Author: Austin Marshall

We’ve all been there—you invite people over, set up the drinks, light some candles, and then… awkward silences. The conversation doesn’t flow, and people seem more interested in checking their phones than enjoying the space. You chalk it up to the wrong guest list, but maybe—just maybe—the problem isn’t the people. It could be your furniture layout. The truth is, your sofa set does more than offer a place to sit—it influences the emotional tone, body language, and communication flow in your living space. When it’s poorly chosen or awkwardly placed, it sends subtle signals that can discourage interaction. Let’s…

I noticed it sitting in the corner of my friend’s kitchen: a large glass bottle with a narrow neck, filled with homemade wine. “That’s my demijohn,” she said, noticing my interest. I had to know more. If you’ve spotted these unique glass containers and wondered about them, you’re not alone. Many people ask what these bottles are and how to use them. In this post, you’ll learn: What makes a demijohn special Common uses in homes today Best places to buy your own I’ve spent years collecting these glass treasures and can guide you to find the perfect one for…

I love finding easy ways to make a space feel fresh. One of my favorite spots to decorate is the tabletop. It’s a small area, but it can change the whole look of a room. With just a few simple items, you can create a style that feels cozy, clean, or fun. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or buy fancy decor. A few smart ideas go a long way. In this post, I’m sharing tabletop designs that look great and are easy to copy. I’ve tried many of these myself, and they always make a difference.…

Want to turn your living room into a cozy, stylish place where everyone loves to hang out? Mounting your TV above the fireplace is one of the most popular ways to do that in today’s homes. It gives you a clean look, saves space, and puts your TV right where everyone can see it. In this guide, I’ll show you how to mount and frame your TV step by step without hiring someone or dealing with confusing instructions. You’ll learn how to get it up safely, how to build a frame that looks great, and how to avoid mistakes that…

When decorating your living room, it’s easy to focus on the big pieces, such as the sofa, coffee table, or TV stand. But smaller furniture, like a sofa table, can really make your space look more organized and cohesive. One thing people don’t always think about is the height of the sofa table. If it’s too tall or too short, it might look strange, feel uncomfortable to use, or even get in the way. That’s why picking the right sofa table height is important. In this blog, I’ll explain what a sofa table is, how tall it should be, how…

Mixing metals in the bathroom isn’t a design mistake anymore; it’s a trend I’ve really come to love. Instead of using the same finish for every fixture, I like blending chrome with brass, matte black with brushed nickel, and other combinations that feel fresh and unique. The result? A bathroom that feels layered, thoughtful, and full of character. When I mix metals the right way, it adds visual depth and breaks up the dull look of all-matching sets. It’s also a great way to connect old features with new updates, so the whole space feels more balanced and put together.…

Are you having trouble picking the right gray for your home? Benjamin Moore’s Lead Gray might be just what you need. It’s a deep, rich gray that works well in many spaces. This color brings a bold, clean look without feeling too cold or too dark. Lead Gray has a strong look but still feels calm. It adds style to any room without being too flashy. I’ve used this color in many homes over the years. It always stands out in a good way. In this blog, I’ll explain how to use Lead Gray. You’ll learn where it looks best,…

Are you thinking about giving your bathroom a new look? Beige and brown are great places to start. These colors are warm, calming, and never go out of style. Beige and brown can work for anyone, whether they like modern, rustic, or cozy styles. They go well with many other colors and make your space feel relaxing and clean. In this blog, you’ll find beige and brown bathroom ideas that are easy to use in any home. From small spaces to big master baths, there’s something here for everyone. I’ll also share tips on picking the right tiles, adding simple…

Soft, warm neutrals are really popular right now, and it’s easy to see why. These colors help create calm, cozy rooms that still feel fresh and never go out of style. Two shades that often get compared are Gossamer Veil and Drift of Mist by Sherwin-Williams. I’ve used both in many homes, and people always want to know which one is better. The truth is, both are great, but each works best in different situations. In this blog, I’ll show you how the two colors are different, when to use one over the other, and which other shades they pair…

Painting your front door is an easy way to boost your home’s curb appeal. If you want a bold but still classic color, Gentleman’s Grey by Benjamin Moore (2062-20) is a perfect choice. Despite the name, it’s not really Grey – it’s a deep navy blue with a slight green tint, making it rich and full of character. Gentleman’s Grey looks great with many home styles, including farmhouses, brick homes, and modern cottages. It pairs beautifully with white trim, natural stone, and warm metal hardware like brass or gold. Plus, it changes slightly in different lighting, giving your front door…