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Decorating Blogger Q + A | Giveaway

by | Sep 11, 2019 | Decorating Inspiration, My Books

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Decorating Blogger Q + A | Giveaway

Today we’re kicking off a fun decorating blogger tour to celebrate the release of the new book, But Where Do I Put The Couch?

PLUS, enter to win a $500 Wayfair card, you’ll get another entry at every stop on the tour (scroll to the list of bloggers and the Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway the bottom of this post!)

For the next two weeks, each of these amazing bloggers will be featuring (on their own blogs) a frequently asked home or decorating question from their readers, along with their answer!

So fun, right? Can’t wait to read the posts!

Each blogger will be posting on a different day, starting TODAY with my friend Sandy, so be sure to visit her next and enter the giveaway on her blog!

I’ll update this list to add direct links to their blog posts as they go live.
Plus I’ll re-share the list in my own new posts over the next couple of weeks so you can easily follow along!

At each blog (once their post goes live) you will get a chance at another entry in the grand giveaway of another $500 Wayfair Gift Card (this giveaway is in addition to the pre-launch giveaway if you entered that one!)!

BLOG TOUR LIST (get another entry in the giveaway at each blog!):

The Inspired Room 

Reluctant Entertainer (September 11)

Stone Gable (September 12)

Rooms for Rent (September 13)

French Country Cottage (September 16)

Dreaming of Homemaking (September 18)

My 100 Year Old Home (September 19)

Thistlewood Farms (September 20)

So grateful for how supportive our blogging friends are to join us in this tour and SUPER LOVE introducing each of them and their fantastic ideas to you! I’m beyond grateful to each of you, too, for the kind comments, the love and shares on social, the support and book reviews and for cheering me on with this 9th book release!

It truly takes a village and I’m so glad you’re mine! xoxo

+ + + + + + + +

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway BELOW!

Grab a copy of the book at Amazon or Barnes & Noble or check your local book and gift stores. If you enjoy the book, we’d be SO grateful for your review!

Get a free, one-week email series and fall in love with your home again.
Sign up for your free 7 Day Decorating Makeover!

Decorating Blogger Q + A | Giveaway
Decorating Blogger Q + A | Giveaway
Decorating Blogger Q + A | Giveaway
Decorating Blogger Q + A | Giveaway
Decorating Blogger Q + A | Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grab a copy of the book at Amazon or Barnes & Noble or check your local book and gift stores!

120 Comments

  1. Bonnie Stoltzfoos

    I love the quote above about decorating with what you love and what has purpose or meaning only… Courtney has shared a few times on Instagram inside her cabinets and everything is so cute and fun! It made me look at some of the extra stuff I was keeping and didn’t truly need and get rid of it. Now even unloading the dishwasher is prettier! Haha. It feels like curating a collection. :)

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Love it, Bonnie! Isn’t it funny how we accumulate so many things that we don’t need or that don’t even inspire us?

  2. Lisa T.

    I love all of the quotes! What beautiful inspiration you send. Thank you!

  3. Allison

    “My home doesn’t have to be perfect”. Moving into our “dream home” has been amazing, but I’ve wanted it to be perfect from the moment we stepped in. Just need to keep breathing and repeat this.

  4. Brittany Romero

    How fun! Congratulations again on your book!!

  5. Kelly D

    My question is, Is it still best to use neutral paint and then add pops of color? And what are the best ways to add color?

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      In most cases I think that’s a reasonable way to go, it’s much easier to change accessories than it is to change paint colors. I like to add in color with the pillow covers that can be changed or artwork. But I think every room and home is different. Some houses or even different rooms need color or a richer tone on the walls to feel cozy and comfortable.

  6. Isabel Z

    Congratulations on the new book–wishing you continued success!

  7. Cheryl

    Congratulations on the release of your new book!! I love house-y things, so I am eager to peek inside its pages and get my house-y fix!!

  8. Joanne

    Can you paint the whole house in a medium shade gray or is that too dark?

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      It depends on your home, natural light and woodwork, but I’d probably vary the tone a little bit from room to room for interest. Even if that just means adding white to the gray base to lighten it for some rooms!

  9. Kelsey G

    Yay! This is exciting!

  10. Susan

    I love rearranging furniture, so tips are fun. Thanks!

  11. Jill Nelson

    How do you create a sitting area in your master bedroom without hindering traffic flow? I have about a 10×10 area with a couch and a wall hung tv. BUt there’s also the walk way to both sides of the bed and the doorway into the bedroom and closet…

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      As long as you can get through the room without hurting yoursef, especially from the bed where you’d be walking through in the dark sometimes, I wouldn’t worry too much about traffic flow in that room. I think a master bedroom can feel cozier and snug so most bedrooms won’t need as much room for a crowd or traffic flow. In a living room it becomes more important, since more family and guests would be gathering there!

  12. Angela G.

    What a blessing to have supportive peers. Here’s my question: table runner and placemats or only one or the other?

  13. Lynette

    What is the best way to hide cords from a tv mounted on the wall, when you can actually hide them in the wall?

  14. Suzi

    Congrats on your new book! I have always wanted to layer a throw rug on top of wall to wall carpeting. What are the rules? I can never seem to achieve the “look” I am after.

  15. Bryan Vice

    I would like to know is it better to use wallpaper or paint when remodeling a new dining area?

  16. Pam

    Love the title of your new book. Keepin it real folks! Looking forward to your response on Angela’s question.

  17. jen s

    Cannot wait to read this! Also cannot wait to visit everyones homes to see how they nest for Fall!

  18. Helene

    Exciting!

  19. Colleen

    Congratulations on your new book!!

  20. Becca P

    I love the idea of the things that make us happy also serving to decorate our homes and tell a story!

  21. Hali K

    The quotes are awesome! Also, I didn’t know about some of these blogs. Looking forward to exploring them!

  22. april zook

    congrats on your new book! I can’t wait to add it to my collection! The statement, “My home doesn’t need to be perfect” speaks volumes. I think we often see other people’s homes and think our homes should look like theirs! Our homes don’t have to be perfect, or styled a certain way, or Instagram ready all the time…they just have to be filled with love, inspiration and a sense of style that is unique to each person!

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      I so agree! Instagram sends confusing messages. A home is to be lived in and that rarely looks perfect by instagram standards!

  23. Ingrid

    It’s always shocking to me how simply rearranging the decorating items I already have, whether out on display or tucked away somewhere, always revives not only that item but the entire room. Plus, I can have that feel good moment at the end when I realize I love the space again and I didn’t even have to spend a dollar!

  24. Debbie Keith

    Truly looking forward to reading this book! I love how practical it is. Congrats once again!

  25. Beth

    I want our home to tell OUR story. I love that thought.

  26. Brooke D.

    Love this! And this mantra could be used for so many things….working out…new hobby…etc!

  27. Ginger

    Love all your books so far and can’t wait for my copy of this new book to arrive!

    Question? How do you tackle a very awkward multi room space in a very tiny house? (for example: the front door opens directly into the living room with a weird awkward space to the right with a closet and the kitchen area is straight through the living room and all of it is shared space?) Add in that nothing is symmetrical or balanced wall to windows, etc.?

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Hi Ginger! I think a way to deal with spaces like that is to streamline as much as you can. Look for furniture that fits the space and functions well, rather than things that cause additional awkwardness. Less will be more! That applies to furniture and accessories, as well as paint colors. If you’re able to paint walls and trim, I’d keep it as clean and neutral as possible. Try to paint as many walls, trim and cabinets as you can in the same neutral so its lss jarring visually. If you’re able to use curtains or furniture to help visually balance any weirdly placed or sized windows or other features, that can help too!

  28. Christina Burkley

    I love the above quotes! So fun and still practical. Can’t wait for my copy to get here!

  29. Maureen

    How would you handle the skirt to the fireplace and the mountings around the fireplace that you do not care for. Our taste have changed and it was like this when we moved here–it is a white tile and light wooden mantle.

  30. Alicen

    I love you blog! My ceing has a slight vault to it…. Could I put trim along the ceiling with it or should it just stay trim free in that room?

  31. Melanie Plumb

    I love the quote about decorating with items that have meaning or purpose in your life. Those are the things that really make a house a home and give a sense of peace and belonging.

  32. Carolyn

    Thanks for all you do! Your blog is so inspirational and fuels my passion to make my home a warm and welcoming space for all to enjoy!

  33. Patty

    Decorate with what you truly love. This has to be my new mantra and I think it is also why I love visiting homes…..they speak that same language.

  34. Donnamae

    Can I just say…it is refreshing to hear that we no longer have to strive for perfection. It’s about time! Enjoy your day…and good luck with the book! ;)

  35. Kathy

    When I check my emails in the morning I’m always looking forward to reading yours and seeing your style, where you shop and how you are living a more chemical free lifestyle! It’s like starting my morning with a good friend!

  36. Rachel

    I signed up for the free, one-week email series this summer because I really did need to know where to place the couches in my family room. It’s a tricky room to arrange and I appreciated the tips and tricks.

  37. Regina

    Congratulations on the new book! Can’t wait to see it.

  38. Kathy E.

    So many wonderful ideas here and nope, my home doesn’t have to be perfect…only to me!
    We are ready to remodel our master bathroom and I am thinking about installing a stand alone tub. I’ll need to remove our built in whirlpool tub…do you think it’s worth it?

  39. Karolyn

    My question is how do you keep the cozy feel in a crafting/hobby area. I have been trying to figure this out for years.

  40. Ashley Larkin

    Congratulations on your NINTH BOOK! Wow! All the best to you.

  41. Jill Prince

    Can’t wait to read the new book!

  42. Myrna K.

    What is the way to keep a layered rug over carpet lying flat, not wrinkling or bubbling each time it is walked on?

  43. Alissa

    I have been waiting for this!!

  44. Jan

    I’d like to know how to decorate a high ledge in my family room. Besides tear it down. Haha! :)

  45. Joy

    Congratulations on new book.

  46. Allie

    We just bought a home and I’ve been loving all the style advice and could definitely use a Wayfair gift card :)

    Allie

  47. Carol

    So excited, my book will be delivered tomorrow!!!

  48. Kris

    Great input! Thank you. How many metals can be mixed in a kitchen?

  49. Jan C

    Thank you for all the inspiration through the years! I’m excited to check out your new book.
    We have middle to dark tone hardwoods on our lower level. I’m thinking of replacing our countertops in the kitchen with quartz that looks like marble, painting the cabinets soft grey and switching things up with the island. My question is do you think if we did a butcher block top on the island it would look like too much wood since the floors are darker? Thanks.

  50. Shelly Gregory

    Who makes that light blue couch?

  51. Will G

    If we are thinking about getting new counter-tops would you recommend picking out a back-splash before or after?

  52. Fern Hummert

    Can’t wait to read your new book!

  53. Laura

    Such nice, clean and pared down spaces. Really, less is more. Not overpowering but calm and relaxed elegance. Love it!

  54. Maryann Horner

    How to get motivated to change up my decor? I want the after but it all seems like so much work.

  55. Amanda

    My question is actually kind of like “where do I put the couch?” How do I arrange this play/family/office/piano room in a way that functions for all the ways we have to use it, but actually looks pulled-together?” It’s been driving me bonkers. I hate ring-around-the-walls furniture arrangements, but we need open space to play. And there are so many windows, doorways, etc. I’ll figure it out at some point :)

  56. Cathy Cavagnaro

    Thank you for the inspiration and explanations. I always learn something from your blog. I am looking forward to reading your new book.

  57. Christine

    I’m so glad that our rooms don’t have to be perfect. Looking at so many magazines makes me feel that way. I just got an email that my book is on it’s way. Anxious to read it!

  58. Mary

    Love your blog! Love your books!

  59. Mallory Pritchett

    We have yet to add cabinet knobs/cup pulls/handles in our kitchen because I cannot decide on what size to use. What size is your go-to for knobs and pulls?

  60. Christine

    I’m always excited to see your blog in my inbox. I get a lot of inspiration from you and definitely more in your books.

  61. Leslie W

    Congratulations on the book! I just received my copy today and already flipped through it once cover to cover just to see the beautiful pictures! Now I can’t wait to read each and every page.

  62. Mary Cloud

    What other colors work well with Purple? Congrats on your new book.

  63. Karina C.

    This blogger tour is such a good idea :)

  64. Jessica Derstine

    Only items you love is a huge game changer! ❤️

  65. Emily

    I have a 12′ x 30′ add-on to my 1920 Dutch Colonial home, that seems like an afterthought. What are some ways to make the room balanced? I have a sofa, two wing chairs, an ottoman, a small media cabinet and a flat-screen, as well as too much clutter. Help!

  66. Laurie

    I need to gift myself this book…I don’t even know where to start with decorating!

  67. Anna Pry

    how do you decorate around your tech packrat hubby’s stuff?

  68. Rosie

    Congratulations on the new book! I like the feeling of freedom to not be so concerned about what others think I should (or shouldn’t) do. It sure releases the creative energy!

  69. Rig

    I don’t have a question but I thank you for the giveaway opportunity.

  70. Laura Lynch

    Do you have any suggestions for remodeling a bathroom that won’t look dated 10 years from now?

  71. Jenn

    Can you give some hints on the scale of artwork in relationship to the wall? Say for example over a mantle?

  72. Tina Louise

    Love all your ideas. Thanks for sharing.

  73. Lorrie

    I love the colour of the couch in your post. And I also like decorating with things that are meaningful to me and my family.

  74. Marla

    Thank you for the tips. I’m trying to decorate with what I already have and not collect so much stuff.

  75. Pam

    Congratulations on the book!

  76. Debra smith

    I love the color pallet you use in your home. Truly so much inspiration .

  77. Susan Hubbs

    Exited for this book! I need all the decorating help I can get.

  78. Andrea S.

    Congrats on the release of your book!!!

  79. Ann

    All of this looks so wonderful— and ~inspiring~! The book looks fantastic, too.
    I’ve got more questions than I know what to do with. I’m currently living in a 100-year-old builder-grade house, and I don’t think that it was ever really taken care of. (No upgrades, no renovations…) There are so many frustrations.
    One of the “simpler” questions that I have concerns our electrical outlets. There are zero outside of the house, and very few inside. I do my best to use power cords and surge protectors, but hiding them can be tricky. …Help!

  80. Erin Prohaska

    Hello and congrats on what I’m certain is sure to be another wonderful book! My question is perfect for the queen of plate hanging! ? I’ve had a grouping of plates that I’ve wanted to try for a while but have been too scared to do. Are those plate hangers ( the ones you wet) strong enough to attach to plaster and not only a plaster wall but in an area that could feel extra shaking when a kiddo inevitably slams the door behind them when running outside to play? Thank you!!

  81. Lorraine

    I am excited to read this new book!! I have loved every book of yours that I’ve read.

  82. Carolsue

    Is wallpaper really “out?” I like it, but my kids sneer at it and say its passe.

  83. Barbara J Bachus

    I cannot tell you and the other decorating divas just how much you inspire me to create a warm and inviting home. My husband and I are officially empty nesters and we have rooms to make over, one step at a time. Thank you for the inspiration!!

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Ah, thank you! You’re very welcome, it makes me so happy to know you feel inspired!

  84. Sara Luecke

    Good question. The sofa is a huge piece of furniture, and it determines the flow of the room

  85. heather florida

    I love the quotes!

  86. Erin Ellis

    What colors will be on-trend for this winter season? Anything other than the usual?

  87. Linda

    Thank you for your blog…I’ve been following for years! I’m excited to read your new book!

  88. Annette

    I have a 2 story wall in my living room – it’s a cathedral ceiling, but instead of going down on the other side, there’s a wall so the back of the house is 2 floor (hope that makes sense). I will either place a sofa or my TV on that wall and need ides on how to fill that very tall space.

  89. aaron r

    I would like to know how to make multiple things happen at the same time, I’m a little bit country and he’s a lot of contemporary how can we bring them together?

  90. Stacy Ferguson

    What is the best way to keep your mail organized?

  91. Kimberly

    Congrats on the book! I’ve always loved the look of mixing patterns but have a hard time finding patterns that work well together. Do you have any tips on what works well?

  92. Lorna Webster

    What’s a nice way to accessorise when you have cats! I can’t have anything nice out, or plants :(

  93. Missy

    I have no decorating abilities. How do I figure out how to place furniture and fill the room with pictures, tables, etc.?

  94. Carol Ponce

    Congratulations! I received my copy of my book and love it!

  95. Kelly

    You helped me to see decluttering and USING not “keeping” was crucial — put K-cups in the painted pot my kiddo made, not some store bought thing; using a favorite mug that is WAY too small for coffee in lieu of a toothbrush holder, cannisters in the bathroom (French ceramic freak, full disclosure)…

  96. Shari Schempp

    I love the rule “I don’t have to let anyone tell me what to do.” I know several people who changed their plans for something in their home after someone told them they should do something different than what they had planned, and they weren’t happy with the end result. Our homes should be a reflection of us, not a reflection of the people we know.

  97. April

    How do you determine the size rug you need for a space?

  98. Alysson W.

    Hi I had a question, How would you recommend matching the color and pattern of living room furniture to the rug without it looking too identical and boring? So many rugs are the same color scheme and geometric designs that don’t seem to fit.

  99. lavita

    How old should kids be before getting bunk beds?

  100. paula

    What ideas are there for redoing a bathroom?

  101. Serge B

    I have an area I would like to green up, but I am not sure about real vs. artifical plants. Any thouights?

  102. Rust

    Any suggestion as to how I incorporate a vaulted ceiling into my decor? It’s just ….there.

  103. Leigh

    I’m loving the book, I’m needing help with organization in a small home. We have 3 kids and 1100 sq ft. I’ve been very creative, but it’s a struggle to find the nooks and crannies to store things. Luckily I am a minimalist and we declutter constantly.!

  104. Julie

    I’m a complete beginner when it comes to decorating. What’s the best way to start?

  105. Amanda Whitley

    my biggest question is how to style on a budget without it looking cheap?

  106. Jill Andujar

    Is it a better idea to start with a statement piece and decorate around it or vice versa?

  107. Ashley C

    How to make built-in book shelves kid friendly! I have toddlers and babies that just pull everything done so they’re bare except for a few kids books.

  108. Mercedes

    What fun!

  109. Julie H

    Looking for help finding a sofa that will fit three but no longer than 76 inches!

  110. Valerie Hamilton

    How long is it okay to wait and look for that perfect piece? I’ve been looking for the perfect coffee bar to fit a space in my kitchen for around a year now.

  111. Rosie

    I love the ideas of what you can do on a budget!

  112. Debbie

    I love my dark oak cabinets (from the 90’s) and all my oak woodwork, but how do I modernize it without painting it all white?

  113. Lisa Ann Smith

    My queen sized bed is between two windows. Should my nightstands be solid, or the open bottom type (where the legs are tall and there is just a drawer on top)? I was thinking they should be solid so you don’t see the curtains or the wall behind them, but open might help make the space look more roomy. I’m stuck.

 

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