Fig & Farm at Home, Budget Decorating, Decor Tips, Decluttering, Home Styling, DIY Decor

344 // 6 Things Making Your Home Look Dated (And How to Fix Them)

Is your home starting to feel a little tired, stuck, or even… cheap? You’re not alone—and the good news is, it’s not about needing a full renovation or designer budget. It’s often just a few outdated elements holding you back from the cozy, stylish home you really want.

In this episode, we’re diving into six common decorating choices that could be unintentionally aging your space—and how to fix each one with simple, budget-friendly updates that work for real life.

Whether you’re staring at matching furniture sets you’ve had for decades, struggling to part with your beloved word art signs, or wondering why your home doesn’t feel “pulled together,” this episode will give you clear, actionable ideas to help you move forward—without the overwhelm.

---

You’ll learn:

• What decorating choices make your home look outdated (without you realizing it)

• The simple swaps that instantly refresh a tired space

• Budget-friendly fixes you can do in a weekend

• How to blend timeless style with your personality and what you already own

---

 Mentioned in the Episode:

• Outdated window treatments

• Matchy-matchy furniture sets

• Builder-grade lighting

• Over-accessorizing

• Old paint 

• Tired trends

---

This episode is for you if:

• You’re a woman who is ready to love your home again

• You’ve made decorating decisions over time but it still doesn’t “feel right”

• You want a cohesive, cozy home—without wasting money on the wrong stuff

• You feel stuck but you’re ready to take the next small step forward

 

Friend...are YOU ready for home decorating coaching? There are THREE ways to receive it. 

1. Enter the Giveaway...it's FREE! Write a review for the show, take a screenshot of that review and share it with me at hello@figandfarmathome.com and you are entered for 1 of 4 free coaching spots!! 

2. Join The Collective...it's only $12 a month (less than 2 cappucinos a month at Starbucks!) to receive LIVE group coaching once a month. Join The Collective 

3. Book a 1:1 private coaching call - Decorating SOS

to receive home decorating advice and to make a plan for your home. Limited availability each month so BOOK NOW! 

 

Happy styling!

dani 

 

// Links mentioned in show: //

Become a Design Bestie by joining the newsletter: https://bit.ly/designbestie

Email: hello@figandfarmathome.com

Website: https://figandfarmathome.com

Join The Collective (monthly membership): https://www.figandfarmathome.com/thecollective

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figandfarm/

FREE Facebook Community: https://www.bit.ly/design101group

 

343 // LIVE home decorating coaching + a FREE giveaway

Hey friend! 

This little 'radio show' (you'll hear more about that on the podcast) is celebrating 4 years and that means I want to GIVE you something to celebrate!! 

Please take a moment to leave the show a 5* review...doing so allows other women just like you to find the show! 

Wondering how to leave a review? It's easy: 

1. Find fig & farm (at home) on Apple Podcast 
2. Click on the show
3. Scroll about half way down
4. Stop where you see a BIG number and click the 5 stars (thank you!) 
5. Underneath the BIG number, click on 'write a review' to tell me what you think, what you've learned, etc. Kindness appreciates kindness. :) 

6. Take a screenshot of the review and send it to me at hello@figandfarmathome.com or DM me on Instagram @figandfarm 

Back to today's show...

You get to be a fly on the wall inside the LIVE q & a coaching call inside The Collective, my monthly home decorating membership.

Today, you'll hear from: 

Nicole: who has slowly been transforming her home over the past 7 months. She wonders about art placement in her living room and hanging a plant above her ADORABLE console. 

Michal: who wonders if a mirror she's been eyeing at Ballard Design (that's finally on sale) fits within her personal design style (aka aesthetic) and, if so, how to make it work in her foyer. Side note: her personal style is so sweet. We named it: southern modern! 

Rosie: who is remodeling her family's cabin for future generations to enjoy. She's in the fun, but often confusing stage of making ALL THE DECISIONS. Fun when you have clarity, but overwhelming if you don't! You'll hear in the course of our 10 minute conversation how Rosie's overwhelm decreased dramatically just by getting her questions answered! 

Friend...do YOU want coaching like this too? There are THREE ways to receive it. 

1. Enter the Giveaway...it's FREE! Write a review for the show, take a screenshot of that review and share it with me at hello@figandfarmathome.com and you are entered for 1 of 4 free coaching spots!! 

2. Join The Collective...it's only $12 a month (less than 2 cappucinos a month at Starbucks!) to receive LIVE group coaching once a month. Join The Collective 

 

3. Book a 1:1 private coaching call - Decorating SOS

to receive home decorating advice and to make a plan for your home. Limited availability each month so BOOK NOW! 

 

Happy styling!

dani 

 

// Links mentioned in show: //

Become a Design Bestie by joining the newsletter: https://bit.ly/designbestie

Email: hello@figandfarmathome.com

Website: https://figandfarmathome.com

Join The Collective (monthly membership): https://www.figandfarmathome.com/thecollective

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figandfarm/

FREE Facebook Community: https://www.bit.ly/design101group

 

342 // How to organize messy spaces that never stay tidy

Hi friend! 

Are you tired of tripping over the pile of shoes or backpacks that inevitably pile up near the front door or spill out of the laundry room? Do you constantly get bogged down by the endless pile of papers that accumulate on your kitchen countertops? Do you wonder why you can't ever find the thing that you're certain you already owned? 

It might not be a MESSY or an ORGANIZING problem...it might be a SYSTEM problem. 

In today's episode I'm walking you through 5 simple steps for recognizing problem areas in your home that spill over into messiness and make you feel disorganized. 

1. Identify your high traffic zones. Those are usually the culprits for the cogs in the wheel - the messy or unorganized places. 

2. Disect the problem in that area. What's currently happening that isn't working. 

3. Identify HOW you want that space to function for you. How can it work harder for you and not you for it. 

4. Start making a plan for remediation - really thinking about what it is you need (or already have) in order to solve this problem. 

5. Execute! 

Bonus tips are included for when motivation at this stage is now the cog in your execution wheel. 

Do you want help making your space feel more functional AND beautiful? Book a Decorating SOS Call. 

 

Happy organizing!

dani

 

// Links mentioned in show: //

Become a Design Bestie by joining the newsletter: https://bit.ly/designbestie

Email: hello@figandfarmathome.com

Website: https://figandfarmathome.com

Join The Collective (monthly membership): https://www.figandfarmathome.com/thecollective

Book a Decorating SOS Call: https://www.figandfarmathome.com/decorating-sos

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figandfarm/

FREE Facebook Community: https://www.bit.ly/design101group

Decluttering episode mentioned in show: Ep. 338

 

341 // Farmcore vs. Farmhouse- What’s the Difference + How to Style Your Home with This Cozy New Trend

Hey friend,

If you love the charm of traditional farmhouse style but crave something a little more elevated and fresh, farmcore might be exactly what your home needs. In this episode, I’m introducing you to a trending home decor style that blends the coziness of cottagecore (remember episode 15?) with the classic appeal of farmhouse design—creating a richer, more layered aesthetic that's as timeless as it is on-trend.

I’ll walk you through:
✨ What farmcore is and how it differs from traditional farmhouse decor
✨ Why it's not just another rustic trend
✨ How to confidently incorporate farmcore into your own home—even if you're decorating on a budget

Here’s how to bring farmcore into your space:

1. Wall Treatments – Think shiplap (yes, it’s still in!), beadboard, and board and batten to add depth and visual interest.

2. Layered Textures – Cozy it up with wallpaper, window treatments, throw pillows, blankets, and area rugs.

3. Traditional Silhouettes – Choose quality furniture with classic lines like wingback chairs and rolled arms.

4. Antique Pieces – Mix in vintage or antique furnishings for a curated, lived-in look.

5. Rustic Elements – Raw woods, stoneware, and iron accents help ground the space.

6. Natural Materials – Lean into wood, linen, cotton, and clay for an organic feel.

7. Pattern Mixing – Don’t be afraid to pair florals with plaids or stripes—step outside the design box!

8. Moody Earth Tones – Create a rich foundation with colors inspired by nature—think deep greens, browns, and terracotta.

Farmcore brings nostalgia and warmth with a modern, curated twist. You don’t have to live in the country to love this style—and you definitely don’t need a big budget.

xo,

dani

 

// Links mentioned in show: //

Become a Design Bestie by joining the newsletter: https://bit.ly/designbestie

Email: hello@figandfarmathome.com

Website: https://figandfarmathome.com

Join The Collective (monthly membership): https://www.figandfarmathome.com/thecollective

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figandfarm/

FREE Facebook Community: https://www.bit.ly/design101group

 

340 // Decorating feels overwhelming? Here’s how to move forward with confidence

Decorating your home shouldn’t feel like a guessing game.
But if you’re constantly second-guessing your choices, returning items, or wondering why this feels so hard when everyone else seems to make it look easy—you’re in the right place.

If you’re a REAL mom with a REAL budget and a REAL home who wants a cozy, beautiful, pulled-together home but feels overwhelmed and unsure where to begin, this episode is your personal roadmap.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a 10-step action plan to help you move from stuck to started—so you can finally decorate your home with confidence (and without wasting money or time).

Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. How to identify your design style (in a way that actually makes sense)

2. How to address your limitations—budget, time, space, or confidence—so they don’t hold you back

3. Why making a mood board and a plan is your decorating BFF

4. How a redecorating roadmap keeps you focused and out of decision fatigue

5. The importance of pacing yourself (no, you don’t need to do it all in one weekend)

6. Why installing pieces in phases creates clarity and prevents regret

7. How to repeat your plan and stay on track with your vision and budget

8. The power of stopping to revel, delight, and feel proud—yes, celebrate your wins!

9. What to expect once your confidence grows (hint: you’ll want to keep going!)

10. How to take everything you’ve learned and repeat it again and again throughout your home

 

xo,

dani

 

// Links mentioned in show: //

Become a Design Bestie by joining the newsletter: https://bit.ly/designbestie

Email: hello@figandfarmathome.com

Website: https://figandfarmathome.com

Join The Collective (monthly membership): https://www.figandfarmathome.com/thecollective

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figandfarm/

FREE Facebook Community: https://www.bit.ly/design101group

 

 LIMITED TIME:  Grab the REDECORATING ROADMAP: 

https://figandfarmathome.thrivecart.com/redecorating-roadmap/

 

339 // Why you’re NOT decorating your home (even though you want to)

Are you endlessly pinning, scrolling, and watching decorating videos—but your home still looks the same?

You're not alone. If you're a woman in your 40s, 50s, or 60s who wants a home that feels cozy and looks pulled together—but can’t seem to move past the overwhelm—you’re in the right place.

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the real reasons you haven’t started decorating your home yet. Spoiler alert: it’s not because you’re lazy or bad at design.

You’ll learn:

• How to uncover your "why"—the deeper reason you crave a home that reflects you

• What your "why not" is—and how it’s secretly keeping you stuck

• Why consuming more content (Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube) isn’t the answer

• How to start taking action toward a home you love—without fear of making mistakes

This episode will help you go from feeling frozen by indecision to feeling clear, confident, and ready to create the cozy, cohesive home you’ve been dreaming about.

Ready to Stop Spinning Your Wheels and Start Decorating with Confidence?

You don’t have to keep doing this alone—scrolling, second-guessing, and starting over. If you’re finally ready to take real action toward a home that feels cozy, cohesive, and uniquely you, there are two simple ways to get started:

✨ Join The Collective – a warm, supportive monthly membership where you’ll get decorating guidance, group coaching, and step-by-step tools to help you make confident decisions without the overwhelm. You’ll finally have the support and structure to move forward—one room at a time. Join The Collective

📞 Need a quick win or a personal plan? Book a 1:1 Decorating SOS Call for targeted help with your space. Whether you’re stuck choosing paint colors, arranging furniture, or figuring out your style, this focused session will get you unstuck fast. Book a Decorating SOS Call

 

You don’t need more pins—you need a plan. Let’s make your home feel like home.

xo,

dani

 

// Links mentioned in show: //

Become a Design Bestie by joining the newsletter: https://bit.ly/designbestie

Email: hello@figandfarmathome.com

Website: https://figandfarmathome.com

Join The Collective (monthly membership): https://www.figandfarmathome.com/thecollective

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figandfarm/

FREE Facebook Community: https://www.bit.ly/design101group

Book a Decorating SOS Coaching Call: https://www.figandfarmathome.com/decorating-sos

 

 

 

338 // Feel proud of your home again: Decluttering tips to overcome overwhelm with Emily McDermott

Hey friend!

Did you know that multiple studies have shown a direct correlation between a cluttered environment and elevated levels of cortisol — our body’s primary stress hormone? When our surroundings are messy or chaotic, our brain perceives it as “unfinished business,” which keeps us in a state of stress.

So even if you're not consciously thinking, "Ugh, this clutter is stressing me out," your body is. And it’s responding by keeping you in a low-grade stress mode — making it harder to focus, sleep, or even relax.

But let’s think beyond cortisol for a second.

Clutter also impacts:

• Your energy: It’s mentally draining.

• Your relationships: It can lead to arguments or embarrassment about inviting people over.

• Your productivity: Visual distractions make it harder to concentrate.

• Your confidence: A cluttered home can make you feel like you're "failing" at adulting — even though you're absolutely not.

You deserve to feel proud of your home — not overwhelmed by it.

Ready for help doing just that? Book a Decoarting SOS Coaching Call to take the first step (or four) toward creating a home you delight in! 

 

Finish the rest of the conversation with Emily inside The Collective, my monthly home decorating membership!

 

Shhh!!! Want to know a SECRET? fig & farm (at home) is having a SALE!!!!

Sale extended due to tech gremlins eating the connection:

Sale through May 23, 2025

Get on the Secret Sale list to see the deals!!!

https://bit.ly/ffsecret2025

 

 

 

// Links mentioned in show: //

Email: hello@figandfarmathome.com

Website: https://figandfarmathome.com

Join The Collective (monthly membership): https://www.figandfarmathome.com/thecollective

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figandfarm/

FREE Facebook Community: https://www.bit.ly/design101group

Book a Decorating SOS Coaching Call: https://www.figandfarmathome.com/decorating-sos

Secret Sale: https://bit.ly/ffsecret2025

 

Connect with Emily:

Listen to the podcast:  www.simplebyemmy.com/podcast

Join her FB group: www.tinyurl.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm

Get help decluttering: www.simplebyemmy.com/coaching

 

Happy styling!

dani

 

337 // 5 Simple decorating routines to ditch the overwhelm so you can finally start loving your home

Hey friend!

 

Sometimes we are in different seasons of decorating. Sometimes we're in an active sprint - actively painting, re-tiling or choosing large pieces of furniture before a specific deadline. Other times we're at a much slower pace - absorbing information and gathering inspiration, while simultaneously making a plan.

But then there's the third place you could be in and if truth be told, this one is the one that stops most people from ever taking a step forward...and that's a place of stuckness.

There are many reasons why you might be stuck. Sometimes it's being so overwhelmed by choices that you fear making a poor one. Other times there's a feeling of frustration at not knowing where to start. No matter the reason - if I just described you, this episode is for you.

5 simple routines to follow when you're constantly stuck in the place of not knowing where to start or feeling like there's too much to do:

1. The 10 minute edit: 

Allowing yourself to see your home in a new perspective with less visual clutter can be a helpful starting place that allows you to see the potential.

2. Snapshots of problem areas:

This may sound counter intuitive, but take a picture of an area in your home that you can't stand. Look at it through the lens for a fresh perspective and journal about what you see and why it's problematic.

3. The ONE thing rule:

Focusing on one aligned step is much better than five rushed ones.

4. Learn your style:

Always a top priority and the foundation for creating a home you love. Use Pinterest, Google or good old fashioned magazines to start recognizing common elements that you are attracted to.

5. Make a plan:

Set your home goals then work backward, crafting small steps that will help you achieve those goals.

 

Shhh!!! Want to know a SECRET? fig & farm (at home) is having a SALE!!!!

Monday, May 5 - Sunday, May 11

Get on the Secret Sale list to see the deals!!!

https://bit.ly/ffsecret2025

 

 

// Links mentioned in show: //

Email: hello@figandfarmathome.com

Website: https://figandfarmathome.com

Join The Collective (monthly membership): https://www.figandfarmathome.com/thecollective

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figandfarm/

FREE Facebook Community: https://www.bit.ly/design101group

Book a Decorating SOS Coaching Call: https://www.figandfarmathome.com/decorating-sos

Secret Sale: https://bit.ly/ffsecret2025

 

Happy styling!

dani

 

336 // The SECRET to finding your personal design style: LIVE coaching to discover your home design aesthetic

Hey friend!

Do you ever wonder how to create a home that reflects you, looks cohesive and one that you're proud of? Want to know the secret? It all starts by learning your personal style, or aesthetic. It's the foundation and key to helping you:

* get out of overwhelm
* make confident decisions
* feeling less frustrated and confused
* save money while home decorating

Missed out on the Better Than Basics Bootcamp? Don't wait for the next one...learning your aesthetic and making a plan can start TODAY inside The Collective, my monthly membership that has group coaching or on a private 1:1 Decorating SOS call.

Once you unlock the power of your aesthetic, your home design goals are within reach!!

Enjoy today's sneak peek inside the Better Than Basics Bootcamp. You'll hear two women who took the hot seat - unpacking their asethetic so they could move on to creating a plan for finally finishing one room in their home. Want to be part of the next Better than Basics Bootcamp? Email me at hello@figandfarmathome.com to get on the waitlist.

 

Shhh!!! Want to know a SECRET? fig & farm (at home) is having a SALE!!!!

Monday, May 5 - Sunday, May 11

Get on the Secret Sale list to see the deals!!!

https://bit.ly/ffsecret2025

 

 

// Links mentioned in show: //

Email: hello@figandfarmathome.com

Website: https://figandfarmathome.com

Join The Collective (monthly membership): https://www.figandfarmathome.com/thecollective

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figandfarm/

FREE Facebook Community: https://www.bit.ly/design101group

Book a Decorating SOS Coaching Call: https://www.figandfarmathome.com/decorating-sos

Secret Sale: https://bit.ly/ffsecret2025

 

Happy styling!

dani

 

335 // Design Harmony: How to use the 40:60 principle for stunning interiors

Hey friend!

Have you ever wondered how designers get scale and proportion 'just right?' Or you've thought - they were born with great spatial awareness so they must be innately good at seeing a room and feeling if it's 'off' or 'perfect.' The real design secret: it comes down to math!

 

In today's episode I'm sharing a bit of history about the ancient, from nature, math sequence that inspires many industries, home design included. The Fibonnaci Sequence is a sequence of numbers that when added together create perfect scale and proportion. When used in home decorating, that scale and proportion is the heart of making a room look cohesive, put together and aesthetically pleasing!

 

The ratio is SO IMPORTANT it is known in the design world as THE GOLDEN RATIO, thus making each 'rule' it applies to The Golden Rule of x (choosing an area rug, choosing a paint palette, choosing the correct size for a coffee table, etc). What is that ratio. 40:60.

Enjoy today's conversation where I share 5 rules that you can use this golden ratio for when decorating your home. And, when you're ready to have a bit of help transforming your home into one that you absolutely love...give me a call. Decorating SOS Calls are one hour via zoom conversations guiding you toward decision making with personalized action steps that help you reach your end goal. The best part? The recommendations use what you have, honor your budget and encourage your individual growth!

 

Schedule: Decorating SOS Coaching Call

 

LAST DAY TO REGISTER!!! Only a few spots left!!

Better Than Basics Bootcamp

April 29 - May 1

9am PST | 10 am MST | 11am CST | 12pm EST

......................................

Learn how:

* to identify your design style

* to recognize the elements of cohesive design (and how to remediate it when it's not)

* know exactly where to start when you have a million ideas

* create a mood board to visualize the end goal

 

// Links mentioned in show: //

Email: hello@figandfarmathome.com

Website: https://figandfarmathome.com

Join The Collective (monthly membership): https://www.figandfarmathome.com/thecollective

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/figandfarm/

FREE Facebook Community: https://www.bit.ly/design101group

Book a Decorating SOS Coaching Call: https://www.figandfarmathome.com/decorating-sos

Better Than Basics Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/betterthanbasics

 

Happy styling!

dani