Friday Favorites 13: Design Ideas, Fashion & Home Finds

Favorite ideas for home decor, style, recipes, budget-friendly finds and other random thoughts from the week.

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STOPPED ME IN MY SCROLL

The Instagram feed of Blackwell Botanicals showcased a stairwell installation that really caught my eye—one of the most compelling gallery walls I’ve seen for stairs and landings. Creating a gallery wall on a staircase is tricky: you need scale, rhythm and a mix of frames and art that read well as you move up or down. This installation gets it right with balanced spacing and a pleasing mix of textures and artwork that flow naturally from the stair run into the landing.

gallery wall in a stairwell and landing area

BLACKWELL BOTANICALS | photo by GORDON GREGORY PHOTO | installation by ART WORKS

The gallery continues into the upper landing, which helps the entire wall feel cohesive rather than chopped into separate sections. If you’re planning a stair gallery, consider carrying pieces into adjacent spaces so the eye can rest and the composition feels intentional.

gallery wall in a stairwell and landing area

OUTFIT INSPIRATION

I recently fell for a soft chiffon blouse in a floral print—feminine, lightweight and full of color. Its mix of hues makes it incredibly versatile: wear it with tailored pants for a dressier look or pair it with denim for an easy, casual outfit. The blouse drapes beautifully, and you can style it loose or try a half-tuck for a more structured silhouette.

outfit with floral blouse and blue pants

The look shown leans a bit dressy, but the blouse’s soft pattern works effortlessly with casual pieces. To help with shopping, I created an outfit board using the closest available items—links to similar pieces are provided below the collage for easy reference and seasonal outfit ideas.

outfit with floral blouse and blue pants

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FLORAL BLOUSE (similar) | BLUE CAPRI PANTS | MULTI BAND LOOK RING | MONOGRAMMED LINK BRACELET | GOLD BRACELET SET | LINK RING | EARRINGS (similar) | NAVY & GOLD NECKLACE | LONG GOLD LINK NECKLACE (similar) | PURSE (similar) | OFF-WHITE SANDALS (similar)

WHAT I’M WATCHING OR READING

We pulled out our copy of Band of Brothers this week and watched it again. If you haven’t seen it, this series is a powerful exploration of World War II from the soldiers’ perspective. The ensemble cast, strong direction, and thoughtful editing make it a five-star recommendation from me. It’s a reminder of the human cost of war and one of those series that stays with you long after the credits roll.

band of brothers dvd cover

RECENT PURCHASE I LOVE

This week’s favorite buy was actually a Mother’s Day gift I received from my list: a beautiful coffee table book filled with inspiring interiors. The photography covers many styles, making it a versatile source of decor ideas and room-by-room inspiration that I’ll revisit often.

Image of Living Well By Design book cover

LINK TO LIVING WELL BY DESIGN

Flip through it and you’ll find practical styling tips, color combinations, and room vignettes that spark fresh ideas for decorating, staging and entertaining. Here are a few spreads I’ve already bookmarked for future projects.

pages inside of a home decor coffee table book

ON THE HOME FRONT

Yes, I’m still dealing with a pinched nerve in my hip, but the good news is it’s mostly cleared up and I’m easing back into normal activities with care. Thank you to everyone who checked in—it means a lot.

The week’s highlight was attending my youngest granddaughter’s spring concert. She signed up for band on a whim and began with the trumpet; after just a year of playing, her teacher suggested she move to the French horn. It’s been surprising and delightful to watch her enthusiasm grow. She’s embraced music with a passion I didn’t expect, and I couldn’t be prouder.

teenage girl holding a french horn

Wishing you a relaxing, inspiring weekend filled with small discoveries—whether in your home, your closet, or on the screen. See you next week with more decor finds, outfit ideas, and everyday moments worth sharing.