The Room Diary
An honest room renovation record of a real family space, featuring before-and-after comparisons over several months, budget breakdowns, and design choices proven to withstand the test of time and daily life.
43 articles
How to Figure Square Footage Without Making It Complicated
Learn how to figure square footage for rooms, rugs, paint, and flooring with sim...
Dining Room Decor That Feels Warm, Layered, and Livable
Dining room decor ideas for a warm, livable home. Layer lighting, textiles, colo...
Coffee Table Decor Ideas for a Warm, Livable Living Room
Coffee table decor ideas for a warm, livable home, with easy styling formulas, f...
Our Kitchen Window Seat: The Best $400 I Ever Spent
Discover how a wasted, cluttered kitchen windowsill was transformed into the mos...
Lily’s Big-Girl Room: From Nursery to First Grade
Discover how designer Caroline gently transformed her daughter Lily's nursery in...
The Living Room That Took Two Years
Discover why the best rooms in a home are the ones that refuse to be rushed. In ...
Welcome to the Ellington House — Here’s Why This Blog Exists
Welcome to Ellington House, a personal design blog by Caroline chronicling life ...