I was born in Chicago, raised in the Midwest, and studied creative writing and journalism at the University of Iowa. I was quickly immersed in Southern culture when I moved to Birmingham, Alabama, and became a writer and editor for Southern Accents Magazine at Time Warner. The lavish interiors and grand architecture of the region inspired me to study interior design while working as an editor.
Today I am a lifestyle journalist, editor, brand strategist, and communications specialist with more than 25 years of experience managing and producing content for magazines, books, digital, television, and sales/marketing/PR assets. I am honored to put my skills to work creating lifestyle content for Lake Homes Realty and its ever-growing sister brands including Beach-Homes Realty and Mountain Homes Realty.
Faced with intensifying climate pressures, fragile coastlines, and a growing desire for lower-impact living, architects are rethinking what it means to build by the sea. Coastal homes today are no longer simply glass boxes positioned for a view. Instead, they …
For coastal homeowners, pets are woven into the daily rhythm of beach walks, dockside mornings, and sandy returns at sunset. As residential design continues to evolve toward lifestyle-driven planning, the at-home pet spa has become less of a novelty. It …
Designing a kitchen for a coastal or beach home requires a different level of rigor than renovating inland. Salt air corrodes, humidity lingers, storms disrupt schedules, and many coastal properties—from Upper East shingle-style houses to contemporary California retreats—operate as seasonal …
Outdoor living has shifted from a functional necessity to an elevated design discipline. This is especially true for coastal homeowners who demand pieces that can withstand salt air, shifting moisture, intense UV exposure, and frequent entertaining. In 2026, coastal outdoor …
Travelers drawn to the sea often seek more than mere beach sunsets and ocean breezes. Some of the world’s most compelling coastal cities pair breathtaking waterscapes with rich tapestries of cultural heritage. These are places where open horizons meet centuries …
In coastal and beach homes, the mudroom quietly does more heavy lifting than nearly any other space. It absorbs the realities of shoreline living—sand-coated shoes, damp towels, salty air, muddy paws, dripping umbrellas, and gear that comes and goes with …
Mornings at the coast tend to fall into two camps. On a slow Sunday, breakfast might stretch out on the couch—or even in bed—with coffee balanced on a tray. There is nowhere to be. But most beach mornings are practical …
A well-designed coffee bar has become a quiet luxury in beach and coastal homes—less about show and more about daily ritual. For coastal homeowners who value good design and good coffee, a home barista station offers a practical upgrade that …
Coastal homeowners are entering 2026 with a sharper eye for materials, craftsmanship, and design longevity. Rather than leaning on predictable nautical motifs or seasonal décor, today’s beach and waterfront residents are seeking interiors that feel grounded, modern, and enduring. The …
Positioned between charcoal and warm stone, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2026, Silhouette AF-655, presents a refined midtone with an architectural sensibility. The sophisticated yet approachable hue speaks to a growing desire for calm authority in residential design—particularly in …
