We’re back to the rhythm of the school year, a rhythm I’ve come to crave. We really let things go this summer—from cleaning to meal planning to using a calendar. I’m itchy to get things back into normal working order, mostly so life works. Maybe you’re rowing down the same stream? If so, it may be a good time to take a look at the pantry, whether you need a little tidying up or some major help. My mantra: Handle the things within your control so you have the bandwidth for the rest. Let’s handle the pantry. Over the next two weeks, I’m focusing specfically on the pantry, answering some great common questions that came out of The Minimalist Kitchen Course earlier this year. First up (today)—how to add a pantry to your kitchen without a remodel. Next—how to make an organizational plan for your pantry, working with a real-life pantry. Finally—a real-life pantry makeover and reveal. Read more

Wallpaper. Rugs. Wall art. Curtains. These are the things that make designing a space so debilitating, especially wallpaper. It’s more permanent than a nail hole. But a neutral Nordic wallpaper is neutral enough to allow your tastes to change over the years and playful enough to add some light-hearted personality and pattern to your space. I rounded up some of my favorite neutral Nordic wallpapers to make your wallpaper search a little lighter, two of which are in our mudroom (pictured) and dining room.  Read more

I have a work uniform. Maybe you’ve noticed? And since I work from home, it’s my around-the-house and out-of-the-house uniform too. Chambray every single day is my mantra. “Mel, shouldn’t you consider another fabric?” Kev says as I pick up yet another chambray top. I said the same thing to Kev a couple months into dating about the color of his clothes. He only knew the color blue. I resonate with that boy now. Read more

You know you’re getting old when you start telling everyone how much you love the doormats at your front and back door. When you hold a spot on Valentine’s Day, a day for declaring love, to wax on about these mats. When you write a “poem” titled: Ode to the Waterhog. There’s no going back from here. Last year I went on a hunt to find an industrial-strength doormat that didn’t also scream industrial. Our wood floors were taking a hit during the wet months of the year, as were our rugs. The floors were always damp, and the rugs were always dirty. Enter the waterhog. Love is in the air and on the floor. Read more