I’m absolutely thrilled to share some truly exciting news that has brought immense joy and validation to my passion for home design and DIY. Good Housekeeping magazine, a beacon of home and lifestyle inspiration, proudly featured The Lakehouse in its prestigious May 2020 issue! While I’ve already shared glimpses of this incredible milestone on Instagram, I simply couldn’t wait to dedicate a more comprehensive post here, detailing every aspect of this exhilarating journey. This feature feels particularly special, coming so soon after my beloved DIY kitchen cubbies were showcased in Better Homes & Gardens. To catch a glimpse of our home in print, be sure to pick up this specific issue:
The outpouring of questions and excitement following my Instagram announcement was heartwarming. Just as I did after the Better Homes & Gardens feature, I wanted to pull back the curtain and offer a delightful “behind the scenes” perspective, answering your most pressing questions. Having spent countless hours poring over home decor and lifestyle magazines throughout the years, I’ve always harbored a deep fascination for the intricate process behind their captivating pages. Now, I have the unique opportunity to share my own experience as a featured homeowner and DIY enthusiast.
How Did This Feature in Good Housekeeping Happen?
The journey to this incredible feature began a few months ago with an unexpected email from an editor at Good Housekeeping magazine. Her inquiry was straightforward yet monumental: would I be interested in having my home showcased in print, specifically in their May 2020 issue? The answer was an unequivocal, resounding YES! Well, perhaps not *immediately* articulated, as my ever-temperamental computer decided that very moment was opportune for one of its 18 daily freezes. I stared at the frozen screen in agonizing suspense for what felt like an eternity before I could finally type out my enthusiastic acceptance. It was well past midnight when I discovered the exhilarating news, and I’m fairly certain my jubilant screams, as I roused my husband from his sleep across the bay, echoed across the water. “GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MAGAZINE WANTS TO FEATURE OUR HOME, IN PRINT!” I shrieked, shaking him a little too vigorously. My poor mother received a similar late-night, high-decibel phone call, and I believe I even bunny-hopped down the hall to share the news with our undoubtedly bewildered dogs. My excitement was truly boundless, a testament to years of dedicated DIY and dreaming.
This remarkable opportunity didn’t come entirely out of the blue. I’d noticed a while back that Jane Francisco, the esteemed Editor-in-Chief of Good Housekeeping, had started following me on Instagram from her personal account. This piqued my interest significantly. Jane previously helmed Chatelaine magazine, a prominent Canadian publication I faithfully subscribed to for years. Her “Letter from the Editor” was always a highlight; she shared such genuine personal stories that I felt a true connection with her. Under her leadership, Chatelaine underwent an impressive revitalization, becoming a truly exceptional magazine. So, when I saw her follow, I immediately recognized her and felt a surge of pride that my work had caught the attention of such an influential figure in the publishing world. It was a subtle but powerful signal that I was on the right path.
I had also consistently used the #thatsgoodhousekeeping hashtag in my posts, which I believe helped establish an initial connection. My unique wreath cake had even been featured on the Good Housekeeping Instagram feed during a holiday season (I can’t recall if it was last year or the year before), and some of my home spaces had been highlighted on their website (you can find links on my press page). These smaller features hinted that I was on their radar, but I never dared to imagine anything on this scale. The direct outreach from an editor, confirming Jane’s personal follow, truly set the wheels in motion, and everything progressed with astonishing speed from that point forward. It truly felt like a dream come true for a dedicated DIY blogger.
Who Took the Photos for The Lakehouse Feature?
This is where things get really interesting – and, I’ll admit, a little stressful! The photos that graced the pages of Good Housekeeping were all mine. As a blogger who constantly strives to improve my craft, I’m always working on my photography skills, but I wouldn’t call myself a professional. There are times I rush, foregoing a tripod, and I’ve been using my trusty Canon Rebel T5i for years, feeling like I’d reached its photographic zenith. This pushed me to invest in a Nikon D8500 and a fantastic new lens last year – a significant investment that I justified to my husband by reasoning that better photos *could* lead to magazine features. The irony, of course, is that the photos featured in Good Housekeeping were taken with my *old camera*!
Looking at the printed pages, I can still spot the little imperfections and things I wished I had edited out. However, I want to wholeheartedly applaud the magazine for choosing these images because they represent authentic, real-life photography. My home wasn’t meticulously styled or elaborately staged for the shoot; these photos reflect how we truly live. It’s pretty, yes, but it’s also wonderfully imperfect. For so long, I’ve harbored a secret insecurity that my home, with its myriad DIY solutions, temporary fixes, and abundance of thrifted, handmade, and affordable items, wasn’t “good enough” for a national publication. To see a home like mine – a home built on creativity, resourcefulness, and love – celebrated in a major magazine fills me with an immense sense of pride. It’s a powerful validation that you don’t need a lavishly renovated kitchen or designer furniture to create a beautiful, magazine-worthy space. Making it into print with a chair I literally salvaged from a trash heap feels like a genuine triumph.
Regarding the photo selection process, the magazine initially requested certain angles and shots that were already present in my Lakehouse tour or on Instagram. Eager to provide the best possible content, I immediately offered to re-shoot anything they desired, promising to incorporate my tripod, proper lighting, and a thorough decluttering and cleaning session. They accepted my offer for a few re-shoots, which I diligently completed. Ironically, none of those newly shot photos made it into the final spread! It was a delightful surprise to discover which images they ultimately selected. The main photo, spanning a stunning two-page spread, was actually a quick, spontaneous snap I took for Instagram. This particular shot embodies my recent philosophy of relaxing my approach to photography, letting go of the stress of perfectly scrubbed floors or spotless windows. While I typically clean and dust before planned photo sessions, I decided to embrace a more impromptu style. This living room photo was a result of simply capturing a moment I loved: my weekly flowers, nestled in my Mama’s chipped vase, taken quickly before I’d even finished dismantling my holiday decor, hence the lingering dogwood branches. It’s a perfectly imperfect glimpse into our life, and I love that Good Housekeeping chose to share its raw beauty.
What Was the Interview Experience Like?
The interview process was an absolute pleasure. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Lizz Schumer, the talented writer who crafted the beautiful article. Lizz is, without a doubt, one of the kindest, warmest, and most effervescent individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of interacting with. The entire experience was a tremendous confidence booster. Everyone I encountered – Lizz, the initial editor who reached out, and the fact-checker who followed up – was incredibly complimentary. I genuinely adore discussing home decor and DIY projects, so simply chatting about The Lakehouse and its evolution was inherently enjoyable. However, hearing genuine praise for my home, being told how beautiful it is and what an amazing job I’ve done, was honestly the ego boost I didn’t realize I so desperately needed. I’ll be completely transparent about that!
When you put your creative endeavors “out there” for the world to see, you inevitably open yourself up to a spectrum of feedback, both positive and negative. Sometimes, online commenters forget that behind the computer screen lies a real human being, complete with emotions, insecurities, and occasional bad days, bravely sharing her home and DIY tutorials not as fodder for criticism, but to inspire others to create their dream homes on a small budget. After many years of blogging, I’ve developed a thick skin, and comments rarely rattle me. Yet, it’s still profoundly gratifying to hear lovely, flattering words about the home I’ve poured my heart and soul into, lovingly creating every detail. This confidence boost was a truly wonderful perk of the experience, and I cherish it.
The interview itself lasted about half an hour. Unlike an email interview, where I could carefully edit and re-edit my responses, this was me, unvarnished and in the moment! This candidness led to one particularly memorable quote ending up in the article, a quote I almost immediately regretted the minute it left my lips. Lizz and I were discussing my home’s color palette, and I eloquently explained how I consciously streamlined it after moving to The Lakehouse from The Townhouse. In our previous home, I embraced a wider array of colors and patterns, which at times made it challenging to move items between rooms while maintaining visual harmony. Inspired by my husband’s grandfather’s art, I decided to cultivate a much tighter, more cohesive color palette for The Lakehouse. This approach unexpectedly simplified decorating immensely. Now, I can effortlessly shift furniture, art, and decor from one room to another, and everything seamlessly “works.” The house now possesses an incredible sense of flow and cohesiveness, a design goal I’ve always aspired to achieve. This clarity of vision and refined palette has also empowered me to shop and thrift more intentionally, resisting temptations that wouldn’t align with my home’s overall aesthetic.
After elaborating on this design philosophy, I jokingly quipped, “I can just toss something in the air, and wherever it lands, it’ll look great.” The words were barely out of my mouth when I instantly knew that would be *the* defining quote, drawing a chuckle from Lizz. I also envisioned professional interior designers cringing at such an unrefined declaration from a hobbyist like myself – but I stand by it! I’ve genuinely moved countless pieces of furniture, artwork, and decor throughout my home, and they always find their place harmoniously because of my carefully curated, cohesive color palette. This flexibility has been incredibly liberating, particularly in a smaller home, as it maximizes versatility and enhances the feeling of spaciousness by ensuring all rooms connect visually. Achieving this effortless “FLOW” was my paramount design objective when we moved here. Despite my initial humorous regret, the quote perfectly encapsulates my practical, authentic approach to home design, and it’s very “me.”
Ultimately, I thoroughly enjoyed the interview process, and I believe the article beautifully captures both my personality and the essence of The Lakehouse. I am profoundly flattered by Lizz’s incredible work. The touching homage to my husband’s grandfather and his art also brought immense joy. After I shared his website with the magazine team, Lizz, upon reviewing his extensive body of work, affectionately referred to him as a “renowned painter.” Her words brought a genuine smile to my face. I am so incredibly proud to display his stunning artwork in my home. He was an exceptionally talented painter and a wonderfully chill, cool individual. Though he has passed, I hope he’s looking down, pleased that I’m doing my utmost to share his artistic legacy with the world.
What Rooms Were Featured and How Did The Magazine Choose Them?
Honestly, I’m not privy to the magazine’s exact selection process. They requested photos of several spaces, some even different from those ultimately chosen, but I can confirm the following areas of The Lakehouse made the final cut: the inviting living room with its fireplace makeover, a cozy corner of my home office featuring my beloved “garbage chair” (see the DIY slat wall here), the functional kitchen adorned with my custom-built DIY cubbies, the vibrant turquoise powder room I revamped for the One Room Challenge, the practical hallway/entryway that we recently enhanced with clever IKEA shoe cabinets (a solution that garnered a lot of love from readers!), and finally, the charming exterior of our Lakehouse. Each of these spaces embodies our unique DIY approach and commitment to creating a personalized, functional home. Here’s a closer look at some of the stunning imagery:
Was I Compensated for the Feature?
No, I was not financially compensated for this feature. However, I genuinely don’t mind in the slightest! The sheer excitement and profound satisfaction of seeing so much of our home – a space built with our own hands, heart, and creative spirit – showcased within the pages of such a renowned publication far outweighs any monetary consideration. While I’ve been fortunate to have numerous online features and some smaller print mentions of a room or two in the past (for which I’m eternally grateful), this is the very first time The Lakehouse has been featured in such an extensive and prominent spread. The exposure and validation that comes from a Good Housekeeping feature are invaluable for a DIY blogger and homeowner. It’s a testament to the idea that authentic, budget-friendly design can capture the attention of national media, inspiring countless others to pursue their own creative home transformations.
Final Thoughts on The Lakehouse Feature
I absolutely adored the article from beginning to end, and it filled my heart with immeasurable happiness. Every detail, from the thoughtfully crafted layout to the vibrant pops of turquoise used in the text and the clever “tape” graphics framing the before photos, resonated deeply with me. The way they highlighted specific DIY projects and design ideas that are core to The Lakehouse’s identity was perfect, and even the choice of fonts felt just right. I am genuinely, profoundly thrilled with the outcome. I sincerely hope you don’t mind this overt display of enthusiasm; I haven’t attempted to feign nonchalance or hold back my excitement one bit. This entire experience has been nothing short of fantastic and incredibly fun – though it has certainly reinforced that I really, *really* need to dedicate time to mastering my new camera!
Thank you for allowing me to share this wonderful piece of good news with you all. It’s a milestone that fuels my passion for sharing unique DIY projects and accessible home design inspiration, and I’m incredibly grateful for your continued support on this journey.
And for a little bit of fun trivia: an initial request for a profile photo of me holding one of our beloved chickens was, perhaps unsurprisingly, not permitted. Given my limited supply of photos *without* chickens and the tight deadline, we opted for this lovely headshot my husband captured a while ago. They were right, of course – the chicken would likely have been cropped out anyway! It’s just another humorous anecdote from this unforgettable experience that celebrates the real, often quirky, life behind The Lakehouse.
