We’re continuing on our tour of our newest project today by showing you the Great Room, Kitchen, and Pantry… the main gathering areas of this beautiful home. Located in the heart of Menlo Park in the Bay Area, this home was over four years in the making, brought to life in collaboration with Kirby Lee Architects and with Wilkinson Construction — whose craftsmanship and vision are felt in every detail.

While the home is vast (over 9,500 square feet) it feels intimate and collected; it’s a large house that somehow doesn’t feel that way once you’re inside. Each room holds its own purpose and has its own identity… the house seems to expand and contract depending on what the moment calls for.

Join us today and follow along in the coming weeks where we’ll be revealing the remaining spaces… subscribe below to get the reveals sent straight to your inbox.

The Great Room

The heart of this home is undoubtedly the great room: a long, light-filled space that brings the living and dining areas together beneath a continuous oak ceiling with exposed beams. Designed around the interior courtyard, this room is framed by beautiful pocketed French doors that open to the landscape beyond, creating an effortless connection between indoors and out. Our clients wanted this to be a room centered around gathering rather than a television, so we kept the focal point a tapered plaster gas fireplace and a linen-wrapped drum pendant with contrast stitching; both allowing the room to feel warm and inviting. The furniture layout encourages conversation, with a linen slipcovered sofa and custom plaid linen swivel chairs placed on a 100% custom wool rug. The colors throughout the room take their cues from the surrounding landscape, while a mix of wood materials, clean pedestal side tables, and transitional accessories gives the room a collected quality. We took a less-is-more approach to styling, letting the architecture and natural materials do most of the work. It’s the kind of room where everyone naturally ends up — less focused on a screen and more on each other, just as the family wants it.

The dining area continues that same relaxed feeling, intentionally crafted to feel like an extension of the living room rather than a separate, formal space. Oak paneling from the ceiling carries down into the built-in, creating continuity and giving the room a sense of warmth and permanence. A pair of aged iron pendants hangs above a custom Matthew Cox dining table; an investment piece our clients fell in love with for its beautifully imperfect, one-of-a-kind finish. Hollywood at Home side chairs bring in another layer of texture with upholstered seats and a playful handle detail, finished in a plaid wool that echoes the pillows and chairs in the living room.

Because this is a larger great room with plenty of everyday foot traffic (and a space meant to be used by the whole family), we intentionally left the dining area without a rug. In a room like this, keeping the floor clear makes it easier to move chairs in and out and allows the beautiful oak table to remain part of the visual story.

The Kitchen

This kitchen was designed to feel expansive and hardworking, with plenty of storage woven into the room alongside moments that bring in softness and character. It incorporates so many of the things our clients are often hoping for: a big island with ample barstool seating, a sink positioned to take in a view of the yard, a dedicated breakfast nook, and an abundance of storage (including in-drawer storage that has become a high-priority wishlist item among most of our clients).

A secondary prep sink sits just off to the side of the island, giving the kitchen another station without interrupting the flow. The appliance suite is equally generous, with a 48-inch Wolf range, double wall ovens, and panel-ready integrated refrigerator and freezer, all positioned conveniently adjacent to the back pantry. We always want a large kitchen to feel beautiful, but the layout has to work first — making sure the sink, range, and appliances create an intuitive working triangle.

The design for this room began with the placement of the range, which became the anchor for a plaster hood that gives a large kitchen a surprisingly cozy moment. Flanked by necessary storage, it feels more architectural than utilitarian and creates a natural focal point without overwhelming the room. The cabinetry is painted in a soft gray-green hue and intentionally stops at a comfortable height rather than reaching all the way to the tall ceilings. One of the built-ins conceals an appliance garage, allowing everyday necessities to stay tucked away. Natural marble countertops continue up into a full slab backsplash, and a small marble drip ledge at the main sink is both beautiful and practical, catching water before it reaches the cabinetry. Waterworks plumbing in brushed nickel adds another layer of detail, while bronze decorative hardware and bronze pendants over the island bring warmth and contrast. The island itself is white oak stained a deep chocolate tone, grounding all of the softer finishes around it.

The windows are the perfect example of why we always believe in investing in window treatments. Soft, sheer linen shades filter the natural light and add an almost effortless softness to the harder materials throughout the kitchen, while the windows themselves open to a garden moment just beyond. In the breakfast nook, a simple built-in banquette with a leather seat and durable performance fabric on the back keeps the space practical for everyday family life. Above it, an Urban Electric fixture is finished with a custom-painted shade that matches the cabinetry, tying the little corner back into the larger kitchen. We softened the stone, oak, and cabinetry even further with runners, including a vintage runner that brings an aged, collected quality to the space. The result is a kitchen that has everything it needs to function beautifully, but still feels relaxed, warm, and lived-in.

The Pantry

Just off the kitchen, the pantry feels like a natural extension of the space rather than a room tucked away behind it. A custom pivot door was designed specifically to offer a glimpse inside, with a simple glass panel that allows light to filter through and gives the pantry a sense of openness. Inside, soft handmade ceramic tile adds a subtle layer of texture, while the limestone flooring carries through from the entry, creating continuity throughout the home. We carried the kitchen’s cabinetry color into the pantry as well, along with the same marble countertops and bronze hardware, so the spaces feel connected even though the pantry is much more utilitarian by nature.

The pantry is designed around the everyday things that need a home: food storage, entertaining essentials, and the appliances that are better kept out of sight. A panel-ready dishwasher and Waterworks faucet in brushed nickel keep the room hardworking without sacrificing the softer aesthetic of the kitchen. Just beyond it, a wine fridge creates a convenient transition point between the kitchen and pantry, making it easy to grab a bottle when entertaining or tuck things away when the kitchen is in full use. The goal was really to make the pantry feel like part of the overall kitchen experience: highly functional, thoughtfully designed, and seamlessly connected to the rooms around it.

Photography by Vanessa Lentine

Thank you for following along… that’s all for now! Subscribe below to see the next part of the reveal, where we will show you the bedrooms and offices in the house. xx

Today’s the day! We’re kicking off the tour of our newest project by showing you a few rooms in the beginning of the house. Located in the heart of Menlo Park in the Bay Area, this home was over four years in the making, brought to life in collaboration with Kirby Lee Architects and with Wilkinson Construction — whose craftsmanship and vision are felt in every detail.

While the home is vast (over 9,500 square feet) it feels intimate and collected; it’s a large house that somehow doesn’t feel that way once you’re inside. Each room holds its own purpose and has its own identity… the house seems to expand and contract depending on what the moment calls for.

Join us today and follow along in the coming weeks where we’ll be revealing the remaining spaces… subscribe below to get the reveals sent straight to your inbox.

The Exterior

This home sits on a peninsula threaded with protected trees, and so much of bringing this house to life became centered around working with what was already established… the long, low tree line that defines this part of Menlo Park. Set amongst a canopy that feels decades deep makes the home feel settled in a way that can’t be manufactured.

Our clients had spent years vacationing on Nantucket, and something about those shingled homes, weathered with time, stayed with them. Inspired by that look, they chose natural cedar shingles, stained in a tone to age with the surroundings rather than stand out completely. Every detail of the exterior was designed to work together; the trim (a warm, soft taupe) carries through the doors, windows, and the frame of the whole house.

The Entry

The entry invites you in with warmth and natural textures that are also reminiscent of the surrounding landscape. It sits off the interior courtyard and offers just a glimpse of what waits beyond, before opening into the primary rooms and bonus room past it. The walls and ceiling of then entry are lined in white oak tongue and groove paneling, and limestone floors ground the room. Arched openings lead you onward, and the effect is a warmth that’s felt the moment you step into the house. Because the house is U-shaped, most all of the rooms have beautiful natural light pouring in them throughout the day, the entry being no exception.

The bench seat here does double duty with storage tucked beneath the cushion — a place for the leashes and the doggy bags and all the small accumulations that come with a beloved dog and kiddos in tow. Above it, a flush mount sits in brass and leather, the kind of detail that adds a touch of dimension to the space.

The Powder Room

This powder room is positioned beautifully within the house — it peeks out to the courtyard, and we wanted every material choice to honor that connection to the outside. Oak paneling grounds the space, playing off the tone of the cedar shingles just beyond the window; we loved the idea of letting the palette of the outside inform the palette within. A floral grasscloth wallpaper adds a little touch of femininity against all that natural material. Marble carries across the countertop and backsplash, paired with a Waterworks faucet and a Kallista sink. Sconces in an heirloom nickel finish add warmth and a sense of history. For the mirror, we integrated it with the wall paneling and added a simplistic beaded frame to tie the whole thing together. We love that the oak in here feels like a natural extension of the entry.

The Bonus Room

The bonus room was meant to do double duty in the house — a calm and quiet spot for a family of avid readers, and an oversized hangout for movie nights and family piling in. We leaned into a moody palette with a dark coffered ceiling and a deep gray-blue paint color that grounds the whole room, paired with a textured grasscloth that wraps the walls in dimension. At the center of the room, an oversized custom linen sectional anchors the space and is paired with a wool bouclé ottoman for that sink-in softness. Layer in a mix of pattern and texture, and you've got a room that feels as good to curl up in with a book as it does to gather the whole family for a movie.

The Library

This library is the sister to the bonus room — they sit on opposite ends of the same hallway, designed to work in conversation with one another. Our clients love to play games and wanted a dedicated place to collect and display their book collection, so we gave two full walls over to floor-to-ceiling bookcases. There was room to bring in a wet bar too: a petite sink, ice maker, and beverage center make it easy to host without ever leaving the room. Above the bar, a relaxed Roman shade in a sheer linen softens the space, and pocketed French doors open straight out to the backyard, blurring the line between inside and out. We accented the room with brass and bronze light fixtures, and carried through a slightly lighter shade of blue than the bonus room, beneath a coffered ceiling finished in white oak.

The Laundry Room

The laundry room is, in our opinion, the perfect size; it’s a U-shaped layout that makes every inch work hard. We kept the palette subtle in this room with an off-white shade, then brought in marble countertops and dark limestone flooring for a layer of richness. There's hanging space, a sink for hand-washables, and storage everywhere you'd want it — room for all the everyday supplies, plus a little extra to keep the things you don't need on hand out of sight but within reach. It's proof that even the most functional rooms in the house deserve the same intention as the ones meant for gathering.

Photography by Vanessa Lentine

Thank you for following along… that’s all for now! Subscribe below to see the next part of the reveal, where we will show you the main rooms in the house. xx

We couldn’t be any more excited to introduce you to our newest project, #MGDxMenloPark. Located in the heart of Menlo Park in the Bay Area, this home was over four years in the making, brought to life in collaboration with Wilkinson Construction and Kirby Lee Architects — whose craftsmanship and vision are felt in every detail. From the very beginning, our clients envisioned a U-shaped home wrapped around a stunning interior courtyard… a layout that invites light and nature in at every turn. Though the home is expansive (over 9,000 feet), it feels remarkably cozy, intimate, and livable; it’s tucked among a canopy of protected trees that shaped the design at every step. The palette draws directly from that surrounding landscape, letting the home feel less like it was built on the land and more like it belongs on it.

Join us over the next few weeks as we walk you through each space, sharing insights into the design choices and details that bring this home to life. Subscribe below to get the reveals right into your inbox. xx

Images by Vanessa Lentine

Welcome to The Sunday Roast — a series that beckons you to slow down and savor the things that spark inspiration. Here, you’ll find a blend of design notes, links I’m loving from the week, personal updates, and the small joys that make my life feel full.

I’ve always loved how the British have the tradition of the Sunday roast — where families gather around the table for a long meal, sharing stories and finding nourishment for the week ahead. My hope is that you discover a few nuggets here to carry with you into yours.

P.S. — This post gets a little long in email; I recommend opening it in the Substack App to be able to read the whole thing. :)

01: Birthday Love

Celebrated another special year around the sun this past week. ✨ As always, I’m so grateful for the quiet and heartfelt celebrations. This year I was away from home and the kids on a work trip, but still got spoiled by loved ones!

Evan is always so thoughtful with gift giving and this year he surprised with me something I never knew I wanted until I was in busy bee mode doing what I do best… tidying up. 🤭 It’s the best gift (if you ask me) since I feel like I’m constantly cleaning the house with endless snack trails and beyond. It’s an investment for sure but couldn’t be more appreciated from this birthday girl.

A few things I’m most excited about for the year ahead:

• Spending more time IN our home. I’ve spent so many hours working ON the home that I am excited to transition to actually enjoying it. It seems silly but it has hit me as of late that our home is actually meant to be enjoyed, not simply a project to be tackled. I love creating spaces with my team for other families to live in and enjoy and find rest in; this season feels particularly special because we get to do that very thing in our new home now.

• Now that we’ve moved in and are slowly seeing furniture pieces roll in, I’m excited to add pockets of charm to our home over the coming year. Doing that feels less like the heavy lifting I’m accustomed to and more like something that truly sparks joy: patterns, ruffled skirts, new art, quirky finds for the kids spaces … bring it on.

• I’m excited for more quality time with my cuties. Since slowing down the clock isn’t possible, I’m soaking every second of it all in!

• More date nights. Ever since having kids our date nights have taken a backseat and it really started feeling like a cup deserving of so much love; intentionality and dedication had been quietly neglected. With every year I grow older, I realize time is a thing to be cherished, appreciated, and carved out. I’m excited to date my hubby in a new city, a new town, and even a new home. Date nights may look like a night in after the kids go down, an open mic night in Leiper’s Fork, a special dinner at a new-to-us local restaurant. If you have any ideas that you do for date nights, I’d LOVE to hear so we can try them too! Please leave your thoughts in the comments. xx

• Trying new things. For some reason, the older I get, the less I push my myself to try truly new things. One of those is making new friendships. Moving has highlighted my heart’s deepest desire for real connection and authentic relationships. Making new friendships in a new hometown is something I’m so looking forward to. I believe God has us right where he’s called us to here in Tennessee, and I’m hopeful for equally as good relationships ahead.

• Planting roots… In a new church to call home for our family; in a new neighborhood that’s already provided to be so rich in good people who are like-minded in values and embrace a slower pace of life; in a creative new office space and home away from home for our team here in Tennessee; in newfound rhythms and routines.

Subscribe now

02: Fall on the Mind

Dare we say fall is on the horizon? I’m not not going to say that I’ll be excited and ready for the cooler temps and fall trends. Early bird really does get the best, so here’s a few pieces I’ve had my eye on…

Also, stumbled on and fell in love with this swimsuit (and the matching one for Gracie). Paired with this fall-hued towel!

03: #mgdxlagunaranch Install

After a year and a half of working closely with our clients to bring their family home to life, this past week was a sweet reminder that always hits me during installs. The countless decisions, collaborations, and hands that make these homes possible is truly a feat, and never gets old! Our MGD girlies rallied to bring every little detail to life in this truly magnificent home.

04: Back to School Shopping

Back to school season is upon us and I loved this darling backpack I spotted in store earlier this week. Would also be perfect for on-the-go toys, sticker books, and coloring supplies when we just need something easy to bring along on our adventures and road trips.

I couldn’t help myself with doing some online shopping for back-to-school pieces. Here’s a few I loved….

05: Speaking of school…

My sweeties both started school this week! Ollie entered pre-K and couldn’t have been more ready. It’s been so incredibly special to watch him grow, thrive and mature in countless ways since we moved earlier this summer. Gracie too… she’s becoming such a little person and has us laughing non-stop. She has SO much to say, and officially started preschool. I didn’t know the day would come so soon, but I think she’s really ready. I’m sure those of you reading this with old kids can relate… and these young years must seem so easy in comparison. But I’m still living in this blissfully naive time warp with them being 2 and 4 years old and every new thing they do has me in awe of their resilience, their quiet yet steady growth as little people, and how quickly it really all does go by. I’ve been savoring them extra this summer!

We also started a kindness jar two weeks ago, which was inspired by my sister-in-law who does all the wonderful things. Since we started it, Ollie has been especially motivated and proud to initiate little acts of both kindness and thoughtfulness with his family, his sister, and to countless strangers. I already feel the southern way shining through; that added layer of graciousness around our new neck of the woods in Tennessee is rubbing off on him; I have to say I absolutely love it. He’s holding the door open, helping Gracie with small acts of kindness around the house, and truly blossoming as a little man. He’s only four, and seeing his heart so motivated to do random, kind acts has made me so proud of him. It’s not just filling the kindness jar, although his motivation to do skyrockets every morning with a new opportunity to fill her up, but its the genuine pride he feels when he’s done a kind act or gesture — it fills his cup and the smile he gets just melts me every time. I love watching his character and heart grow in these new ways.

His reward for filling his kindness jar to the brim was picking out a new toy, and surprise, surprise, our Thomas-loving boy got a new collectible for his beloved Brio train set. It’s easily his most loved and played with toy over the last year. Even Gracie is into it now too; it’s so cute to watch them in action together.

Thank you for following along! If you enjoyed this post, would you mind pressing the heart button in the Substack app? It helps new readers discover our content.

Xx, Mindy

Even after what felt like a fully outfitted move to Tennessee, I’ve been struck by how many small things have found their way into our home this past month — little last-minute purchases I didn’t know I needed until I did.

None of them are grand. But together, these little things add up and have helped us feel more settled every day. Maybe it’s getting older, but I just love a practical purchase, so below find a handful of the items that I’d repurchase for the home (and myself) over and over again.

For the Kitchen:

Read more

Tennessee summer is officially in full swing and we are settling in to new routines and rhythms over here. Between exploring our neighborhood, slowly putting the house together, meeting new neighbors, front porch evenings, and humidity that makes you grateful for AC… it’s been quite the month. We’re still figuring out where everything goes, but it's starting to feel like home. Shop a few things I've been loving this month below. xx

01: Baker’s Bundle

Now that I’m outfitting a new kitchen, I’ve been investing in a few pieces that I know we’ll use on the daily. Enter: the baker’s bundle. This set comes with measuring spoons, cups, and a wood rolling pin… would also make for a great gift!

02: Books on Pre-Order

If you know me, you know my love for coffee table books. Here’s two I currently have on pre-order.

03: Carefree Kids’ Furniture

I’ve been searching high and low for carefree kids’ furniture that is modular, easy to clean, and makes our new playroom more fun for the kids to get imaginative and even more playful. I ordered several pieces from this brand and the kids play on it every day! I love all the ways you can get creative with it building silly forts, castles, and everything your little ones can dream up. They come in really fun fabrics too!

04: Back to School Season

Back to school season is upon us, and I can hardly believe it — this fall, both of our kids will be in school together. Gracie is starting preschool and Ollie will be in Pre-K, and they’ll be at the same school, just down the hall from one another. We’ve spent all summer talking about their sweet new season together: getting to go to school together, getting to be near each other during the day, and — of course — getting a backpack and lunch box just like big brother.

I’ll admit, I’m a little nervous for Gracie’s first day. She’s our little homebody, and she’s been hesitant to even go to Sunday School. But since we moved earlier this summer, I’ve watched her transform from toddler to big girl right in front of me — her bravery to try new things has soared, and I am so, so proud of her.

To celebrate her new season ahead, we picked out a backpack and lunch box just for her. If I’ve learned one thing from Ollie’s last two years at preschool, it’s that the “cute” backpacks and lunch bags get yucky fast if they can’t be wiped down — so that narrowed things down quickly for Gracie’s first set. Hers just came back from the embroiderer, and I love it. It’s durable, wipeable, and not so precious that I’d be upset if it only lasted the year — honestly, at this stage, that’s a win. We got the size Large.

05: Nordic Summer

Picked up this cookbook (and a few other new goodies!) from Dear Juniper (formerly Cultiverre).

06: Storied Ceramics

I’ve been saving so much inspiration around a storied wall of hanging ceramics. I love seeing so many homes come to life with these sweet vignettes.

07: Chic Compost

Officially found the chicest way to compost… good for the environment and looks nice on the counter!? A win-win!

08: Marble Details

Am loving a return to layered, bespoke detailing on marble countertops and edge details, so much so that we incorporate these custom details anytime we get the opportunity to in our projects. It’s the best way to completely elevate a surface… from kitchen counters and backsplashes, pantries, bathroom counters and niches, and even in laundry rooms. A big yes, always! Always leaning into the details over here.

09: New Earthenware

If it’s not obvious by now, I’m having a really fun time updating a lot of our kitchen essentials with the move. This textured earthenware serving dish is a great price and surely going to be used a lot in this household!

10: Petite-Sized Robes

In love with these petite-sized robes for kiddos and teens. Founded by a mama of six; they’re created with so much love and as cute as they come.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post it would mean so much for you to hit the little heart button below. To shop all of my picks for July in one place, head this way. Xx

The past few months have been a blur, but in the best way. We packed up our beloved home, got her ready for her new owners, and had countless tender moments bidding our first family home goodbye…

Read more

Welcome to The Sunday Roast — a series that beckons you to slow down and savor the things that spark inspiration. Here, you’ll find a blend of design notes, links I’m loving from the week, personal updates, and the small joys that make my life feel full.

I’ve always loved how the British have the tradition of the Sunday roast — where families gather around the table for a long meal, sharing stories and finding nourishment for the week ahead. My hope is that you discover a few nuggets here to carry with you into yours.

P.S. — This post gets a little long in email; I recommend opening it in the Substack App to be able to read the whole thing. :)

01: Rodeo Adventures

We went the to rodeo in Franklin the other weekend and had the best time. The locals here are so friendly and kind, and we met a few new families who made us feel right at home in the stands.

Subscribe now

02: New Art

I’ve been so inspired by everything the artist Solange dreams up. A hand painted horseshoe as art is just the cutest thing. 🫶🏻 All of her originals are on my personal wish list for our new home.

03: Project Updates

Our #mgdxlagunaranch project is in the final home stretch. We’re officially doing the install next week. This family home for our clients and their three daughters is the perfect mix of classic, beautiful details paired with pops of color for their pre-teen girls. It’s such a fun one.

04: Local Shop Lovin’

I’ve been having so much fun visiting a few local shops in town the past few weeks. Here’s a few that I’ve loved:

Storehouse no. 9

The Sofa Shoppe

Patina Home & Garden

05: New Books

Picked up these new books to add to my growing collection:

06: An Americana Summer

One of my favorite things about being in the south is their love for all things Americana and how proud they are to be in this beautiful country. Celebrating summer here has already felt so very special! Here’s a few highlights from the past few months:

Xx, Mindy

Earlier this year, the MGD team and I traveled across the pond to experience Design Destination London (an immersive experience for designers and trade professionals) and to also spend a few days shopping, eating, and wandering through, what I believe to be, one of the most charming cities. Below, find a few of our favorite spots from the trip to eat, stay, and shop at. And if you missed it, take a peek at everything I packed below. Enjoy!

P.S. — If you are a Google Maps aficionado (like I am!), here’s the link to all of these spots in one place:

Read more

Welcome to The Sunday Roast — a series that beckons you to slow down and savor the things that spark inspiration. Here, you’ll find a blend of design notes, links I’m loving from the week, personal updates, and the small joys that make my life feel full.

I’ve always loved how the British have the tradition of the Sunday roast — where families gather around the table for a long meal, sharing stories and finding nourishment for the week ahead. My hope is that you discover a few nuggets here to carry with you into yours.

01: A Big Life Update!

The past few weeks have truly been a blur, in the best way. If you’ve been paying attention on Instagram you might have noticed that we’ve been spending much more time outside of Southern CA. That’s because we have officially moved our family to Franklin, Tennessee! There’s so much to be said about the decision to leave the place both Evan and I grew up, and while I’ll be coming back to CA frequently to visit my amazing team and projects, it’s been a very special change for us. A cross country move feels like a big leap of faith to many, but we’ve been excited about this chapter for a really long time and feel grateful that we were finally able to make it happen as a family.

I’m feeling so lucky to be able to have our MGD team based in both California and Tennessee, and to have clients who are supportive of our growth. Because we have projects all over the country, we will continue to do “business as normal” and I will travel back and forth to Southern CA to be with the team regularly, while we continue to grow our TN design studio.

We’ve started to unpack and get plugged in to life in our new town, and it’s been a special month to say the least. So many core memories have been made in such a short period of time. We’re right where we’re supposed to be, and my heart is filled with gratitude for the opportunity we have to be here as a family. More coming in a longer post, so make sure you’re subscribed to get the full update. xx

Subscribe now

02: Waxed Canvas Tote

Stumbled on this tried and true classic that’s now in a super durable waxed canvas with chocolate leather brown accents. It’s on backorder until September but come then, will easily be my go-to bag in the fall.

03: Lucky Ladd Farm

We have been spending the past month exploring all of the new pockets of fun in our new surroundings, including this cute farm adventure to Lucky Ladd Farms! Between the petting zoo and pony rides, it was definitely a hit with the kiddos… we will be back.

04: Bedding Basics

Moving gives you a good opportunity to refresh your basics, and for me — this applies to bedding! I tried out Quince’s feather pillow inserts and down comforter inserts for the kids’ rooms and both passed the test for me.

05: Summer Gardening

Have been dreaming up everything I’m going to plant in my new garden, and it’s been so fun to see how different species and varieties thrive in this new climate. I bought hydrangeas (which are sprinkled all over TN!) and all of the summer perennials to add to the garden. Can’t wait to show you more soon!

Thanks for following along as we make a new home in this charming town. I will be sharing much more about the move, our new home, and starting a life here in Franklin. Subscribe below if you’re interested in hearing more!

Xx, Mindy

There’s something about June that makes everything feel lighter — the schedule, the meals, the wardrobe, the whole pace of things. Sprinklers on in the afternoon, dinners that drift outside, more sunscreen than skincare in the bathroom right now. I’m soaking up every bit of it. Shop a few things I’ve been loving this month below. xx

01: Father’s Day Frames

We just got family photos back from Alyssa Pettey and I couldn't wait to get a few framed. These ended up being the sweetest Father's Day gift for dada's desk — and an easy reminder of why I love having real family moments framed around the house.

02: Block Print Pillows

Stumbled upon these block print pillows the other day while window shopping and fell in love with the dual-sided design… they’re perfect for if you want to refresh the look of a room with a simple swap.

Read more

May has a way of feeling like the longest and shortest month all at once — the days get longer but the calendar fills up quite quickly with the end of the school year. Between installations wrapping up, sourcing trips, Gracie’s 2nd birthday, and some long-overdue slow family weekends… it was full in all the right ways. And now June is here, which somehow always feels like the real beginning of summer to me. I'm already thinking about lighter everything — days, meals, wardrobes, pace. Shop a few things I've been loving this month below. xx

01: Woven Bag Perfection

To no one’s surprise, I’m obsessed with another woven bag! She’s real cute, doubles as a crossbody, and is under $75. Speaking of which, I keep adding to our Woven Edit over on ShopMy. It’s officially the season of all things woven!

02: Daffodils Dancing Candle

I spotted this Caroline Francis candle in a local shop in Nashville and absolutely loved the scent. Also, the branding is just a 10/10.

03: Doen Summer Collection

I’ve been eyeing every piece in Doen’s summer collection… it’s all just so effortlessly beautiful. The Frances Top is a go-to for me right now — she’s perfectly flowy and even better tucked in. Runs TTS.

Read more

Welcome to The Sunday Roast — a series that beckons you to slow down and savor the things that spark inspiration. Here, you’ll find a blend of design notes, links I’m loving from the week, personal updates, and the small joys that make my life feel full.

I’ve always loved how the British have the tradition of the Sunday roast — where families gather around the table for a long meal, sharing stories and finding nourishment for the week ahead. My hope is that you discover a few nuggets here to carry with you into yours.

01: Newport Harbor Home Tour

Life feels especially full lately — the good kind of full, where your cup is running over and you’re not quite sure where to look first. Safe to say, there’s a lot to catch up on…

We’ll start with something that felt like a real gift: one of our past projects was included on this year’s Newport Harbor Home Tour. One of six homes featured, and ours among them. Our team rallied in every direction to get it ready; there’s a whole village of extra hands and hearts that goes into something like this, a few weeks of near-total consumption that somehow still feels worth it every time. The tour benefits the high school (1,500 tickets were sold) and each home is open for a single day only. Something about the one-day window makes the whole thing feel even more alive.

What I love most is what these tours make possible: designers, architects, builders, trades — everyone gets to pull back the curtain a little and let people into something beautiful. Our team spent part of the day visiting a few of the other homes, and it was exactly the kind of afternoon I didn’t know I needed. Old friends, new faces, and a stop at Pure Salt’s gorgeous new showroom and shop, which is absolutely worth a visit if you haven’t been.

Our design community is a small one, and yet the creativity and talent that lives inside it never stops surprising me. Days like that one remind me how lucky I am to do this work, and to do it with people I genuinely love.

Here are a few of my favorite snaps from the day…

02: Gracie’s Second Birthday

We celebrated our sweet girl’s second birthday the other weekend, and I’ll say what every parent before me has said and meant just as deeply — where did the time go?

It feels like yesterday I was still pregnant, dreaming up what she’d be like, imagining what our days would look like with her finally in them. And then here she is. Two years old and everything I hoped for, and also more than I knew to hope for. My dream girl, sent from above.

This past year has been full of her… her big girl efforts, her growing vocabulary, the way she follows her brother into everything, the cuddles she still offers freely, the giggling that fills every room she’s in. She is, in every sense, our perfect little two-year-old.

We kept the party small and backyard-simple: the people who love her most, sweets and treats, a bounce house that made her eyes go wide. When everyone gathered to sing to her, the look on her face was the whole thing. She lit up. She loves her people around her, this girl — and her people love her right back.

Watching her this year, I’ve fallen a little more in love with who she’s becoming. That quiet confidence starting to bloom. Her joy, so contagious it’s almost impossible to hold a straight face around her. The silliness that keeps multiplying. And the way she looks at us, like we hung the moon just for her.

Couldn’t have had the day we did without all of the makings for the perfect little girl party:

• The birthday girl’s party dress

• Paper plates (love this set too)

• Napkins

• Birthday garland

• Gift wrap/ tags

• Wrapping paper

• Cake pedestal

• Floral garland

• Tablecloth

• Balloons

• Bounce house (The most-used party crowd pleaser that we’ve had for the last two years. Worth every penny! By the time you rent one of these one or two times, it pays for itself. 🥰)

03: MGD Baby Shower

One of our very own beloved designers at MGD, Sarah, is becoming a mama in just a few months. Our team is always SO thoughtful and hosted the most special celebration for her with a backyard baby shower at my mom’s house. It was the perfect kind of day, filled with all of Sarah’s favorite homemade breakfast treats, alongside a brunch to honor and celebrate her. She’s going to be the most amazing mom, and I can’t wait to meet her little guy and watch her experience the joy of motherhood!

04: #mgdxlagunaranch Progress

We’re in the thick of it at #mgdxlagunaranch, and every site visit feels like we’re unwrapping/ seeing something new.

The checker mudroom tile is down. Cabinets are going in. Paint is finding its way onto walls, and the countertops are settling into place… each layer completely making the house more itself. There’s a particular kind of magic in this phase, when all the decisions that lived so long on paper start to become something real and livable.

And the marble slabs. I picked these out at the yard, and I’ll be honest… standing in front of a wall of marble never gets old. There’s a stillness to it from far away, and then you look closer and there’s so much movement.

A few more months, and our clients get to call this place home. We can’t wait. 🥰

05: QT with Ollie and Gracie

I’ve been soaking up lots of quality time with my kiddos recently in light of a very full month. That working-mom melody is one I am always mindful of because wherever I am, I want to be fully present… at work, at home, in meetings, at a celebration, during a heart to heart or hard conversation, even when I try to be present for myself and just find time to think and be. I feel silly saying it but sometimes I wonder, '“where’s the time to carve out time to think and just be?”

I mustn’t be the only one, I imagine. The daily demands that pull us in sooo many different directions (whether as a parent or not) seem to be never ending. In this busier than ever season, I’m learning that it’s up to me to push pause on all of the noise and demands… and that it’s okay to do so. Great even.

Pushing pause… my gosh, yes; we all need that. And then there’s that beautiful, patient, small voice inside us all that calls us home. For me, it’s a literal call to home. Home with them: my family. To slow down, to simplify the list, to not always be multitasking, to be present. Being away from my kids and Evan fills me with a gratitude that sounds kinda like: I just can’t wait to get home to them, along with the occasional: Am I doing enough, being enough, present enough, etc. That ever familiar soundtrack is hard to turn off. So during these precious weekend days, I soak it all in. The hugs, the cuddles, the little mini adventures down the street to go splash in the fountains and play at the park. That’s what it looks like for us. And how sweet it is. I hope you get to seek some little moments of life’s simple pleasures in your week. These are mine. ❤️

06: Summer Coverup Season

And because summer is officially here… I just put the cutest cover up in my cart! I am pretty sure you need it too. :)

Xx, Mindy

There’s something beautiful that wallpaper does to a room… the way a single pattern can make a space feel entirely new through texture you can feel and depth you can see. It tells a story about the person who chose it and gives personality to the room it’s in. Because of this, sourcing it is one of my favorite passtimes, and today I’m sharing 12 recent finds I’ve bookmarked for upcoming projects. If you missed the first part of this series, find it here!

01: Adelaide Floral Stripe Wallpaper

Shop it here.

Read more

Summer has a way of pulling you toward the light — toward texture and ease and everything that feels effortless. But every room that truly works has something that anchors all of that. Something heavier, older, more deliberate. For me, that's almost always iron. In both interiors and in gardens, ironwork has a way of lending a space its backbone — giving it longevity in both feel and design. In that spirit, I’ve bookmarked a few iron pieces that I’ve been eyeing/sourcing recently…. Enjoy!

Read more

One of the luxuries of being close to Los Angeles is the access it affords to some world-class design showrooms. To spend a fully day moving room through room browsing texture, color, and material… there’s something genuinely restorative about it. It reminds me why I fell in love with design in the first place.

You all responded so well to the first installment of this design showroom series that I thought I’d share a second edition after a recent sourcing trip to LA. Below the paywall, you’ll find some design eye candy and names of the corresponding showrooms, captured on a day that felt both purposeful and honestly, a little bit like play.

If you missed part one of this series, you can find it HERE.

Read more

There is something special about a well-chosen coffee table book — the way it anchors a vignette, signals interests, and invites guests to linger a little longer. We've always believed that they're one of the easiest ways to bring genuine personality into a space… not the curated kind that feels assembled, but the lived-in kind that feels intentional. I’ve been gathering a new set of favorites lately, and so I thought it was time to share them. Meet 32 new coffee table books I’ve been coveting…

01: Pacific Natural Everywhere

02: Artful Home

Read more

You asked, I’m answering…. From tips on how to hide clutter to my dream day to top tips for mixing patterns, find all of my thoughts to your answers below. Have a question for the next round? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post! xx

Q: What are your go-to paint color(s) in a bathroom with little natural light?

I always believe in keeping a space feeling clean and fresh, particularly a bathroom. If you don’t have natural light in your bathroom (which a lot don’t), ensure you have good overhead lighting and/or decorative lighting that not only lights the space well but has the right temperature bulbs for the most flattering light. I prefer anywhere from 2,700-3,000k for the bulb temperature, alongside placing the lighting on a dimmer if you have the option to. Anything brighter than that range makes the room look too cool (sometimes even blue in color). The wrong lighting, especially in a small space, does nobody any favors.

When in doubt, paint the walls and ceiling a fresh shade of white (the same white paint color on both… don’t create a hierarchy of whites in one room.) Benjamin Moore White Dove or Benjamin Moore Simply White are great options to start with, but just be sure to sample them first next to your tile. Then, pick a vanity color that you like. I always prefer a subtle color such as Benjamin Moore Jockey Hollow Gray, Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige, or Dunn Edwards Shady. These three are all pseudo-neutrals that don’t fall flat, and they pair well with most anything. We’ve used all of these in our projects, including our own home below….

Q: What are your favorite beauty products right now?

I’m on a big Ursa Major kick recently; I just love how effective their line is. The Green Slate Mineral Polish is a staple for me… I have been using it 2x a week, and it feels like a mini-facial every time. I’ve also been loving their Mountain Glow Serum and Vitamin C Serum, followed by their Golden Hour Recovery Cream.

The face wash I use daily is iS Clinical Cleansing Complex… I’ve been using this for years and love that it’s gentle but effective. I double wash at night after using my Bioderma make-up remover.

I’ve also been loving the YSE Beauty Skin Glow SPF 30 Primer for everyday use. It’s often all I wear on makeup-less weekends, and is my base layer for week days when I’m wearing makeup.

For makeup, I have a really simple daily routine and use almost all Merit products. I’ve been using them for about 6 years, and they truly do last forever — which I love because I just don’t love spending money on makeup. I’m a less is more kind of girl in this arena!

For shower products, I rotate between Ouai Shampoo and Conditioner and Lolavie Shampoo and Conditioner. I’ve also been using the Rōz line the last 6 months, and while I like their products, I still am drawn to the other two tried-and-true in the rotation. But with that being said, I’m a big Rōz Milk Hair Serum user before every blow dry, followed by their Santa Lucia Styling Oil… it’s the best.

Can’t forget the Dyson Blow Dryer… nothing dries my hair faster or straighter!

Read more

Welcome to The Sunday Roast — a series that beckons you to slow down and savor the things that spark inspiration. Here, you’ll find a blend of design notes, links I’m loving from the week, personal updates, and the small joys that make my life feel full.

I’ve always loved how the British have the tradition of the Sunday roast — where families gather around the table for a long meal, sharing stories and finding nourishment for the week ahead. My hope is that you discover a few nuggets here to carry with you into yours.

01: Mother’s Day Reflections

My little Gracie turns two (!) next week and I can hardly believe where the time has gone… it went by SO much faster this time around. When Ollie was born, the days truly felt long and I couldn’t really imagine how he would ever get older and outgrow those newborn days. Now, he is nearly 4 1/2 years old, and we have a little girl who is about to be 2. And every bit of 2 she is…. 🥰 She’s toddler-ing big time right now and I’m buckling up for the year ahead, haha.

I can understand why the urge to have more babies doesn’t quite go away, if ever, during these sweet, precious, younger years with your kids. As a working mom, I relish the days I get to spend with them. I’ve spent much of the last two years since Gracie was born being really thoughtful about what quality time with them looks like and how to give them a special childhood — ideally, one that feels less rushed, filled with simple weekend adventures, learning all the things that sparks joy in them individually and as brother and sister, and just being together. It sounds so simple and cliche, but I’ve found it’s actually easier for us to just stay busy all the time, fill our schedules to the brim, and do whatever brings us happiness as parents. But when I find us doing the latter, I’ve found we’re all a little less joyful as a family and the kids aren’t thriving or actually being kids. They’re on my agenda, and ugh, that’s the icky part of me that doesn’t often make it on these pages. But it’s the truth, and I’ve been trying to slow down our family life and soak up the pure joy they possess with a quieter life. Thankfully I have a spouse who cherishes a slower pace of life for our family, so we’ve all been leaning into it as of late, and it feels really good for us.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what a gift it is to become a mother, and to be able to have a family with your best friend. I don’t wax poetic on here nearly enough, but my husband and kids have gifted me with a few of life’s greatest gifts…. time and presence.

My kiddos help me slow down and enjoy the mundane, which is anything but that for them. They’ve helped me look up more often, realign my priorities, work smarter, rely on others wholeheartedly, dream bigger for our family, and refocus on the simple little treasures that are found in the everyday with them. I hope that I will stay forever young in their eyes because of their endless joy and rose-colored way of looking at the world right now. I know these younger years are just a season, but I don’t want to regret not being here for them and for me…. we both need it ❤️ and it feels just right.

With Mother’s Day today, this all seems quite fitting. I believe this holiday has more to do with them and very little to do with me. I wouldn’t be who I am without them, and my goodness, for that I am eternally grateful. I wish there were more days set aside on the calendar to celebrate them. They really do make the world go round.

I hope you all get to enjoy this special day with your loved ones. Be sure to text all the moms you’re surrounded by and blessed to know. We all need to feel loved!

02: Loeffler Randall Goodies

Last visit to Nashville, I popped into the Loeffler Randall shop and walked out practically in love with everything. I got two new pairs of shoes that I’ve been wearing all the time and loving! I brought these strappy black sandals to Mexico with me and have them on now as we speak.

I also picked up a pair of crochet flats that were just what I’d been looking for. I love that you can wear them with or without the strap. The cute ladies in the store showed me their little hack…. they just tuck the strap under their foot on days they want to mix it up! They are mesh lined so they still hold their structure.

Alongside their shoes, I also love their clothing items. This dress and this skirt came home with me after trying it on in store, and I tried on a few more pieces like this dress (would be a great addition to your closet if you’re pregnant). The layers of details on all of the Loeffler pieces are so beautiful and feminine.

03: Design Deep Dives

We had so much fun putting together our all-things-woven post the other week. If you missed it, it’s full of so many good finds and items to bookmark that I adore.

We have another design deep dive in the works, this one coming in a few weeks. The focus: iron and metalwork. It’s a category that never really goes anywhere, present throughout so many of the interiors I’m most drawn to, and I can’t wait to dig into it properly. In the meantime… these iron counter stools stopped me mid-scroll. The leg detailing is simple in the best way, and the scalloped cushion adds just enough softness to keep them from feeling too spare. They’d be equally at home as a vanity stool, and the price is genuinely hard to argue with.

04: Vacation Fits

I picked up the best lightweight short and collared shirt set for our mini vacation to Mexico this past week. It has such a cute, relaxed fit and the 100% linen feel is perfect for summer! I love both color ways and have been cuffing the sleeve for a slightly more put together look. Paired with my favorite packable hat, it’s a vacation-worthy combo!

I also packed the perfect linen dress with button detailing and pleated waistline. It’s feminine in all the right ways.

And finally, a gift from my hubby! If you’re looking for a flattering one-piece, this fits so well and is cut super beautifully. I recommend sizing up one size, it runs small.

05: Nashville Sourcing

One of my favorite spots in Nashville when we’re out sourcing is Eneby Home. I’ve been a big fan of Doug and Carina (the owner’s) iconic pop-up shop, Eneby Home, from their Round Top days. One of the first pieces of furniture we bought for our home was a pair of vintage chairs from them on a buying trip to Texas when I was pregnant with Ollie in 2021.

Fast forward to today, they have continued to dream big and opened up a beautiful showroom in Nashville that I finally had the chance to visit. It’s inspiring in every sense of the word, and a real treasure trove of one-of-kind pieces.

Xx, Mindy

April had that way of slipping past before you could quite catch it — blink and it was gone. Between some travel, sourcing trips, and family time… the month moved fast in the best possible way. And somehow, just like that, we're rounding the corner toward summer — I can already feel it coming. It has me thinking about all of the joy of a new season, one which I can’t wait for. Shop a few things I've been loving this month below. xx

01: Chocolate Croc Bag

One of my favorite bags just dropped in the most beautiful chocolate croc — and I'm completely smitten. I've had it in black suede and wore it on repeat all last year. It's the perfect size, holds everything you actually need, and works effortlessly as a crossbody for those busy, hands-free days we all know so well.

02: Summer Sandals

So many beautiful leather sandals have been catching my eye lately — perfect timing with summer just around the corner. Also, I’m a big yes to a new pair of espadrilles for the season!

03: Kiddo Aprons

There's nothing better than a kitchen afternoon with Ollie & Gracie — especially when they're wearing their adorable little aprons. We tried this strawberry muffin recipe and it was a hit with the whole crew.

Read more