Because it’s good to pretend it is 2010 now and again and just chat randomly as if it is just me and you on this perplexing world wide web. And are you ever curious about what gets pinned to Pinterest like crazy from this site? Spilling the tea! Do repin and pin and pin to keep the momentum going – it helps me as a one woman show of a small business competing with design giants and influencers. Are you following my boards? They need love and repin magic. And if you have missed any of the stories mentioned below, please take a moment to give them some love…there’s always something unexpected for you to discover doncha know.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Random Chat, Popular PINS & Hello Lovely Posts to Visit
I just snapped these from the backyard. There’s a beautiful forest preserve with a trail adjacent to our property.
![Hello Lovely Studio - backyard with view of deck and hydrangea hedge.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hello-lovely-studio-backyard-deck-hydrangea-hedge-lawn-1.jpg)
So much beauty blooming and nature to enjoy here across the seasons. I used to think it would be wonderful to be one of those bloggers who only draws content from their daily life instead of an inspiration blogger sharing the work of others. But now I’m not so sure. I know my way around posting pretty pictures and weaving in my two cents and creative ideas to learn the look or shop the room, but the broader social media landscape and world of influencing?
![Hello Lovely Studio - backyard garden beds and hydrangea hedge.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hello-lovely-studio-garden-2.jpg)
Now there’s a great big ol’ mystery of ever-evolving wonder and chaos!
![Hello Lovely Studio - stone steps , garden beds, and hydrangea hedge in my backyard.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hello-lovely-studio-garden-4.jpg)
Suddenly FB is showing my posts and content to a diverse crowd who love traditional interiors, so that even simple images I snap at home are getting likes and comments. I’m not used to it at all. And the vulnerability that comes with that?
![Hello Lovely Studio - stone steps , garden beds, and hydrangea hedge in my backyard.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/hello-lovely-studio-garden-6.jpg)
You have to exercise a certain degree of courage, maturity and tolerance for opinions from random strangers who confidently assert how you’ve done it all wrong.
![Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cathy-kincaid-manhattan-pied-de-terre-006.jpg)
I was such a late adopter of any social media. Didn’t join Pinterest until years after all of the competition staked their claim (competition meaning other timeless design-related sites jockeying for traffic). When I finally joined IG, there was no more room at the top!
![Patina Living photo of Steve Giannetti with Sophie on built-in window seat bench at Patina Farm. Photo by Victoria Pearson. #patinafarm #stevegiannetti #windowseat #europeancountry #interiordesign #modernfarmhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/013-patina-farm-window-seat-belgian-linen-steve-giannetti-shih-tzu.jpg)
See more beauty from the Giannettis in this:
![Patina Homes by Brooke Giannetti and Steve Giannetti (Gibbs Smith, 2021) book cover. #interiordesign #brookegiannetti #frenchfarmhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/patina-homes-giannetti-gibbs-smith-book-cover.jpg)
So much gets shared on this inspiration blog, and if you blink, you could miss a treasure trove of beautiful design goodness!
![Luxuriously sumptuous modern French bedroom with velvet and linen pillows and ring chandelier by Christopher Boots. #modernfrench #bedrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/jill-egan-bedroom-2.jpg)
I recently shared our living room (HERE) and family room (HERE):
![SW Repose Gray in living room with Belgian linen sofa, egg chair, and arched windows - Hello Lovely Studio. #reposegray #belgianstyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_5494-1.jpg)
It’s so good to be adding finishing touches rather than inhaling dust and serving as cleanup crew!
![SW Agreeable Gray in tonal family room with built-ins and Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio. #swagreeablegray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_5480-1.jpg)
I would love to begin designing plans for the walk-out basement, but my husband has to be well-rested before any discussions can begin for that. Still haven’t tackled the courtyard and am trying to be patient…maybe this fall.
![atticus poetry quote about love, life, and being alive and enough - on Hello Lovely Studio. #atticus #atticuspoetry #atticusquote #lovequote #relationshipquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/atticus-poetry-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-dont-apologize-feeling-a-lot.jpg)
Did you see the beauty happening for fall in this story with inspiration from Amber Lewis?
![Green wallpapered dining room - Amber Lewis (Shoppe Amber Interiors) designed fall interior. #greenwallpaper #diningroomdecor #modernrusticinteriors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/amber-interior-design-fall-2023-13.jpg)
And don’t miss the inspiring work by deVOL in an amazing castle:
![A beautiful Dairy Table (deVOL) in the English country kitchen renovated at Castle Trematon with House of Hackney wall covering and design. #dairytable #devolkitchens #castletrematon](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Trematon-kitchen-deVOL-2.jpg)
The older I grow, the more I think that if you spend your day with the determination to have a good time, you will undoubtedly change the world for good. 🙂
![Funny E. B. White quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnyquotes #humor #quotes #ebwhite](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/inspirational-funny-quote-hello-lovely-studio-makes-planning-difficult-e.b.-white.jpg)
I recently shared ideas for everyday saves and splurges in THIS.
![Grisaille tree wallpaper in the entry and dining room of our modern French home - Hello Lovely Studio. #treewallpaper #modernfrench](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_5513-1.jpg)
Coastal chic never falls from favor, and if you love the sets of Nancy Meyers movies like HOME AGAIN, consider this:
![Home Again movie - GET THE LOOK on Hello Lovely Studio. #homeagain #movieset #getthelook](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GET-THE-LOOK-home-again-movie-house-hello-lovely-studio-mood-board.jpg)
Calm vignettes like this inspiring one have enchanted my Pinterest followers:
![French Nordic living room vignette with candles, pale colors, grain sack pillows, linen and serene style by Villa Jenal. #frenchnordic #livingroom #scandistyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/villa-jenal-white-living-room-french-nordic-decor-living-room.jpg)
There’s just something irresistible about cozying on down with candles, a good book, and a mug of deliciousness on a rainy day, and I think that shot with the lunaria captures the quietness.
![Annie Dillard inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/inspirational-quote-for-new-year-hello-lovely-studio-spend-the-afternoon-annie-dillard.jpg)
See what timeless kitchen inspiration has me inspired in THIS:
![Beautiful timeless natural kitchen by Ashley Montgomery Design. #timelesskitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/0001-ashleymontgomerydesign-kitchen-2.jpg)
There are plenty of days I live in pajamas (thanks to a work from home job and chronic illness…read about how I deal).
![Lounge Lovely Finds on Hello Lovely Studio. #loungewear #loungedresses](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/lounge-lovely-finds-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
Calm and cozy finds are always on my radar.
![Calm & Cozy Gift Guide - Hello Lovely Studio. #selfcare #giftguides](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/gift-guide-cozy-self-care-hello-lovely-banner.jpg)
and you know I love my skincare and makeup products…especially clean beauty with a minimalist vibe:
![Makeup Minimalists Lovely Finds on Hello Lovely. #makeupminimalist](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Makeup-Minimalists-Hello-Lovely-Studio-Banner.jpg)
Speaking of minimalism…I so admire how these antique dealers decorate with a light hand:
![Beautiful, minimal modern English cottage dining room with Saarinen table and wood chairs from Anton & K. #modernenglishcountry #europeancountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-antonandkantiques-airbnb-english-country-cottage.jpg)
Another minimalist we recently spotlighted? Michael Del Piero since she just came out with a book:
![Rustic wood ceiling over marble waterfall kitchen island. Interior design by Michael Del Piero (Richard Powers - photo) for TRAVELED AND TEXTURAL (Beta-Plus, 2023). #modernrustic #michaeldelpiero](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/michael-del-piero-fond-du-lac-richard-powers-kitchen-waterfall-marble-island.jpg)
The ups and downs of life can make us vulnerable to cynicism, despair, and hopelessness. When I feel those things, it seems as though I am temporarily locked out of the garden of gratitude. Certain inspirational messages (Count Your Blessings!) can even make me feel worse.
I find this comforting, helpful, and less likely to trigger shame:
![Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity #gratitudequotes #thanksgiving](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/faith-quote-hello-lovely-studio-ann-voskamp-7.jpg)
Get inspired for the holidays with this French Christmasy romp:
![@dhcphoto - beautiful white two story home in Atlanta with tan shutters decorated with wreaths for the holidays. #outdoorholidaydecor #atlantaholidayhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/dhcphoto-white-brick-house-exterior-holidays-southeastern-designer-showhouse.jpg)
Most of my prayers these days are silent surrender or simply:
![Anne Lamott inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #annelamott #inspirationalquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/anne-lamott-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
What a blessing that when strength is gone or anxiety comes, there is a prayer beyond words the Spirit prays in us. I lost one of my closest friends to breast cancer a couple of weeks ago, and oh, the heart pain.
![Limestone flooring, antique wood doors, groin vault ceilings, plaster walls, Swedish antiques and French farmhouse allure in Brooke Giannetti's Patina Farm home - Velvet & Linen. #patinafarm #frenchfarmhouse #limestonefloors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/patina-farm-hall-limestone-plaster-walls-pots-mora-swedish-antiques-giannetti-home-velvet-linen-brooke.jpg)
We just don’t know when we’re in the middle of the good ol’ days, friends. I’m so thankful that over the last 24 years, my friend Eileen and I never had time for small talk…what a gift.
![Faith, spirituality and inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquotes #spirituality #christianity #faithquotes #rumi](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/antiracism-quote-hello-lovely-studio-rumi-today-i-am-changing-myself-7.jpg)
I have been wrestling with ideas about “real friends” vs. “fake friends” in the age of social media and most folks being afraid of telephone conversations. Ya know?
If you are struggling physically, emotionally, or spiritually right now, did you know you can seek the grace to be more brave? Because we can.
![Inspirational quote by C. S. Lewis about courage on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/green-inspiration-quote-courage-c.-s.-lewis-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
And I realize we are all fighting battles whether we acknowledge them or not.
![@shopdoen - gorgeous pink interior of a cupboard at Doen - paint color is Angel's Landing (Portola Paints) Everything else is Canvas Bag. #blushpink #angelslanding #portolapinks](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/shopdoen-cupboard-interior-angels-landing-portola-paints-pink-walls-floor-canvas-bag.jpg)
And this fills me with compassion. For you. And for me.
![Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/brene-brown-inspirational-quote-self-care-kindness-talk-to-yourself-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
We’re living through times where everywhere you turn, there’s reinforcement to stick with those who are just like you, to isolate from those who are not.
![Rustic outdoor fall tablescape with long farm table, candlelight, and sheepskin over benches - Williams Sonoma. #falltablescape #farmhousefall #outdoorentertaining](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/fall-tablescape-outdoor-entertaining-williams-sonoma.jpg)
Not sure where I would be today if I lived in such exclusivity. If I did not know the stories of folks far different from myself.
![Andrea Gibson poem quote about sensitivity. #andreagibsonquotes #andreagibsonpoetry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/andrea-gibson-quote-goals-scribble-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Their stories have changed, deepened, softened, perplexed, challenged, and stretched me to see in fresh ways.
And seeing in a pure way is still what I long to do.
![Andrea Gibson open heart quote. #heartquotes #andreagibsonquotes #andreagibsonpoetry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/andrea-gibson-QUOTE-OPEN-HEART-Hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
I keep getting it wrong, and it’s humbling. But it’s true that we live in an upside down kingdom. That when we’re weak, we become strong. The more I shed the old ideas, the old consciousness, the knowing…the closer I get to arriving to THE NEW, THE MYSTERY, THE UNKNOWING.
What does all of my spiritual journeying have to do with blogging, homemaking, renovations, and paint colors? I think it’s easy to judge and think they are completely different entities. But more and more, I am surrendering to the mystery of it all. I don’t need to understand all of the mechanics operating in realms we cannot see. These intersections of media, commerce, connection, and random quests for tranquil design help or lovely colors–who can say how they somehow bring forth a bit more beauty or depth or creativity or aliveness or ??? If you made it all the way to this point in the post, bless you. Really. I just love you, that is all.
And we return to more of what you may have missed:
Need a relaxing blue paint color idea?
![Benjamin Moore Smoke paint color on a lovely light blue bathroom vanity cabinet - Jennifer Beaudry Design. #benjaminmooresmoke #bluepaintcolors #calmpaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/benjaminmoore-smoke-vanity-bathroom-jenniferbeaudrydesign-blue-paint-color.jpg)
![Try the most relaxing paint colors - shared on Hello Lovely Studio. #calmpaintcolors #benjaminmoorepaintcolors #bestsellingpaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/benjamin-moore-relaxing-paint-colors-bestsellers-banner-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Step inside this Parisian style mansion HERE!
![Parisian style mansion in Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/image-10.png)
Find even more inspiring quotes from Brene Brown in THIS.
![Atlas of the Heart Brené Brown quote about empathy, courage, boundaries and emotion on Hello Lovely Studio. #brenebrownquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/atlas-of-the-heart-brene-brown-quote-definition-empathy-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
So many gorgeous country French kitchens shared! See THESE pins for more inspo, and pin this for future reference:
![French Farmhouse: Get the Look - furniture, lighting, and accessories for a romantic look. #frenchfarmhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/french-farmhouse-get-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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I was going to comment about you seeing your home on someone’s FB and how freaked out I would be if I saw mine show up somewhere. And how unfortunate that so many people are rude, careless and just plain mean when they criticize and insult others. Then I was going to say how being homebound due to chronic pain and health struggles makes us the same, EXCEPT you’re a content creative and I’m just a creative consumer. 😉 that I’m so grateful to have people like you who have made my journey to accept my limits easier (thanks to bloggers). But then I was sad and moved and decided all I really wanted to say is how sorry I am for your loss. May God comfort you.
Author
You and your heartfulness are just incredible, and we are the same. I am always touched when someone reads with such kindness and sees through the jumble of my words and randomness with all its mixed emotions and zigs and zags. Thank you for seeing. Thank you for being with me on this journey. And thank you for those blessings – hoping the same comfort finds you, lifts you, moves you right where you are. xox
Don’t worry – you’re at the top!
Author
🙂