Mackinaw Road

Travel-Inspired Design, One Trip at a Time

  • Travel
    • A 2-to-4-day Vancouver Itinerary
    • 6 Kid-Friendly Christmas Activities in Chicago
    • 6 Kid-Friendly, Rainy Day Activities in Boston
    • Banff: Something for Everyone
    • Chicago with Kids: Can’t Miss Places and Restaurants
    • Islands
      • 007 in the Bahamas
      • Island Travel Interveiws- Australia, Take 1 (Sydney)
      • Island Travel Interviews, Australia (Gold Cost)
      • Island Travel Interviews- Caribbean Islands, Take 10 (St. Barts)
      • MUST SEE Grand Cayman
      • Top 5 Hilton Head Activities with Kids
      • What to do on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
      • A Guide to Paradise Island, Bahamas
      • The Cloisters on Paradise Island, Bahamas
      • Where to Eat When Visiting Paradise Island
    • Michigan
      • 24 Hours in West Michigan
      • An Afternoon in Grand Rapids
      • A Long Weekend in Northern Michigan
      • A Few Hours in Saugatuck
      • Global Christmas and Holiday Traditions in 2 hours or Less
      • Leland Gal
      • Places You MUST SEE in Northern Michigan
      • Traverse City Wineries
      • What to Do in Charlevoix, Michigan
      • What to do in Leland, Michigan
      • What to do in Petoskey, Michigan
      • Where to Eat in Traverse City, Michigan
      • Where to Stay in Saugatuck: Judson Heath Colonial Inn
    • Midwest Christmas Tour
    • NOLA in 2 days
    • Philipsburg, Montana, Philipsburg Blue, and How They are Related
    • Top 6 activities in D.C. with Small Children
    • Top 5 Delhi Attractions
    • Top 4 Best Spring Break Beaches
    • To Plan or Not to Plan
    • A Weekend in New York City
    • Wandering in NYC
    • NYC in 48 Hours
    • What to do in Asheville, North Carolina (in 24 hours)
    • What to do in Monterey, California
    • What to do in New Orleans
    • What to do in San Antonio, Texas
    • What to do in Savannah, Georgia (in 3 hours)
    • What to do in Washington D.C.
    • What to do in Winter Park, Florida
    • Where to Eat in Chicago: Restaurants for Every Kind of Getaway
    • Where to Eat in Denver
    • Where to Stay in Denver: Hotel Teatro
  • Beach Cabin & Home
    • A Hotel-Inspired Guest Room Makeover
    • An Airbnb-Inspired Fridge Obsession
    • Christmas House Tour 2016
    • Cottage Kitchen Nook | ORC Week 8
    • Cozy Autumn Living Room
    • Decorating with Travel Trinkets
    • DIY Design: Cane Console Makeover Look for Less
    • DIY Ottoman for the Beach Cabin
    • Easy, Cost-Effective and Time-Efficient Flooring
    • Entryway Wallpaper : Serena and Lily Wallpaper
    • How to “Tile” A Fireplace with Wall Stencils and a GIVEAWAY!
    • Inexpensive Backyard Patio Ideas
    • Inexpensive Flooring: How to Stencil Concrete Floors
    • Kitchen Styling: Spring Shelves 3 Ways
    • Kitchen Shelf Styling- Autumn Decor
    • Living Room Plans: A Sectional and Accent Chair Options
    • Modern Traditional Laundry Room Makeover
    • Thanksgiving: At Home and Abroad
    • Travel-Inspired Shared Bedroom
  • SHOP OUR HOME & BEACH CABIN
  • SHOP MY CLOSET
  • About Me
    • Let’s Chat
  • Disclaimer, Disclosure, and Privacy
  • Travel
    • A 2-to-4-day Vancouver Itinerary
    • 6 Kid-Friendly Christmas Activities in Chicago
    • 6 Kid-Friendly, Rainy Day Activities in Boston
    • Banff: Something for Everyone
    • Chicago with Kids: Can’t Miss Places and Restaurants
    • Islands
      • 007 in the Bahamas
      • Island Travel Interveiws- Australia, Take 1 (Sydney)
      • Island Travel Interviews, Australia (Gold Cost)
      • Island Travel Interviews- Caribbean Islands, Take 10 (St. Barts)
      • MUST SEE Grand Cayman
      • Top 5 Hilton Head Activities with Kids
      • What to do on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
      • A Guide to Paradise Island, Bahamas
      • The Cloisters on Paradise Island, Bahamas
      • Where to Eat When Visiting Paradise Island
    • Michigan
      • 24 Hours in West Michigan
      • An Afternoon in Grand Rapids
      • A Long Weekend in Northern Michigan
      • A Few Hours in Saugatuck
      • Global Christmas and Holiday Traditions in 2 hours or Less
      • Leland Gal
      • Places You MUST SEE in Northern Michigan
      • Traverse City Wineries
      • What to Do in Charlevoix, Michigan
      • What to do in Leland, Michigan
      • What to do in Petoskey, Michigan
      • Where to Eat in Traverse City, Michigan
      • Where to Stay in Saugatuck: Judson Heath Colonial Inn
    • Midwest Christmas Tour
    • NOLA in 2 days
    • Philipsburg, Montana, Philipsburg Blue, and How They are Related
    • Top 6 activities in D.C. with Small Children
    • Top 5 Delhi Attractions
    • Top 4 Best Spring Break Beaches
    • To Plan or Not to Plan
    • A Weekend in New York City
    • Wandering in NYC
    • NYC in 48 Hours
    • What to do in Asheville, North Carolina (in 24 hours)
    • What to do in Monterey, California
    • What to do in New Orleans
    • What to do in San Antonio, Texas
    • What to do in Savannah, Georgia (in 3 hours)
    • What to do in Washington D.C.
    • What to do in Winter Park, Florida
    • Where to Eat in Chicago: Restaurants for Every Kind of Getaway
    • Where to Eat in Denver
    • Where to Stay in Denver: Hotel Teatro
  • Beach Cabin & Home
    • A Hotel-Inspired Guest Room Makeover
    • An Airbnb-Inspired Fridge Obsession
    • Christmas House Tour 2016
    • Cottage Kitchen Nook | ORC Week 8
    • Cozy Autumn Living Room
    • Decorating with Travel Trinkets
    • DIY Design: Cane Console Makeover Look for Less
    • DIY Ottoman for the Beach Cabin
    • Easy, Cost-Effective and Time-Efficient Flooring
    • Entryway Wallpaper : Serena and Lily Wallpaper
    • How to “Tile” A Fireplace with Wall Stencils and a GIVEAWAY!
    • Inexpensive Backyard Patio Ideas
    • Inexpensive Flooring: How to Stencil Concrete Floors
    • Kitchen Styling: Spring Shelves 3 Ways
    • Kitchen Shelf Styling- Autumn Decor
    • Living Room Plans: A Sectional and Accent Chair Options
    • Modern Traditional Laundry Room Makeover
    • Thanksgiving: At Home and Abroad
    • Travel-Inspired Shared Bedroom
  • SHOP OUR HOME & BEACH CABIN
  • SHOP MY CLOSET
  • About Me
    • Let’s Chat
  • Disclaimer, Disclosure, and Privacy

No Widgets found in the Sidebar Alt!

Styling

How to Create a Meaningful Gallery Wall

With the bulk of the Beach Cabin Dry Bar complete, the next step was to decide how best to use the space above the countertops. Several options were considered. And,…

read more
August 12, 2023
Interior Design

Why a Sectional & Some Options

  If someone had told me that I would purchase four sectionals within a five year time frame, I never would have believed them. But, here we are. Below is…

read more
October 13, 2022
Food and Drink, Uncategorized

Amazing Desserts from Around the World: Baklava

  The holidays are such a special time. I feel so incredibly fortunate to have my friends and family so close by. So, when I was trying to narrow the…

read more
November 29, 2016
  • Uncategorized

    The Best Labor Day Sales

    September 3, 2026 /

    Good morning and Happy Labor Day weekend! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Labor Day Sales from companies I return to again and again.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    The Best Dining Room Chairs

    Mackinaw Road: The Quarterly 03

    November 18, 2024
    Thanksgiving Table- Turkey Plates

    November Updates: Winter Art, Cozy Clothes & More

    December 2, 2022
    Design Board Bedroom

    Mackinaw Road: The Quarterly 04

    February 21, 2025
  • Gifts

    The Best Gifts for 7 Year Olds

    August 26, 2026 /

    It is so fun to have nieces and nephews that are younger than our children! We can live vicariously through them and are able to hear about all the new ideas and inventions. (Tin Can phone, I’m looking at you.) Below are some things that my kids loved, some that my niece and nephew love, and some ideas for the upcoming holiday season. So, keep reading for some of the Best Gifts for 7 Year Olds.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Gift Ideas for 5-7 Year Olds

    Gift Ideas for 5-7 Year Olds

    October 25, 2024
    11-12 Year Old Boy Gift Ideas

    Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for 11 Year Old Boys

    November 8, 2024
    August Updates: Beach Cabin

    Mackinaw Road: August Updates

    September 1, 2021
  • Summer Tablescape Ideas
    Styling

    Summer Tablescape Ideas

    August 24, 2026 /

    Hi and Happy August! My mom and I spent the morning together at the Beach Cabin and decided that it would be fun to set a summer tablescape. It quickly turned into two.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Simple Christmas Kitchen

    A Simple Christmas Kitchen: Brass & Berry

    December 11, 2020
    Classic Thanksgiving

    A Classic Thanksgiving Tablescape

    December 3, 2024
    August Updates: Beach Cabin

    Mackinaw Road: August Updates

    September 1, 2021
  • Teen Boy Bedroom Ideas
    Decorating

    Teen Boy Room Ideas

    August 6, 2026 /

    Our son’s room has received multiple refreshes throughout the years. This happens when you move into the house at 6 months old I suppose. But, this is likely the final push. It’s fine. I’m fine. Our son has multiple interests including soccer and skiing. While I didn’t want this to be a “theme room,” I did want to incorporate the things that he is into currently (but that could be switched out with changing activities). Oh, and I’m sort of into plaid lately. So there’s that. I tried to add it in various ways, from curtains to wallpaper to duvet covers in order to give various commitment and price levels.…

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Living Room Accent Chair Options

    Living Room Plans: A Sectional and Accent Chair Options

    October 19, 2020
    Green Kitchen Cabinets & A Simple Salad with Avocado

    Favorite Blue and Green Paint Colors

    January 30, 2020
    Thanksgiving Dining Table | Centerpiece

    A Thanksgiving Table for 4 (and More)

    November 22, 2020
  • Things that Caught My Eye
    Uncategorized

    The Quarterly 09

    July 23, 2026 /

    Summer is in full swing (and I won’t accept any other sentiments until it is over on September 21). What a great summer it has been! A European trip, some home updates, a few new summer outfits, and books that I have been using as references for a few friend projects that I get to be on text for. Oh, and my skin care holy grails, Things that Caught My Eye, and a Coastal Cottage Girls Room Design Board.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Guest Room Design Board

    The Quarterly 07

    January 15, 2026
    Vintage Basement Nintendo

    A Vintage Basement

    January 21, 2026
    Dining Room Accent Chair

    Mackinaw Road March Updates

    March 23, 2023
  • Parc Guell
    International Travel

    Barcelona: 4 Day Intinerary

    July 13, 2026 /

    We just returned from 8 Days in Spain and it was wonderful! Our daughter and I traveled to Italy last summer and were excited to bring the boys back for a European summer this year. Just as we did when the four of us visited Portugal (Lisbon & The Algarve), we broke the trip up into a city visit and coastal exploration. And just like before, we sort of wished for one day less in the city and one more beachside. Per usual, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start with our action packed 4 days in Barcelona.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Best View of Florence

    Italy in a Week

    July 13, 2025
    Montreal

    What to Do in Montreal

    July 28, 2025
    Bahamas Turquoise Water

    A Guide to Paradise Island, Bahamas

    May 9, 2022
  • Cami de Ronda Hiking
    International Travel

    3 Days in Tossa de Mar

    July 1, 2026 /

    What a literal breath of fresh air! Tossa de Mar has my heart. I absolutely loved our time in this village complete with stunning water and beaches, hiking, kayaking, a million adorable restaurants and cafes… oh, and a fortified medieval town (Vila Vella) . And the people were so nice! Highly recommend. Tossa de Mar is about a 1.5 hour car or bus ride from Barcelona and is part of Costa Brava. I had originally planned on our family taking a day trip to check out some other towns in Costa Brava. However, upon setting foot in Tossa de Mar we were in immediate agreement that we would just stay…

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Best View of Florence

    Italy in a Week

    July 13, 2025
    Parc Guell

    Barcelona: 4 Day Intinerary

    July 13, 2026
    Montreal

    What to Do in Montreal

    July 28, 2025
  • Modern Coastal Powder Room Serena & Lily
    Styling

    Modern Coastal Home: Staging Project

    June 9, 2026 /

    Art is of the essence in this lovely newer build home. Tying the family’s beautiful collected pieces in while incorporating some subtle styling was all this house needed to get ready for open houses and walk throughs. You may recognize some of the items from my modern colonial, small shops around town, and bigger box stores. The family has lived in Germany, has ties to Italy, and gives coastal vibes too. All of this tied in with a love of midcentury and modern, and we had a  fun project on our hands!

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Living Room Spring Decor

    Early Spring Decor: Living Room Mantel

    February 23, 2021
    Summer Tablescape Ideas

    Summer Tablescape Ideas

    August 24, 2026
    Serena and Lily Bedding: Northside Coverlet

    Beach Cabin: Serena and Lily Bedding

    July 30, 2021
  • The Perfect Wallpaper
    DIY

    Stairway Wallpaper: A Tutorial & Wallpaper Options

    May 30, 2026 /

    Okay- that was click bait. Sort of. This was my first attempt at wallpapering so I really am not qualified to be writing a tutorial. However, I am happy to share what I learned. This project was so satisfying, as the kids would say, but my favorite part was (and likely always will be) sifting through and choosing the perfect paper for the space.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Stay at Home Watercolor

    Mackinaw Road Mondays: 5 At Home Art Projects

    April 20, 2020
    Cottage Kitchen Nook | Cabin Kitchen Nook | Pendant Lighting

    Cottage Kitchen Nook | ORC Week 8

    June 27, 2020
    DIY Concrete Overlay Table

    Concrete Overlay: A DIY Concrete Table Top Refresh

    November 18, 2022
  • Spring Birthday Party
    Uncategorized

    The Quarterly 08

    April 20, 2026 /

    Well we are back from Spring Break and officially have a driver. Time is a thief. Not to waste it… Here is what I have to share- a spring birthday tablescape and menu, what we did in the Bahamas with our teens and parents, a book, a show I loved then hated, a show I hated then loved, Spring Things that Caught My Eye, and a Design Board.

    read more

    You May Also Like

    Early Spring Living Room Decor

    February Updates on Mackinaw Road

    March 2, 2023
    Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

    Caught My Eye: Valentine’s Day Edition

    February 4, 2026
    Vintage Basement Nintendo

    A Vintage Basement

    January 21, 2026
 Older Posts
Ashe Theme by WP Royal.