Not gonna lie… Harbour Island has long been at the top of my dream destination list (maybe even the #1 spot). I love the vibe—refined but relaxed, coastal but not cliché. It’s that perfect blend of barefoot elegance and British island charm that just hits every time. Fun fact: Before I was a designer, I...
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Today on the blog at 3pm PST:
Not everything needs to be a splurge... but knowing where to invest can make all the difference. One thing we always try to strive in every project is that balance between 💛
investment worthy and budget friendly... Those pieces that deserve the extra moolah and the ones where a thoughtful, affordable find works just as well.
This is just a quick look at some of our go-to spend vs. save moments. We always recommend investing where it counts long-term, like craftsmanship and comfort (cue the pieces that are going to get the most use such as sofas and dining tables) and saving on things you can easily upgrade or swap down the road. That mix is what creates a space that feels layered, lived-in, and uniquely yours.
Later this week, we’re sharing part 2, including actual brands we trust for saving and some that are totally worth the splurge, plus shoppable picks we’d recommend again and again.
A very memorable family vacation🌺
We spent the week soaking up the island sun at The Mauna Kea. The resort, the beach, the pace... it’s all magic. We had never been and I have to say, its my new fave. Hawaii has a way of completely resetting me. I feel like a different person here-calm, clear, more in tune with myself and what matters.
Things we did that I’m telling all my friends!!
Head to the Waimea Farmer’s Market if you there on a Saturday. They open at 7:30 so arrive early for good parking, it gets busy! Try the breakfast burrito or banana pancakes. Buy the fresh fruit.
Ziplining with Kohala Zipline & Canopy Tours. Even papa went and loved it! Beware if you are afraid of heights- the slat bridges were the hardest to cross.
Check out the Mauna Lani Auberge Resort. The architecture is amazing.
Snorkel at 49 Black Sand Beach. Go early, popular spot. 🙂
Order a Mai Tai at the Manta restaurant at the Mauna Kea - I have never had one like it. The frothy topping is over the top deeeeelish.
Go to the Lava Lava Beach Club for a sunset dinner. Tables on the beach are so cute- a dreamy setting and fun for kids with cornhole games and more. Order the Coconut Shrimp and Kev Lime pie!
Save for later if you are planning a trip to this magical island. I’m already dreaming about going back!
Last week, our entire family, 15 of us, came together in Hawaii to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday.
It was the first time in over eight years that we’ve all spent more than a single day together.
When we moved to Bend, we needed space, physically and emotionally. We’d been through some big, life-altering family challenges, and even though we used to do everything together, distance felt necessary. At the time, I told myself, It’s just a 3.5-hour drive, but life has a way of making visits harder than they should be. And sometimes… I just didn’t want to make the drive.
But last week? Those old reasons for space started to fade. We laughed until our cheeks hurt, played pickleball in the Hawaiian sun, cooked meals together, stayed up late playing cards, and told the same old stories that somehow never get old.
The highlight for me was watching my dad, absolutely beaming. Laughing, teasing his grandkids, looking around at his family with pride. His joy is something I will hold onto forever.
Family isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s messy, complicated, and hard to navigate. But being together almost always feels better than being apart.
So take the trip. Try the new thing, even at 80. Watch the sunset together. Share the wine and the stories. Make the memories you’ll carry long after the bags are unpacked.
Mom and Dad, thank you for showing us what family really means, and for giving us this week we’ll carry for the rest of our lives.
And because there’s more to this story than I can fit here, I’m sharing a deeper, more personal reflection in Sunday’s subscriber email. Please tell me you’re subscribed—you won’t want to miss it. 🤍
We always come back to these. Our tried-and-true paint colors we reach for time and time again—because they just work. Whether you’re updating a guest bath, picking a cabinet color, or planning a full remodel, these are the shades that make every room feel considered and timeless.
Save this post so you have the names handy next time you’re at the paint counter.
Did you know we have a free paint guide? It’s filled with our most-used hues, finish tips, and designer notes. Comment ‘ME’ and I’ll DM you the link to sign up for our newsletter and get it sent to your inbox, totally complimentary.
Comment ‘BAHAMA’ and we’ll send you everything to get the look🐚 There’s so many good pieces rounded up in this one!!
Not gonna lie... Harbour Island has long been at the top of my dream destination list (maybe even the #1 spot). I love the vibe! One day I will go and experience it for myself! Have you been?
Fun fact: before I started my design biz, I was (very briefly) an India Hicks ambassador😂 I used to host trunk shows at our house and totally fell in love with the layered, collected island aesthetic she does so well. This look was a little love letter to that era-and honestly, I still haven’t gotten over it.
Café curtains are the move when you want to make a guest room feel instantly cozier and charming... Without doing a full refresh.
We had these custom made through @pepperhome and couldn’t recommend them more. The process is super clear (even when it comes to measuring!), and the quality is so good.
Here are the exact details we used for ours:
• Fabric: Flour
• Style: Pinch Pleat
• Width per panel: 25”
• Placement: Double paneling to open fully on each side of the window
It’s a small touch that makes a big difference, especially in guest spaces where you want softness and privacy without losing light.
Also works beautifully in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms... Or any space that needs some personality or even to hide open storage like we did in our pantry!!
Save this post for your next window moment.
