Hi friends! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! I’m just popping in with an apology and a GIVEAWAY for you!
Part of what I love about blogging and sharing my home online has always been the connections that happen when you share a bit of your life and in return, people share theirs with you! I’ve always appreciated the shared moments that happen, just like this quote:
“Friendship … is born at the moment when one says to another “What! You too?”
― C.S. Lewis
But lately the blog has been quiet so I want to apologize for that.
For the last few years I’ve received many emails from my blog readers who were were having trouble leaving comments here. It was frustrating (only a rare few were still able to comment!) but this week my site developer has figured out the cause and resolved it.
I’ve appreciated that many of you who weren’t able to comment still took the time to email me to ask questions or leave sweet messages about my posts. That has meant a lot to me!
Yet that’s not the experience I want my friends to have here. This year I will be celebrating 18 years of blogging– I remember the early days when the comment section felt like a community! I miss that. :) I know readers enjoy connecting with others and reading their experiences too, so having the comments working is helpful for everyone.
So now that comments are fixed (fingers crossed!) I would LOVE to hear from you!
Leave a comment on today’s post below, and as a thank you for testing out the comment option, I will choose 3 of you at random to send a coffee card so you can treat yourself or send you a signed copy of one of my books (your choice!).
Tell me in your comment where you’re from and how long you’ve been reading here or what you enjoy about The Inspired Room! I’d love to hear from you!
Comment below to enter!
I’ve been reading for about 15 years!! I now live in New Hampshire. I enjoy your decorating style and love the cute roundups of seasonal decor, even though I find it hard to splurge on myself. I live vicariously through you 😊 and I’m from WA state!
Thank you for the giveaway. I’m glad you got it all fixed. Technology can be difficult when it doesn’t work.
I so enjoy your newsletter and look forward to it. Thank you for all of the inspiration and the links to find items you share from your home.
I have been enjoying your blog 12 years.
I think I’ve been reading for about six years from Albany, NY! Something about your style really speaks to me. I love the pops of color and blend of styles.
I have followed for a long time….love the inspiration always. Happy Valentine’s Day🥰
Hi Melissa,
I began reading your blog the day I saw the round window in your adorable previous kitchen! I love your taste, your vintage touches, and the slight nautical decor. And that new to you, your Ethan Allen bed. If you find another would you let me know?😉
Love all you do,
Carol
I’ve been reading for 12 years or so. This is your third home I’ve watched you personalize. I love all of your decorating advice, your DIY projects and the family stories you weave into each post.
Glad you’re back! I also had connectivity issues this week!!!
Hi! It’s been about 12 years that I have been gleaning home decor “how to” from you. I’m in Ohio.
Been reading as long as I can remember. I own (and love) every single book you have written. Thanks for bringing joy to my life!
I live in Abilene, TX and enjoy your practical, simple ideas I can easily copy. I, too, just got to be a grandmother and know how wonderful it is!
Hello Melissa! I live in Ohio and have been following you for a long time. Your classic style, seasonal decor choices, and touch of nautical flair really appeal to me. I’ve incorporated a few of your ideas into my home, like the beautiful Amazon window lights and a small rattan table lamp from Walmart a few years ago. 😉 😊
I only recently started following your blog! I enjoy the approachable design ideas you share. Everything seems both casual and classy, just my cup of tea! Thank you!
Hello Melissa! I’ve been a follower through many of your houses, love your style!
I’m from Chicago, IL
I can’t recall how many years I have had the pleasure of your blog keeping me company. However, many years it has been . . . you remain a much appreciated visitor.
I’m originally from Santa Barbara, CA but now live in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve followed you for about 5 years and am so glad that my DIL told me about you! I love reading your season blogs for fresh ideas. Thank you!
Glad you are back. Love seeing your ideas. Been following you for I’d guess 10 years. Love when you “shop your house” and repurpose items
Hi Melissa, I’m in Grand Rapids MI. I have no idea how many years I’ve been following, but I know I’ve watched you remodel at least 3 homes!
I love your blog. Always so inspiring. I’m in Nova Scotia, Canada but my Dad lived in Washington State and I loved to visit there.
Testing..A fellow Washingtonian. Thanks for all you do.
Hello from Minnesota!
I actually have a few of your books. From there I did an Instagram search for you and have enjoyed your content ever since. I absolutely LOVE your style!
Hi Melissa! I’m a reader from Germany and I really enjoy your blog.
I have been around for about 10 years or so.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been following but I do know it was the last year you were in your new build in Portland! Two houses ago. :). It was 2 houses ago for me also. I was in PA then and now am in Jacksonville, FL. We’ve both moved to the coast albeit opposite coasts! Your coastal, whimsical, timeless, collected over time style has always appealed to me. Thank you for taking me along on your journey.
I’ve been a reader since around 2008, not even sure when I started. I hope you get gobs of comments! So much has changed since then!
Hi,I have enjoyed your blog for several years. The photography and varied topics first attracted me to check in regularly. Your writing style was the impetus for following your blog. Eastern upstate SC is my current home, but we expect to move closer to a daughter in the western upstate area in 2025.
Thanks for sharing in so many ways with your readers.
Karen
I have been following you for at least ten years. Your name Inspired Room always catches my attention as you are a true inspiration to all of your readers! I live in Texas but grew up in Minnesota. Happy Valentines Day to you and your family.
Hi! I enjoy following you and have for a few years I believe. You are very generous to share how to’s and resources. I ❤️ your taste and want to step into your world. Thank you. I’m glad your comment section is functioning for you again. 🙌
Minneapolis, MN and been reading for about 7 years, and I think I first got hooked in with the routines posts and stayed for the décor. I think getting into a routine and getting consistent with a few basics has helped me appreciate my home so much more, and I don’t randomly buy décor anymore but instead rearrange things and appreciate what I have and am making a point of thinning my items and letting things shine by having less. Love the last kitchen remodel and the suite for your parents and looking forward to seeing some backyard and gardening content and seeing that develop over time too.
Reading your blog for about ten years. I love your style of coastal decorating without a lot of clutter especially your two kitchen renovations; we were flipping our dining room and kitchen at the same time you were two years ago! Though on the East Coast, we too are water front on the Chesapeake Bay! Also, love seeing your kids entering different seasons of their lives. Enjoy those precious grand children!
Hey Melissa! I think I might have been one of the lucky ones who was able to successfully comment in the past. Yay me! 😊 And I don’t remember exactly how long I’ve been following your blog (I’d have to see the line up of your homes to know when I started following you – I know I missed one or two at the beginning) but I *do* know that YOURS was the FIRST blog I subscribed to! 🎉 I picked up a number of things from you over the years, not the least of which is the Thieves concentrate cleaner which I love and still use. Thanks for being you!💕
P.S. I am from the DC metro area (MD ‘burbs) but now live in the FL panhandle as of just a year or so ago.
Hi Gail! What an honor to be the first blog you subscribed to! Thank you so much for your comment and for entering the giveaway. I’m excited to let you know you are one of the 3 randomly chosen winners! I will shoot you an email for you to choose your prize! :) xo Melissa
I am in Georgetown, TX, have only been reading your blog for about 3 years – how did I not find you before that??? I love the calm simplicity of your style, it inspires me every time. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with all of us, it means a lot!
I have been following you since I retired 12 years ago and was living in Austin, Texas. I then moved to Chicago but am now living in Dublin, Ohio. I appreciate all the decor inspirations that I have gotten from you over all these years. Many thanks!
So happy to see this and Congratulations on 18 years of blogging 🥂. I do enjoy your posts so much 💜
Congratulations on your 18 years of blogging! I believe I have been around since the early years– at least since I read about your neighbor’s house sliding down a hill during a Pacific Northwest rainstorm. Thanks for all the inspiration through the years!
I don’t know the many years that I have enjoyed following you! Many homes remodel and of course Jack’s shenanigans I so loved. It’s been a blessing and joy to follow you! Indianapolis, IN :-)
Hi Teresa! Aw, thank you so much for following along for so long and for your sweet comment. I’m excited to let you know you are one of the 3 randomly chosen winners! I will shoot you an email for your to choose your prize! :) xo Melissa
HI! I am a new reader from Ohio and have loved going through older posts to find tons of inspiration!
I live in Louisville, KY and have been reading your blog for at least ten years. It’s down-to-earth and very enjoyable.
I’ve been following you for about five years. I love your decorating style, but more importantly, I like that you value items that can be used in multiple ways and that you are not into decorating with fast trends. I live in Oregon.
I’m from Pittsburgh and I’ve been reading your blog for 12 years or so!
Hi. I have been reading your website for a few years and I always enjoy your decorating style and your pet pictures and I remember your beautiful trex deck. we still want one ever since we seen yours.
Happy Valentine`s Day.
Sandy from New Jersey
I’ve been following you for at least 10-12 yrs- maybe more. I love cozy !!! I have to have “cozy” spots throughout my home. You have been an inspiration in creating those areas… I love slow transitions and not follow all the current trends. Thank you for continuing to inspire others !
I’m from Connecticut and I love your blog. I would guess I’ve been reading it for about 8 years or so!
I have been reading for 10+ years and appreciate your home suggestions and ideas.
I’m from Idaho and it is snowing today after months of blessedly mild weather. Now I really want to nest! I don’t know how long I have been a reader/subscriber, but I recognize your talents and appreciate them and your tips.
Hi Melissa, I’m fairly new to your blog but have been enjoying it immensely. I absolutely love your style and admire everything you choose for your decor. Especially love seeing your dogs in the pics around your home. I live in Ontario, Canada and I suspect will be a long time follower! Thanks for all the inspiration.
Hi! I’m Hilary and I’m from Indiana. I’m a fairly new reader, I’ve checked out 3 of your books from my local library and I love them! I’m inspired to journal using the discussion/reflection questions from Dwelling. I love that book! I love your ideas, your home and your calm demeanor. Thanks for the opportunity!
Hi Hilary! Thank you so much for your sweet comment (and for entering the giveaway!). I’m excited to let you know you are one of the 3 randomly chosen winners! I will shoot you an email for your to choose your prize! :) xo Melissa
This is so exciting – to (hopefully) figure out the cause of a glitch, and get it solved! You’re awesome, and I love your blog and your books!!!
I always enjoy your articles and advice. I have had some issues in the past with posting on different blogs. I love your decorating and craft projects. Thankyou for the possibility of the drawing!
I’ve been reading for the past 6 years:) I enjoy your decorating ideas & inspiration!!
I’ve been reading for the past 6 years:) I enjoy your decorating ideas & inspiration!!
Hi~
I enjoy your decor style & am relatively new to following you. This March will be 1year! I am from middle TN tho I live currently in west TN. Thank you for the inspiration!
Love the blog – following for at least a few books !! From Portland, Oregon
I just love your blog! And your cozy style! Thanks for the giveaway chance!
So happy I can leave a comment again! I enjoy watching you create such a warm nurturing home . Your grandchildren are precious and I also share love with your doodles!
I love seeing a blog from my area of the country. Thank you!
Hi,
I’m from Michigan. I’ve discovered your blog and started reading when you were in your builder basic house in Washington. I enjoy your decorating style.
I’m near Vancouver, B.C., not too far from you really. My memory isn’t the best, but I know I have followed you for over 10 years. My earliest memory is when you bought that huge home that needed so much in repairs and renovations. I also remember your children were much smaller then. I have most of your books, plan on getting the rest of them, too. I love your little seaside cottage and the smaller attached cottage. What a brilliant make over. We have been in our home for 34 years. I like to change things around from time to time. I am going back to my mostly white decor that I have always loved. I am enjoying Homebodies in this season of our lives.
Melissa! I have been following you forever and proof is all the woodland creatures I now have in my home- candlesticks, rabbits, etc. Who knew I was obsessed with them? Not me! Ha. Love when one of your emails hits my inbox. I know I will find something I love or read a sweet post!
Hi Melissa,
I’ve been a devoted reader for about 7 years since another blogger linked to you. I covet that incredible view from your front porch. Lately, I’ve been studying your careful use of limited space. My dad will be moving into my home in March so we are trying to meld two households into the space for one. It’s going to be a process for us all. Please keep sharing your ideas that don’t sacrifice beauty.
I’m from Indiana and have lived here all of my life.
I am new to your blog/Instagram.
I love how you style your home. You inspire me with ideas to try in my home.
I love the Inspired Room and have been following for about 8 years. I loved your former kitchen so much that I borrowed your idea of using Hardie (sp?) plank as shiplap in my kitchen. Very pleased. We love the same type of cozy home and I enjoy seeing the ideas and places to purchase….. Thanks from Selena in Wilmington, NC!!!
Love your site!
I am from Door County, WI…I have been to the San Juan Islands many times and love their beauty. I have followed you for about 5 years and love your blue stove!!!
Hello. I’ve been reading your blog for at least 11-12 years or more. I love your style- your look feels warm, inviting, effortless and homey. I also really enjoy how you blog about the process and your why for things. Thank you for sharing your beautiful homes!
I’ve been a fan of your blog for over 10 yrs & have bought your helpful books. I really appreciate the way you encourage us to be patient & use what we have when decorating. As a midwesterner, your views from the PNW are so much fun to see.
Wow, 18 yrs, that’s wonderful. I’ve been following from Virginia for about 6 years. Your home is lovely and it’s really fun to follow your daughters now as well. Thanks also for your calming presence and helping people create a home they love.
You are my favorite blog, love following along as you make each home your own. Look forward to each new addition to your forever home.
Melissa, I’ve been following you for almost ten years. Imagine my delight when I learned that you once lived in Eastmoreland, as I do. Your posts are inspiring, authentic and you have a great gift for making things achievable. Thanks so much sharing your expertise and journey in creating a lovely home.
I’m from Ohio and I started following your blog after I read your book, “Love the Home You Have.” The book really resonated with me. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Melissa, I am from Maryland . . . and I have no idea how long I have been following you. It has been many years! I remember joining some of your Fall Nesting link parties, so that’s been a while!
It has been a pleasure to be with you all of these years. While our personal styles are different, I am inspired by your love for home, your ability to make a space your own, and your “slow decorating” concept. There is always something to learn here!
Follower from Snohomish, WA and have been following for about five years. I love that you are a fellow Washingtonian who loves dogs!
Been a subscriber for a few years and love the blue and white and crisp, clean feel of your gorgeous home. I am in California and at 74 just left my home of 52 years. I went from the Bay Area to Southern CA to be near my son and grandsons. They are now 30, 20 and 3 1/2 years old!!!!
I do hope the comments are working , so you can hear how much we all love your home and blogs.
For the past 10 years I have been a true fan of your blog. We are a retired military family who has lived a number of places. Now Charlotte, North Carolina is our home. Your ideas are very consistent with my decorating style and I get lots of inspiration each time I read them. Thank you for being an amazing designer and sharing your creative style.
Hello,
I am from Thousand Oaks, CA and I am a newbie. I have been following you for about a year now and I enjoy it! I love your style, decorating, and ideas of how to make your home comfortable. I am in the process of making my home comfortable and beautiful for my family. Thank you for all that you do and keep up the excellent work!
I am from NJ. And I honestly love the inspired room as my cozy site to unwind and take in something new. The setting and theme play well for a safe, relax environment. It’s a great site🩷🩷
I’ve been reading your blog for a few years, just after one daughter’s got married! Love your decorating style and reading your blog! Also love your view of the water! I’m from Ohio. Thanks for the fun giveaway!
How frustrating do you and glad you got it fixed believe I have been following about 10 years when I stumble upon a post. I so look forward to reading all and every post and when you suggest to use what you have..amazing when you look and can use something in a different way or room. Keep posting, Melissa!
Hello! I live in Illinois and I have been following you since 2022. I’m also a member of your wonderful Homebody Gathering Place community. My husband and I once visited your area when our son was stationed at a naval base near Seattle. It’s beautiful there!
I have followed for about 13 years! I love everything about your posts and I’m so thankful you share this part of your life and world with all of us. I’m writing from the coast of NC. ❤️
Hi! I’m Jen from Collinsville VA.I have been following for years…I’ve lost count! I look so forward to everything from the inspired room and homebody gathering place! You are definitely an inspiration to all of us that love everything HOME❤️
Been enjoying your newsletter for several years. Your house is the house of my dreams, but you always seem to give me ideas that I can use in my house. I too have a dog and I love how you make room for the pups in your life. Congratulations on the grandchildren. They make life so great.
I’m a relatively new reader, since the end of last year, and so happy to find you. Now that the children are grown I still decorate for each holiday. Your decorating style influences me so I too can create a lovely home Thank you for your continued content – it’s my leisure time of day!
I’ve been reading your blog for several years. I live in Florida by way of Kansas and New Mexico. I love your decorating ideas and love your implementing ideas! I can’t buy everything but I certainly love seeing your “eye candy”!!
I live in the north of Germany near the Nordsee. I love nautical things and decorations. Enjoy to read you for many years! Love the blog!
Hi Melissa! I’m new to your community and also from WA. I’ve had a passion for all things interior since my teens and previously owned an interior design business. I transformed my former homes many times (easier to do in the trade), but have settled into my favorite blue, white, and neutral Nancy Meyers inspired modern cottage. Like you, I make seasonal changes. I love your style, shopping sources, tours, and look forward to what’s next. Congratulations on 18 years of blogging. I appreciate the time and effort it takes to “open” your home and inspire others. Thank you!
Melissa,
I think I found your blog that first year, as I had begun blogging too! I’ve enjoyed following your house moves, family growing, and just life.
We are in similar life stages now too. Grand kids on one hand and parents who live with us in their own space on the other!
Always look forward to reading your blog. Been a loyal follower for years. BTW I live in Tenn. but native to Ohio.
From South Carolina have been following for probably 5 years. I do follow Courtney & sent your latest book to my granddaughter. She loved it.
I’m from North Carolina and have followed you since 2010. I love your approach to decorating and the encouragement to be content and love my home even when it’s a work in progress. It’s also been fun to watch your family grow! Blessings to all of you!
Congratulations on 18 years of blogging! I’ve followed you and your blog for a long time and always enjoy your decorating inspiration and beautiful photography. I’m in Iowa where we’re getting our first major snowstorm of the season!
I have been following you for a long while now. I just enjoy the simple elegance of what you show us. Creativity is not a strong suit of mine. I don’t want my house to be a museum or an obsession and yet I do want something that flows and is warm. Your post is one of the posts that help me establish that. Thank you! God bless you.
Hi!
I’m originally from North Carolina, but I’ve lived in Delaware, Alabama, Florida, Idaho and now I call Virginia my home!
I found you a few years ago and have been enjoying everything about you since then!
Hi! I am from Silver Spring, MD and I have been following for about 15 years. I love following along as you make choices to make your home yours! Discovering how to transform a house into a personal and comfy home has been a joy and inspiration for me.
I absolutely love all your books and would love to win one. I’ve checked them out from the library several times:) The joy and inspiration is always appreciated!!
I think you’re was the first blog I followed and the only one I do not skip. I particularly enjoy seeing how you are downsizing as I know I should but getting rid of “stuff” is so difficult. I have never felt like you are pushing things in your readers. One of your books might be a fun thing to read and something from which to learn and maybe update my house.
Oh my gosh, I’ve been reading your blog forever – through three of your homes now! I love the intention you’ve put into remodeling, furnishing and decorating all of your homes – they’ve always exuded such a feeling of calm and cozy, even when you’ve had a houseful of children (and now grandchildren!) and furry friends.
I am from the Midwest and recently came upon your blog. The pictures in this posting really caught my eye. I love tulips. Tulips are actually part of how I first went out on a date with my husband of 26 yrs. I appreciate the ideas that you put forth as I hope to decorate my home in nice manner.
Congratulations on the blog anniversary. Hope that you continue because since I have now found you I would like to continue reading.
Thanks for the giveaway! I’ve been reading for about 7 years. Time flies. I have enjoyed your journey to downsize.
I think I discovered you through Instagram years ago and just recently added my email to your Blog. For years I lived in Edmonds but now live on Camano Island , we have a N.W. connection!
I found you during Covid – just want to say your posts (past/present) helped me through some dark times. Thank you so much for sharing your style/ updates/ ideas !
So excited for the giveaway! I love your blog! I put the bunny pitcher on my wishlist for Christmas and I am now the proud owner of it! I love all of your suggestions!!
Take care!
Hi, I’ve been following along here and on Instagram for a few years now. I live in North Carolina, consider myself a homebody, and enjoy being surrounded by pretty things. Thanks for all the inspiration!
I’m from Germany an following your blog for many years now!
I love the inspiration and was coming today to see more about the book. It’s my topic and on my wishlist and a signed copy would be <3
The first blog I saved was from Jan.5, 2014! Have followed ever since. I appreciate the details that you share as well as your stories to help bring us all together. It is like visiting with a friend over a hot cup of tea. Thank you for your inspiration!
I always look forward to your emails and inspirations about using what you already have and adding little touches regularly. So much of what else is out there just encourages buying a lot of new stuff without keeping some vintage items or watching estate sales. It’s good to make your home your own. Bless you and your family.
Hi! I’m here from Savannah Ga. I found you when you remodeled your kitchen. I absolutely ADORE it! I’ve been reading every post and email since. Thanks for sharing your style!
I would read yours occasionally many years ago, but I rediscovered you about six months ago and got absolutely hooked on your remodel. I’ve been enjoying going back and reading past posts. I also enjoy you and your girls’ Instagram accounts, I love how your styles are all similar but unique!
I’ve been a follower for many years, and your homes and style have been an inspiration for my own home. I live in Nebraska.
Just remember about 12 years ago, I was looking for coastal decor inspiration, and there was your blog full of beautiful ideas!!! I’ve been your fan since. Love your decor style and enjoy your posts. Thanks for sharing! I’m from Acapulco, Guerrero, but now live in Mexico City.
I have followed you for a long time. I wish my house looked just like yours. I live in the Midwest so maybe not the whales. Ha. I hope I win the book.
Hello from NH! I’ve been following along for at least 10-years! I love the meaningful ways you fill (and design) your home and it has inspired me to be more selective with what I bring into mine. I also have a ‘thing’ for mugs :)
Gosh I can’t even remember how long I’ve been reading your blog, Melissa. I have a couple of your books too and they are filled with great ideas and inspiration. I appreciate that your family has always been a part of what you do. That’s really what home is about.
I feel like this was one of the first blogs I found and loved but with the barrage of emails actually forgot about your posts (sorry). All this information can be so overwhelming but I’m glad I found you again. And I love that bunny vase.
Not quite sure how long I’ve been reading your blogs possibly 5 plus years. I enjoy seeing the coziness of your home and how you make that work. Keep doing what you’re doing we enjoy it.
Hi, I’m Sandra and I live in New Zealand! We are so small and so far away, that we miss out on a lot of the benefits of living in a larger country, like for example, no Serena and Lily, or even IKEA😱 so I live vicariously through your lovely blog and so enjoy the photos of your pretty home and neighbourhood! So thank you so much for inspiring me in my DIY endeavours, it makes me feel a part of a much bigger like minded community, even though I am so far away.
Sandra
Hello from Whidbey Island! I think I have read your blog through at least 4 duty stations. I love your calm, peaceful style and ideas. Your grandchildren are adorable! Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your life.
I am SO excited that the commenting might actually work!!! I sure hope when I hit “submit comment” I don’t get an error message!! I thought it was just ME. So glad it was others as well. (Sorry!)
I LOVE your blog & always look forward to reading it!!!!
It WORKED!! Yeah!!!
By the way I have followed you through I think the last 2 moves you made. It’s been a long time but I don’t always comment.
I like in NE Oklahoma.
I’ve been following you since the days of “swine” walls, so possibly 2010-1011? I’m from the NW corner of the Iowa. I’m not a cottage by the sea, however, I am working towards a prairie/cottage garden/collected antique/ midcentury vibe for my house. It was built in the 50’s with a 60’s add-on so large overstuffed furniture does not fit. Your new loveseat size is just slightly smaller than the sofa size I hunted for. 71 inches is all I could fit in my living room.