Random Chat & Stories Worth Visiting

Sometimes I must simply pretend it is 2010 fresh and random blogland, not 2024 MAD INTERNET WORLD. Ya know? Not sure if you still frequent Pinterest (please frequent my boards!), but do repin, pin, save and share to keep the momentum going. It helps me as a one woman show of a small business competing with design giants and influencers. Follow my boards? They need love and repinning help. Plus, if you have missed any of the stories below, maybe you’ll discover a gem…there seems always to be surprises along the way.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Random Chat & Hello Lovely Stories to Visit

Here’s our summer 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.
Hello Lovely – home

So much beauty blooming and nature to enjoy here across the seasons. I used to wish I had started a blog with only content from daily life instead of inspiration spotlighting others.

Hello Lovely Studio - backyard garden beds and hydrangea hedge.

But now I’m relieved I don’t have the haunting pressure of re-inventing, re-packaging, and always feeling pressed to influence with my own creative endeavors.

Hello Lovely Studio - stone steps , garden beds, and hydrangea hedge in my backyard.

That is honorable work, but I get tired of myself quickly.

Hello Lovely Studio - stone steps , garden beds, and hydrangea hedge in my backyard.

Plus, if the goal is maximum engagement, and you somehow manage to snag it, you open to this intense scrutiny and critique from armchair decorators and unhappy trolls.

Elegant traditional interior design by Cathy Kincaid. #traditionalstyle #elegantdecor #timelessdesign
Cathy Kincaid Interiors – see more HERE

It takes a measure of courage, maturity, thick skin, and maybe insanity to roll with random strangers explaining you’ve done it all wrong. Of course, at that level, influencers hire virtual assistants to handle their social media channels. A lot of folks don’t realize they may be interacting with a representative of the brand, not the actual author or influencer.

Hello Lovely Interiors Inspiration Stories to Visit

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
Steve Giannetti, author of PATINA STYLE, PATINA FARM, and PATINA HOMES – photo by Victoria Pearson for PATINA LIVING

See more beauty from the Giannettis in this:

Patina Homes by Brooke Giannetti and Steve Giannetti (Gibbs Smith, 2021) book cover. #interiordesign #brookegiannetti #frenchfarmhouse
Patina Homes (Gibbs Smith, 2021)

So much beauty is 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
Read about MODERN FRENCH style HERE – MILIEU (Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears, Produced by: Shannon Bowers, Photography: Laura Resen, Written by: David Massello)

I recently shared our living room (HERE) and family room (HERE):

What a relief when you can simply keep refining finishing touches rather than inhale dust and serve as cleanup crew!

It’s fun to dream of plans for the walk-out basement, but we’re getting older and need to be sure we are healthy enough before real planning could commence. The courtyard was a great recent project!

atticus poetry quote about love, life, and being alive and enough - on Hello Lovely Studio. #atticus #atticuspoetry #atticusquote #lovequote #relationshipquote

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
Amber Lewis

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
House of Hackney kitchen with deVOL cabinetry – read more HERE

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

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
Hello Lovely Studio

Coastal chic never falls from favor, and if you love the sets of Nancy Meyers movies like HOME AGAIN, consider this:

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
Ideas for getting European Country style HERE – photo: Villa Jenal

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.

See what timeless white kitchen inspiration has me inspired in THIS:

Beautiful timeless natural kitchen by Ashley Montgomery Design. #timelesskitchens

There are plenty of days I live in pajamas (thanks to a work from home job and chronic illness…read about how I deal).

Calm and cozy finds are always on my radar.

and you know I love my skincare and makeup products…especially clean beauty with a minimalist vibe:

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
Anton & K Antiques – see more HERE

Another minimalist we recently spotlighted? Michael Del Piero with her amazing book and multiple locations in the Hamptons and Chicago:

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
Find the review of Traveled & Textural (Beta-Plus, 2023) by Michael Del Piero HERE

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

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
@dhcphoto – Atlanta Home for the Holidays House

Most of my prayers these days are silent surrender or simply:

Anne Lamott inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #annelamott #inspirationalquotes

What a blessing that when strength is gone or anxiety comes, there is a prayer beyond words the Spirit prays in us. I lost someone precious to me recently and celebrated her life with family over the weekend. There are these chapters where all of the unneccessary falls away, and we can see more clearly.

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
Inspiration for French country interiors including favorites from Velvet and Linen/Giannetti Home

We just don’t know when we’re in the middle of the good ol’ days, friends. I’m so thankful that for nearly 60 years, my second mom brought nothing but goodness to my life…what a gift.

Faith, spirituality and inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquotes #spirituality #christianity #faithquotes #rumi

I have been wrestling with feelings of loneliness in the digital age and find myself longing for pre-iPhone eras.

There is so much that is lost with texting and social media posts. Face to face interactions include tone, authenticity, and less manipulation. Can you fathom what folks are willing to say online vs. what they would say to your face? Boundaries are so blurred. It’s confusing.

Inspirational quote by C. S. Lewis about courage on Hello Lovely Studio.

I need to be reminded to seek the grace to be more brave and talk about these issues with others rather than feel isolated by them. I need to keep remembering how 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
Pink interior is Portola Paint’s Angel’s Landing – @shopdoen – READ ABOUT Earthy Pink Paint HERE

Such acknowledgement increases compassion and humility.

Brené Brown inspirational quote about kindness, imperfection, vulnerability, authenticity, and self-care. #personalgrowth #brenebrownquotes #vulnerability #selfcarequotes

We’re living through times where everywhere you turn, we’re encouraged to get niche-y, to align with others just like us to feel less alone. The problem is of course, we are assuming there is a clear us and them.

Rustic outdoor fall tablescape with long farm table, candlelight, and sheepskin over benches - Williams Sonoma. #falltablescape #farmhousefall #outdoorentertaining
Find pretty tablescape and dining ideas (above: via Williams Sonoma)

Not sure where I would be today if I lived inside such exclusivity. If I did not know the stories of those souls far different than me.

Andrea Gibson poem quote about sensitivity. #andreagibsonquotes #andreagibsonpoetry

The stories of others have changed, deepened, softened, perplexed, challenged, and stretched me to see in fresh ways.

Seeing in a pure way is still my deepest desire.

Andrea Gibson open heart quote. #heartquotes #andreagibsonquotes #andreagibsonpoetry

I keep getting it wrong, and it’s so humbling, isn’t it? But it’s also true that ours is an upside down kingdom. When we’re weak, we have a rare strength indeed. The more I step over the old ideas, the old consciousness, the old knowing…my arrival uncovers THE NEW, THE MYSTERY, THE UNCERTAIN AND THE UNKNOWING.

What does spiritual journeying have to do with interior blogging, homemaking, renovations, and paint colors? It’s easy to judge them as different spheres. Yet I tend to surrender to the mystery of it all. I need not understand all of the mechanics inside the realms we cannot see. Intersections of media, vocation, connectivity, and follies involving tranquil design or paint colors–who can say how they may increase beauty, uplift outlooks and creativity, or ??? If you read to this point? Thanks. Really. I just love you here with your open heart and desire for beauty.

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
Paint color: Benjamin Moore SMOKE @jenniferbeaudrydesign
Try the most relaxing paint colors - shared on Hello Lovely Studio. #calmpaintcolors #benjaminmoorepaintcolors #bestsellingpaintcolors

Step inside this Parisian style mansion HERE!

Parisian style mansion in Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco.

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

So many gorgeous country French kitchens shared! See THESE pins for more inspo, and pin this for future reference:

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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2 Comments

  1. Susan
    September 10, 2024 / 12:14 pm

    I am blown away by the included quotes and what you have to say. Thanks for sharing your heart with us.

    • Michele
      Author
      September 10, 2024 / 1:27 pm

      I appreciate you and your kindness–thanks for supporting me so lovingly. xox

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing