Hey, Reader!

What a gawgeous time of year it is here in NC! I'm soaking up this cool weather, and getting lost in the beauty of the changing leaves. Frank and I snuck away for an anniversary trip up to Maine and it was divine. One decor tip I'm stealing is the pumpkins-above-the-door look so many of the lovely homes were sporting.

We've just got a few questions to address this week...

• how to choose art
• woven shades - valance or no valance?
• prioritizing when selecting multiple light fixtures
• creating a specific style for a room in your home

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And I can't pass up an opportunity to encourage you all to get out and vote. What a world we're living in, and voting is our opportunity (whether we like it or not) to move the needle in the direction we choose.

Let me share a fantastic resource I've been using lately...If you're overwhelmed or don't know where to start, go to vote411.org . Simply enter your street address, and the candidates on your ballot will be presented, along with lots of helpful information. You can read about each candidate, click through to their websites or social media, and make informed decisions.

You can even choose your candidates, and once you click "finish", you can have them emailed or texted to you. Then at the poll, simply pull up your selections on your phone. Early voting runs through Saturday here (find locations on vote411, as well), or of course you can vote on Tuesday 11/8.

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And, now for the Q&A!

Sourcing art (at any point) can feel overwhelming and intimidating. It doesn't have to! I shared some tips in this post years ago.

And, just last week when we were in Maine, riding bikes through the charming little ports, we stumbled on a gallery filled with local original art. We chose a small painting that reflected the scene from our ride that day. The way I see it, building an art collection is a long game. Start where you are, and don't rush it. You'll end up with a meaningful, treasured collection.

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The valance is the little flap at the top of the shade. Those pictured above don't have one, which is a nice, clean look. The valance is also a function of where the mechanism is. If there is a valance, the mechanism is between the valance and the shade. If there is not, the mechanism is on the back side of the shade.

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Making any decisions that are part of the "fixed elements" of your home can be a doozy. I delve into how to make sense of it all and how to prioritize in this simple PDF:

​Renovation Roadmap.pdf

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This is a great strategy for any specific "look" or style you're going for. Start with images of rooms you love in that style and deconstruct the details. See what you can repeat and what you can use as a starting point and translate for your space.

What's on YOUR mind, Reader? What home projects are you working on? What has you stuck? Will you forward this to a friend who may have a dilemma? Simply reply to this email with your question or stay tuned on the 'gram.

Have a great weekend!

xo

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