% of the house, making a bunch of small miscellaneous changes, and prepping for the backyard sauna.
a city sized shade garden
We spent the last three days in Mexico City. It’s somewhere I’ve wanted to visit for years, and finally got the chance.
I was astounded by how beautiful it is. I am a plant person through and through, and this is plant city. Because it’s both relatively overcast and not too hot, the whole town is like a giant shade garden, at least where I went.
wisdom for a new era
We're watching entire industries reshape themselves. Major upheaval in the job market. Just looking around and talking to folks, it seems that job security is uncertain at best.
Take marketing & tech - how much has changed in just the last two years?
everything is a firework
I did something terrible two days ago.
I have a 150+ year old giant hackberry in front of my house. Its trunk at the bottom is 6 feet in diameter. It is, without question, one of the biggest and oldest trees in the zip code.
every room needs a skyline
We are about to visit Mammoth Cave, I wish I could write about that, but it will have to be next week.
If you pay attention to Instagram, maybe you've noticed I've been very light on content lately, simply due to a couple of big projects we're trying to wrap up. I really do enjoy making videos, so I can't wait to go full bore on that in the near future.