21 Ideabooks by Melanie Blodgett

My family and I just ate outside for the first time this season. I learned two things from the experience: Everything tastes better alfresco, and we own nothing that is outdoor friendly. We had to drag our kitchen chairs out and eat on our laps. So my...

Polka dots are on everything, from shoes to jeans to home goods. And I'm not complaining — I love the happy pattern and want to splash it all over my house. — Melanie from You Are My Fave

For years I've answered, "green" when asked the pressing question, "What's your favorite color?" Putting this collection together has confirmed that it indeed is the best choice. There are so many great shades: kelly, mint, grass, chartreuse, moss, emerald....

I used to think the traditional heart shape was too cutesy for my liking, but these art prints are making me rethink that idea. I especially love the simple ones that are on a big scale. I'm just wondering if I could make them work in my house without...

Midcentury furniture is in style and for good reason. With clean lines, tufting, simple knobs and great colors and patterns, it's hard not to like it. I've mixed and matched my own furniture so that my home doesn't turn into the set of Mad Men,...

When it comes to holiday decorating, it seems like a lot of Americans take the motto "the bigger the better" to heart — think inflatable yard decorations and that crazy house you have to drive slowly by every year. While all of that is entertaining,...

I don't actually own a cabin, so I have to switch some things out in my house to make it the perfect hibernation station for the winter. These accessories and pieces would make things perfectly cozy and rustic just like a cabin getaway. — Melanie...

The days are getting shorter, and the nights cooler. 'Tis the season to throw on the sweatpants and cuddle up with a warm blanket and soft pillow. — Melanie from You Are My Fave

Geometric patterns, especially triangles, are right on trend these days. They're popping up on everything from jewelry to shower curtains. I sure am a fan, and I hope the trend doesn't fade anytime soon. — Melanie from You...

The walls in my new home are still quite bare, and I'm looking to add some color. Here are some punchy prints that I've spotted around the web that are contenders for my walls. I love that good art is so accessible now, thanks to the internet. —...

I'm pretty much finished furnishing my house, but I can't help but continue to shop around and admire pieces out there, especially chairs. There is such a great variety that I wouldn't mind just adding a few more to my limited space. You can never have...

I'm actually pretty rubbish at geography, but I love maps. There are so many great ones out there that I have to refrain myself from putting one on every wall of the house. Maybe if I did, I would learn a thing or two. — Melanie from You...

I love pattern and florals are at the top the list, although my husband wants to keep them at a minimum around the house as to not make things too feminine. I think a few accents wouldn't hurt. Take for instance a painting, a tablecloth and maybe a pillow...

I love when the warm weather arrives and the itch to entertain starts up again. Whether it's a casual picnic or a full-blown dinner party, here are some favorite pieces to have on hand so you're ready to be the hostess with the mostess. —...

I only have five short weeks until my due date, so I'm thinking I'd better get started on the nursery. While I have loads of inspiration, it's a little bit of a mess right now. Time for a weekend project! — Melanie From You...