There is something very special about styling a home for a holiday issue. Behind the scenes there is a flurry of elf-like work as we gather trees and evergreens, wrap presents, and deck the halls…sometimes in February, or June. Either way, I always consider it an honor and do my best to style in a way that both reflects the homeowners holiday traditions and the vision the magazine has for the feature. Bringing both together through my styling work can in a sense, feel magical to me, even with the large task at hand.

Thought it might be nice for another installment of recent styling work. The last six months has seen a fairly intense work schedule and I missed sharing many of the holiday projects that hit newsstands during the season. So we'll just start fresh this year with this modern Alabama farmhouse for March issue of Country Living.

First, we need to talk about this little coffee alcove! Isn't it a genius use of a small space? I would be happy to start my morning here every single day. I kept the styling to a minimum since it was pretty fantastic on it's own. Only adding in the antique rug, fresh florals, and a plate of tiny apple crullers. The homeowners, Paige and Blair Thornton usually keep a Keurig in here but for the sake of editorial beauty I swapped it out for a French press, added a basket tray for warmth and texture and the coffee accoutrements. I love how the black flush mount fixtures add a graphic pop to the space and seriously covet the knitted stool Paige found at Tuesday Morning!

The September issue of Country Living is our Small Spaces issue. It's one I look forward to every year because I'm fascinated by folks who scale back their home size, pare down belongings, and live in petite places. Have you ever watched Tiny House Nation? Obsessed.

I thought it might be fun to share how I styled each space within this 1,143 sq.ft. California ranch and give you some tips for using the concepts in your own home.

I'm just going to put this out there...farmhouses have been and always will be my favorite locations to style. It doesn't matter if it's a dilapidated 100 year old home with creeky floors and vines growing out of the walls or a complete renovation that's been updated with modern conveniences - I love them all. This one I styled for Country Living is no exception. It was small with tons of windows, nestled in California wine country with a homeowner who adored simplicity. She enlisted the talents of designer Laurie Furber of Elsie Green to accomplish the task of renovating and decorating the home. And I think they struck the perfect balance of antique and new furnishings with a result that is warm and welcoming. For the dining table I created an early morning breakfast scene with casual fare and a pile of mis-matched pillows on the banquette. It ended up being my favorite shot with that gorgeous light streaming through the window panes.

This is one of my all time favorite kitchens I've styled for Country Living. Their feature shares 7 Ways to Warm up White. I use the term "styled" loosely here, because it's the kitchen of my friend and colleague, Victoria Pearson and her taste is impeccable. Virtually no props were needed as I was able to use her incredible collection of dishes, pottery and kitchen wares. And before we go further, can we discuss the floor? Imported antique French terracotta tiles....so dreamy!

Oh, I just LOVED styling this home for HGTV Magazine. Every square inch of this 968 sq.ft. bungalow was so thoughtfully designed, with bold punches of color and graphic black and white touches throughout each room. See for yourself how this small home delivers big style!