Latest Obsessions: August 2025
I just can’t help it — I have to share incredible spaces.
Even though a tiny voice in my head sometimes says, “Someone’s going to see this and think, ‘I don’t like that. Unfollow.’”
But here’s the thing: the way you might see makeup as art, or fashion as art, or music, or film… I see spaces the same way.
They’re all beautiful and unique in their own way. But the ones that really stand out? They have three things:
Balance. Creativity. And a story.
Why This Series Exists
This is the first post in my new monthly series, Latest Obsessions. Each month I’ll share:
What I’m currently collecting or pinning
Why it’s on my radar
How it fits into my own projects
A little extra surprise at the end 👀
And of course, I’ll drop the link to my Pinterest board so you can go down the rabbit hole with me.
3 Quick Tips for Newbies
Before we get into the fun stuff, here are three friendly designer tips that will make your Pinterest habit work for you, not against you:
Never pin without a purpose. Be specific about what you’re looking for.
Know the actual name of your favorite styles so you can hunt down cohesive inspiration.
Know the name of the specific piece or architectural detail you’re after.
Example: My living room is… well, a little f*cked. But because I used my Free Welcome Toolkit, I started with the biggest visual elements first. I defined the space’s function and feel before pinning a single thing.
Why I’m on the hunt:
Right now, I’m on the hunt for fireplace inspiration.
I’ve been hesitant to use Pinterest lately — the flood of AI-generated “rooms” basically broke the vibe for me. But lately? It’s looking good again. I’m seeing real rooms from real designers, and I’m stoked.
You should be too, because Pinterest is still one of the best places to find inspiration… second only to walking around your own neighborhood and actually noticing the spaces around you.
The Fireplace Saga
After I moved in, my husband attempted to redo the fireplace while I was away. Let’s just say… it didn’t go as planned. Now, it doesn’t even work.
We’re never in a rush to spend money, but I am in a rush to finish this damn living room so I can move on with my life. And fall is right around the corner — aka fireplace season.
Our functional furniture is functioning. The floors are flooring. The rug is staying. Pretty much everything else in the space is done… except for one big, lingering, fugly fireplace.
Here’s my favorite fireplace I’ve seen so far:
My Favorite Random Room:
I came across this stunning space via Architectural Digest. Trust me, it’s worth the click.
I love this room because it checks off all of my boxes: balance, creativity, and story.
What stood out to me was the balance of colors, textures, and the mix of traditional and contemporary elements.
I honestly had no idea this was a celebrity space until I dug deeper into the random pin I saved. Even if this space doesn’t resonate with you — and to be honest, it’s not my personal style but I still love it — it’s still a perfect example of what anyone can create when they start with a rug and a little bit of vision.
If you think you can pull this room off, my advice is to start with a budget and a mood board. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your vision becomes reality.
💌 Subscriber Bonus:
If you’re on the email list, I’m dropping an Obsessed But Make It Affordable guide for this room, which can literally be applied to any space. I’m not hiding anything — learn what to do, and when to do it.
👉 Click here to see everything I’m loving this month — from dream fireplaces to little details that make a space feel like art.
🩷,
Nicole
