Lifestyle
Midland’s Cameron Duddy and Harper Smith’s Texas Home Tour
One of the best remodels comprise a number of necessities: a transformative earlier than and after, no scarcity of setbacks turned design epiphanies, and naturally, a narrative. It’s a story born by way of an intensive inventive course of—one which’s formed organically by way of intention and a collaborative strategy. For Harper Smith, an achieved style way of life photographer, and her husband, Midland guitarist Cameron Duddy, it was evident from the start of their Dripping Springs, Texas top-to-bottom rework: they wouldn’t be afraid to have a bit of enjoyable.
Alongside that, an entire dismissal of conference. (In spite of everything, innovation solely occurs whenever you function exterior the traces.) The couple labored with designer Amy Pigliacampo to deliver their imaginative and prescient for the four-bedroom, three-bathroom venture to life. And relatively than conducting the primary assembly in-office or through Zoom, Amy packed up her truck and drove 17 hours solo to camp with Harper and Cameron of their Airstream. She displays on the journey, calling it “a crash course in all issues Harper.” The expertise helped Amy and Harper attain a shared design center floor—discovering widespread footing in every lady’s “undefinable inventive course of.”
Featured picture by Claire Schaper.
Tour Cameron Duddy and Harper Smith’s Dripping, Texas House
It’s proof that persistence and an unfettered embrace of creativity pays dividends. What’s extra, with a lot of their lives spent on the street, Harper and Cameron naturally sought a rustic haven for his or her passions and pursuits exterior of their skilled work. With that, the house is grounded by an evident worth of household. The couple has a younger son, Kitt Cassidy and an always-budding farm of canines, cats, pigs, chickens, donkeys, and extra. Ample house is devoted not solely to accommodate the {couples}’ classic finds however to help their love of gathering and connection.
The lengthy eating desk shortly transforms right into a post-dinner card recreation and the stand-up piano is the place of many an impromptu live performance. You step inside, and it’s instantly evident: inventive folks stay right here. Considerate folks stay right here. Individuals who each need to make the world all of the extra lovely and vibrant—whereas additionally leaning into its simplicity. Let’s take a tour.
This venture was conceived with distinctive beginnings—tenting together with your shoppers of their Airstream, permitting you to realize a deep understanding of what they needed from their house. How did attending to know your shoppers on such a private degree positively affect your course of and the ultimate consequence?
I ask Amy this, deeply curious in regards to the extent to which this venture differed from different remodels she’s labored on prior to now. She displays on her and Harper’s mutual historical past—a background that reaches again to the previous decade when each girls labored in style. They had been briefly launched, however as Amy notes “the universe clearly had plans for us, however we had been a bit of early.”
Quick ahead these ten-plus years to when Amy discovered herself street tripping to Spherical Prime, Texas the place they kicked off the venture. “We principally had a sleepover that night time and talked about all of the issues.” (She provides as an apart, a want to repeat this with each shopper.) From the expertise, it was clear that “finally, we needed the identical issues out of the venture.”
What in regards to the property resonated with you? Contemplating that the whole lot within the house was redone, the place did you see the potential within the house?
With Midwestern roots, Harper isn’t any stranger to a life on the farm. Having grown up in Iowa, house to roam and discover her passions took precedence. “The wraparound porch was main,” she says. Nostalgia—that inescapable sense—sealed it. “The stream of the home jogged my memory of my childhood house, with the hearth because the central pillar.”
And naturally, Harper loves a problem, notably within the type of a home venture. “This house had simply sufficient to like with simply sufficient to repair.” An ideal stability of give and take.
Have been there parts of the unique construct that you simply needed to maintain? How did you weave in elements of the unique structure into the ultimate design?
Good bones give a designer lots to work with, providing the liberty to iterate whereas additionally offering a peek into a house’s previous. From growing such an intimate understanding of her shoppers’ wants, Amy knew that whereas the “nearly quintessential Texas farm home” structure was a bonus, Harper and Cameron needed to seek out their private imaginative and prescient throughout the last design. “The principle traces and form of the home stayed the identical,” notes Amy. “Along with main repairs and a main suite addition they had been ready to make use of supplies that felt contemporary however nonetheless basic.”
What had been a number of the main modifications you centered on within the redesign?
Amy shares that the first focus centered on the house’s exterior, noting that it was in determined want of a refresh and a technique to tie the addition into the unique house. “Their builders, SRD, actually listened and collaborated. [They cleaned] up the traces, textures and drained supplies, unifying the whole lot with easy board and batten siding, a steel roof, and superb new home windows.”
But it surely took changing the home windows and including a brand new, customized entrance door that reworked the house “from drained to love new with out stripping away any of the character,” Amy observes. Aware of this push-pull rigidity inherent in any renovation—eager to honor the unique character whereas additionally giving the house a contemporary really feel—required a lot enter and leaning into completely different views. “In the long run, everybody acquired it and made it occur,” says the designer.
What’s your concept of “farm life”? How did that affect what you needed from the house? How does it manifest within the last venture?
As a metropolis lady myself, I ask Harper this with real curiosity. I need to perceive how a quiet life—one which’s deeply linked to the character and animals that encompass and help it—informs not solely the design course of, however how one inhabits that house.
“If I may have put a ramp as much as each window to permit my animals to greet me every morning, I might have,” she says, noting that “all rational folks concerned within the venture” shut the thought down. However with an unfaltering conviction and maybe a tone of wistfulness, she clarifies: “Farm life to me is just listening to the noises of your individual human and furry household. Every day chores devoted to caring for the animals, and the potential to boost and rescue extra.”
“We simply added a brand new buddy to the household (my Christmas current). Honey Bear, the Highlander cow. So I suppose the quick reply is that I can commerce within the finer items in life for soiled, noisy, loopy farm buddies.”
There’s a deep sense of character woven all through the house. From the pictures alone, it’s straightforward for somebody to construct an understanding of who lives there. How would you describe the expertise and feeling you had been seeking to create within the last design?
Harper’s fast to slate herself and Cameron as “eclectic,” and I like her conviction when describing her final want for what the house could be. “I needed this place to be painfully private, i.e., not for everybody. We needed to take dangers and avoid protected.”
Her phrases apply in a much wider sense, chatting with what one ought to really feel in any inventive endeavor when bumping up in opposition to a real and genuine last consequence. “There have been instances I believed we went too far, which on reflection I believe is what you must really feel when making a eternally house.”
In the end, it was a daring and unabashed breaking down of boundaries that led Harper and Cameron to a house reflective of the place their lives have been and the way they want to orient themselves to the longer term.
This space of Texas is understood for its beautiful panorama and exquisite pure parts. How did you search to combine the redesign into the encircling surroundings?
Amy sums up this space of Texas in naming its definitive “magical” high quality. There’s romance alive in its lush, ample nature—an ideal place to play with the design of a house. “Harper and Cam’s private type had advanced, they usually each needed to include extra trendy supplies in some actually enjoyable and stunning methods.”
As a result of the rework required a lot work, a stretched finances pressured the couple to get inventive. Amy cites a number of examples, together with calacatta viola marble, customized cabinetry, and plaster work—to not point out making their very own tile when what they needed was out of finances.
Amy embraced the couple’s need for a deeply private home. The house “is crammed with so many home windows and lightweight”—to not point out a scarcity of neighbors because of the property’s 22 acres. As such, “there wasn’t actually a have to deliberately combine the surface in.” And in that means, as she notes, it grew to become merely one other component of the house.
With something we take from an concept to concrete actuality, it’s gratifying to see it evolve into one thing that expands previous the place you initially sought to land. It’s a simultaneous intentionality and openness to the method that leads you to someplace that feels so clearly and distinctly like house.
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I simply received again from visiting my sister in Paris, and it’s secure to say my closet won’t ever be the identical. I arrived with a suitcase stuffed with polka dots, daring colours, and one-wear assertion items. However per week of café people-watching and cobblestone strolls later? I began gravitating towards extra genuine Paris vogue developments. Realizing the fashion is surprisingly approachable, I got here house able to fully shift the best way I’m approaching my fall wardrobe.
6 Paris Trend Developments to Encourage Your Fall Wardrobe
The longer I stayed, the extra I craved items that wouldn’t present up in all of my pals’ closets. I discovered a brand new want for staples that could possibly be styled a dozen other ways, somewhat than daring items I’d put on as soon as and tuck away. French vogue isn’t in regards to the over-the-top “Emily in Paris” model we see on display. It’s quiet, unfussy, and deeply intentional. What seems to be easy at first look is definitely layered with nuance: timeless items, considerate particulars, and an angle of effortlessness that may’t be purchased. And sure, usually styled with a cigarette in hand.
Skipping the cigs, let’s dive into the six Paris vogue developments I introduced house with me, and the items I’m gathering alongside the best way.
Heeled Ballet Flats
Sure, you learn that proper. Should you’re pondering, “the entire level of a ballet flat is to keep away from a heel,” I used to be proper there with you—till I landed in Paris. My sister, her pals, and seemingly each stylish woman on the road stepped out in ballet-inspired footwear with a refined pump. Particularly by the model Repetto, these footwear have been in all places—morning espresso runs, late-night drinks, and all the things in between. From what I gathered, the break-in interval will be brutal, however when you get previous it, you’ll by no means look again.
Chunky Silver Jewellery
As a tried-and-true dainty gold woman, one of many greatest Paris vogue developments that caught my eye was all the daring silver jewellery. Nearly each finger was stacked with chunky rings, usually set with burgundy, turquoise, or black stones. The look struck the proper stability between edgy and timeless—traditional Ralph Lauren with a contemporary twist. Better of all, these items don’t include an enormous price ticket, making this a straightforward development to hop on.
Trench Coats
If there’s one merchandise I regretted not packing, it was my trench coat. Even within the lingering heat of early fall, Parisians have been layering theirs over all the things from denim and button-downs to shorts and tees with loafers. The ditch actually is the best transitional coat—it goes with all the things and carries that easy, “I simply threw this on” vitality the French achieve this effectively. Whereas I really like the drama of a full-length model, cropped trenches are equally stylish for on a regular basis put on.
Classic-Impressed Trousers
My greatest takeaway from Paris vogue developments? Purchasing secondhand is très stylish. So most of the outfits I admired have been constructed round one-of-a-kind classic finds—like my sister’s roommate’s €10 trousers that match like they have been tailor-made for her. Past inspiring just a few fall purchases of my very own, this development shifted my mindset: curate a wardrobe of intentional, well-fitting items as a substitute of overconsuming quick vogue that not often lasts.
Delicate Blouses
For dinners in Paris, all I needed to put on was a fragile shirt—silk, lace, or ideally each. There’s one thing inherently French a few prime that feels female and attractive, but turns into unexpectedly laid-back when paired with tailor-made black trousers or informal classic denim. This fashion is on the tippy prime of my fall wishlist due to the limitless styling potentialities. Put on one solo whereas it’s nonetheless heat, layered over a white tee to make an announcement, or styled underneath a wool cardigan for only a trace of flirtiness.
Velvet Mary Janes
Meet the fabulous Flabelus flats. Say that thrice quick, then order your self a pair—as a result of if she wasn’t within the heeled Repettos, each French woman was in these velvet Mary Janes. Obtainable in practically each coloration of the rainbow and limitless variations, they gained me over rapidly. I used to be a bit hesitant on day one however obsessed by day six. Playful, stylish, and the proper means so as to add a pop of coloration or texture to your fall wardrobe, they’re an enormous Paris vogue development, however aren’t practically as prevalent stateside but. Get able to be the trendiest of all your pals.
The Takeaway
Paris jogged my memory that one of the best wardrobes aren’t constructed on fleeting developments, however on items that whisper as a substitute of shout—objects that layer seamlessly into your on a regular basis and evolve with you over time. This season, I’m favoring staples that really feel each timeless and recent, playful but endlessly versatile. Whether or not you’re reaching for heeled ballet flats, a classic pair of trousers, or a trench that makes each errand really feel like a second, take into account this your invitation to method your fall fashion with the identical easy intention of the French.
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I’ve all the time been a little bit obsessive about my sleep. Blame it on the bout of insomnia that hit me in center college and lingered into highschool, after I’d spend hours staring on the ceiling, counting sheep (after which recounting them). By faculty, I’d turn out to be the pal who left the occasion at 7:30 p.m. to start out my wind-down routine—zero all-nighters have been ever pulled, and I wore that reality like a badge of honor. My associates laughed, however I knew higher than to compromise the factor that fueled every little thing else in my life.
Quick-forward to my early thirties, and my obsession has solely deepened. I’ve learn the books, tried the apps, dimmed the lights, and examined each sleep hack the wellness world has to supply. Some labored, most didn’t. However via trial and error, I’ve discovered this: after I prioritize relaxation, every little thing else feels simpler—my morning exercise, my creativity, even the best way I present up for the folks I really like. Sleep actually is the inspiration for the remainder of it.
How a Sleep Retreat Reframed My Strategy to Relaxation
So after I checked into Hotel AKA Back Bay in Boston for his or her Sleep Expertise—a curated sleep retreat full with aromatherapy rollers, a pillow menu, a psychologist-approved sleep journal, and even a sound machine—I used to be curious. May a weekend devoted totally to relaxation reframe my relationship with sleep? What I found was greater than rest; it was a reset. And it gave me a handful of rituals I’ll be carrying into my nights at dwelling.
Checking Right into a Sleep Retreat
By the point I landed at Logan on a red-eye from Portland, Oregon, I used to be already working on fumes. My week forward promised to be the type of New England homecoming I all the time stay up for—Maine with my sister, a cease in New Hampshire, northern Vermont with my dad, and at last a number of cozy days in southern Vermont with my mother. However earlier than the street journey marathon might start, I wanted a reset. My physique craved extra than simply caffeine (although that was consumed in *aware* abundance). It wanted one thing deeper—an actual refresh earlier than the whirlwind of household visits started.
A House That Slows You Down
Moving into Lodge AKA Again Bay felt like dropping into one other rhythm totally. The interiors have been serene and cocoon-like, with muted tones, delicate lighting, and plush seating tucked into quiet corners. Flooring-to-ceiling home windows let within the late-afternoon glow, warming the smooth, minimal design. After the noise of TSA traces and the disorientation of a cross-country flight, the shift was rapid. It was as if the town’s bustle softened on the resort doorways, changed by a hush that invited you to decelerate.
Designed for Deep Relaxation
That sense of calm solely deepened after I bought to my room and found the Sleep Concierge, a menu of choices designed to anticipate each attainable barrier to relaxation. A pillow menu with choices from all the way down to reminiscence foam, aromatherapy diffusers with eucalyptus or chamomile, a weighted blanket for mild stress, even a sound machine with 42 soothing choices—the small print went far past luxurious. They created an area the place relaxation wasn’t simply attainable, however inevitable. The timing couldn’t have been higher—it gave me the reset I didn’t understand I wanted and inspired me to rethink my strategy to sleep at dwelling.
The Consolation Connection
One of the shocking classes of the weekend was how a lot consolation actually issues—and the way not often I take the time to personalize it. At dwelling, I are inclined to fall again on no matter pillow is closest, however experimenting with the resort’s pillow menu jogged my memory how a lot help could make or break my sleep. I discovered myself gravitating towards a contoured reminiscence foam choice that relieved neck pressure I didn’t even understand had been build up. Paired with a weighted blanket, the expertise felt grounding in a approach that left me calmer and extra comfortable as I drifted off. It was a reminder: investing in the correct bedding isn’t indulgent, it’s sensible self-care.
Creating the Situations for Relaxation
As I settled into the weekend, I began noticing how every ingredient of the expertise was designed with intention. It wasn’t nearly luxurious touches—it was about displaying how small, considerate particulars can rework the best way we relaxation. Right here’s what stood out, and the teachings I’ll be carrying with me.
Choices That Redefined Relaxation
The identical reality held with the small however highly effective “aids” that supported the room’s ambiance. A sound machine that changed the hum of the town with ocean waves, a diffuser that crammed the air with chamomile, even a yoga mat ready for mild stretches—all of it labored collectively to create an surroundings the place relaxation got here extra naturally. At dwelling, I don’t want each instrument, however I’ve began leaning into the concept that sensory cues matter. A quiet playlist, dimmed lighting, or the delicate scent of lavender can sign to my physique that it’s time to transition into sleep.
Rituals That Restore
Even the nightly rituals reframed how I take into consideration winding down. As a substitute of dashing via a skincare routine and collapsing into mattress, I slowed down with a cup of natural tea and some pages of a sleep journal. The act of writing about and reflecting on my day grew to become a approach of closing out the night, like drawing a curtain between the day’s calls for and the promise of relaxation. Sleep isn’t simply what occurs after the lights go off—it’s formed by the rituals main as much as that second.
Sleep isn’t one thing to squeeze in as soon as every little thing else is completed—it’s the start line that makes the remainder of life really feel fuller, lighter, and extra aligned.
The Sleep Practices I’m Taking Residence
What struck me most in regards to the Sleep Expertise was how seamlessly its classes translated past the resort room. I didn’t simply come away feeling rested—I left with small, tangible shifts I might carry into my on a regular basis life. Listed below are the takeaways I’ve already began weaving into my nights at dwelling.
Rituals Over Routines
If there’s one shift I’m carrying into my nights at dwelling, it’s slowing down sufficient to create rituals as a substitute of dashing via routines. Whether or not that’s steeping chamomile tea, jotting a number of reflections in a journal, or doing a wind-down yoga stream, these cues sign to my physique that the day is completed. These rituals don’t need to be elaborate—what issues is consistency and intention.
Atmosphere Shapes Sleep
Our environment play a much bigger position in sleep than we give them credit score for. At dwelling, I don’t want a full pillow menu or spa-level facilities, however investing in higher bedding, holding the bed room cool, and introducing small sensory cues—lavender on the nightstand, a delicate, instrumental playlist—makes deeper relaxation extra possible. It’s about eradicating friction and creating an area the place sleep feels inviting.
Sleep as On a regular basis Wellness
Above all, I got here dwelling with a reframe: sleep isn’t simply restoration, it’s a each day observe that helps each different a part of wellness. Identical to nourishing meals or motion, it deserves care and intention. Fascinated about relaxation this manner has shifted it from one thing I “ought to” prioritize to one thing I stay up for—a supply of vitality, readability, and presence I can carry into the day.
The Takeaway
My keep jogged my memory that sleep isn’t one thing to squeeze in as soon as every little thing else is completed—it’s the start line that makes the remainder of life really feel fuller, lighter, and extra aligned. I could not have a Sleep Concierge ready at dwelling, however I do have the instruments to create an area and routine that helps the type of relaxation I crave. I’ll all the time look again on that sleep retreat as a reset, however the deeper shift was recognizing that nourishing sleep is one thing I can domesticate each night time.
In search of extra methods to help your personal relaxation? Discover our favourite ideas and rituals, from foods that help you sleep to wind-down routines and circadian resets.
Candy potatoes are my desert island meals. Not solely do I eat them nearly on daily basis, however I seldom get uninterested in them. This implies in my kitchen lineup, wholesome candy potato recipes are usually simple to search out. At lunch, I’ll steam one and cargo it up with chickpeas and Greek yogurt. For dinner, I’m all a few roasted candy potato filled with black beans and avocado. And sure—I’ve even had one for breakfast, topped with cinnamon and a drizzle of brown butter. No disgrace.
16 Simple and Wholesome Candy Potato Recipes You’ll Love
That’s the great thing about candy potatoes: they’re crave-worthy and endlessly versatile. To me, fall feels just like the official begin of candy potato season. It’s the time to lean into cozy, hearty dishes that permit them shine. Because the climate cools, I discover myself craving slow-roasted flavors, warming spices, and all of the consolation meals that candy potatoes do finest. Past style, they’re wealthy in fiber, help intestine and immune well being, and even profit your imaginative and prescient. A real multitasker.
Get able to bookmark these wholesome candy potato recipes. You’ll wish to make them on repeat all season lengthy.
Greek Yogurt & Candy Potato Savory Breakfast Bowl
We will’t get sufficient of savory breakfast bowls—they’re filling, protein-packed, and loaded with vitamins. On mornings when eggs simply aren’t calling your identify, this recipe is the proper swap. With creamy Greek yogurt, crunchy seeds, and roasted candy potatoes, it’s a satisfying begin that retains you fueled all day.
Loaded Candy Potato Fries
Crispy candy potato fries piled excessive together with your favourite toppings make for the final word consolation meals—nonetheless indulgent, however with a recent, more healthy twist.
Sheet Pan Candy Potato and Chickpea Bowl
Roasted on a single sheet pan, this straightforward bowl is full of protein, taste, and vibrant colours. It’s a meal-prep dream that makes wholesome consuming streamlined and easy.
Candy Potato Harvest Hash
Cubes of candy potato are tossed with seasonal veggies and herbs for a hearty skillet that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or all the above!).
Charred Candy Potatoes With Dates & Arugula
A great char elevates the flavour profile of a dish. Right here, smoky candy potatoes pair superbly with candy dates and peppery arugula for a recent but hearty salad.
Candy Potato Crostini
These bite-sized beauties make for the final word get together starter. Elegant, easy, and completely addicting, they’re the type of appetizer that disappears in minutes. No bread, no downside.
Roasted Candy Potatoes With Whipped Feta and Scorching Honey
I nonetheless haven’t left my whipped feta period, and including it to candy roasted potatoes with a drizzle of scorching honey makes this recipe’s hero ingredient even higher. These spuds are fancy sufficient for company however simple sufficient for Tuesday night time dinner.
Crispy Roasted Candy Potatoes
Completely caramelized on the surface and tender on the within, these roasted candy potatoes are the proper weeknight meal. They’re easy, foolproof, and irresistible straight off the pan.
Candy Potato Toasts
Transfer over, French bread—crispy candy potato slices are your new nutrient-packed base on your favourite spreads and toppings. For breakfast, snack, or as a light-weight lunch, they’re as versatile as they’re scrumptious.
Savory Stuffed Candy Potatoes
These stuffed candy potatoes commerce sweetness for daring, savory fillings that make them a full meal. Simple to customise, they’re weeknight staples you’ll flip to recurrently all through the autumn.
Candy Potato Falafel Veggie Burger
Crispy on the surface and tender inside, these falafel-inspired burgers are a plant-based powerhouse. Filled with taste and protein, they’ll win over even the meat lovers (talking from expertise).
Bacon, Apple, & Candy Potato Pizza
This pizza layers candy and smoky bacon, tart apple, and caramelized candy potato for a taste profile that screams fall. Your pizza night time simply received an improve.
Candy Potato Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms, Brown Butter, and Sage
Pillowy gnocchi meet earthy mushrooms and nutty brown butter for a restaurant-quality meal proper from the consolation of your dinner desk. You’ll be obsessive about each wealthy and comfy chunk.
Candy Potato & Black Bean Chili
This chili is smoky, spicy, and stuffed with plant-based protein—hearty sufficient to fulfill even essentially the most conventional Texas chili lover. It’s a one-pot recipe made for cozying up on a cold night time.
Autumn Stuffed Candy Potatoes
Full of cozy seasonal flavors, these candy potatoes are the final word fall consolation meals: hearty sufficient for a principal dish, indulgent but nourishing on the identical time.
Spiced Candy Potato Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Candy potatoes actually can do all of it. With heat spices and tender crumb, this cake is the type of cozy dessert that feels excellent when the temps dip. Completed with tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s a lighter twist on consolation that also delivers all the autumn taste.
This put up was final up to date on October 2, 2025, to incorporate new insights.
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