Gather and nest

Home & Lifestyle musings

Christie Raju Christie Raju

The Spring Home Refresh: Curating Nature-Inspired Luxuries for Every Space

Spring is a season of renewal—a time to refresh not just our routines but the spaces we call home. As the air turns warmer and the days grow longer, there’s an undeniable urge to lighten, brighten, and bring a sense of calm into every corner. The Spring Refresh isn’tjust a seasonal update; it’s about curating an environment that mirrors the fresh, rejuvenating energy of spring. With soft greens, crisp whites, and organic textures, this collection blends effortless elegance with nature’s beauty.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

Why I Don’t Claim to Be a Designer (And What I Offer Instead)

If you’ve ever wondered if I’m a designer, you’re not alone. It’s a question I get often, and the answer is simple: I’m not a designer. I know it’s easy to confuse the two, but I want to take a moment to explain what sets my services apart and why that’s something I’m proud of.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: Thoughtful & Stylish Finds for the Women You Love

Celebrate the women in your life with a curated selection of meaningful, stylish gifts this Valentine’s Day. Whether it's a cozy indulgence, a chic accessory, or a home decor item that adds a personal touch, each piece is designed to bring joy and show appreciation. Find the perfect way to express your love and gratitude with thoughtful gifts that make her feel truly special.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

The Self-Care Edit: My Favorite Products for Creating a Relaxing Ritual

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks—it’s about creating a space that invites relaxation, rejuvenation, and peace of mind. Whether you're unwinding after a long day or setting the tone for a calm morning, the right products can elevate your self-care routine. Here’s my curated list of self-care essentials that I absolutely love and use to make every moment of relaxation feel luxurious.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

The Perfect Pair: Blueberry Muffins and Madeleines

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked treats filling your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast option or an elegant sweet to serve with afternoon tea, these two recipes have you covered. Fluffy, bursting-with-flavor Blueberry Muffins and delicate, buttery Madeleines are the perfect duo for any occasion.

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Christie Raju Christie Raju

Transform Your Home with These 5 Simple Organization Hacks

A clutter-free, organized home doesn’t just look better—it feels better too. The good news? Transforming your space doesn’t require a massive overhaul or a professional organizer. With the right tools and a few clever hacks, you can make your home more functional and serene. Here are five simple organization hacks using Amazon products that will help you achieve a tidy, stress-free space.

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Ultimate Coffee Table Books

There’s something undeniably inviting about a well-curated coffee table. It’s more than just a surface—it’s a centerpiece that reflects your personality, interests, and style. And no coffee table is complete without the perfect stack of books. These aren’t just books—they’re conversation starters, pieces of art, and reflections of what inspires you.

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In My Hosting Era

Welcome to 2025, the year I’m fully embracing home life and hosting. Inspired by Ina Garten’s iconic approach to life and cooking, binge-watching Nancy Meyers movies, and baking like Martha Stewart, I’ve decided to make hosting a central part of my life. To kick things off, I hosted a cozy New Year’s Eve gathering at our new home—a pajama party with surf and turf on the menu and a playful nod to the "surf" theme with seashell-shaped cookies.

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How These 5 Products Are Taking Our Home to the Next Level

As I continue to fine-tune our space and make it truly feel like home, I’ve been adding thoughtful touches to elevate the style and function of our everyday living. Whether it's enhancing curb appeal, upgrading fixtures, or finding functional yet beautiful accessories, these recent finds have made all the difference in our home.

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My Biggest Custom Build Regret

Embarking on the exciting journey of building a custom home has been a rewarding yet challenging experience. One significant decision that influenced our project was opting to work with in-house designers provided by our builder's company instead of hiring a designer whose tastes aligned more closely with ours.

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Choosing the Perfect Color palette for Your Home Exterior

Selecting paint colors for the home has always been a challenging endeavor for me. The way paint appears can be utterly capricious, shifting with every beam of light that graces it. Online color swatches often fall short of capturing their true essence, leaving me feeling perplexed amidst the endless choices.

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Creating a Bathroom Oasis

When it comes to crafting the perfect bathroom, every detail matters. From the fixtures you choose to the materials that grace your space, every decision plays a pivotal role in creating a luxurious, functional, and aesthetically pleasing oasis.

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Timeline of a Custom Home

Embarking on the journey of building a custom home is an exciting endeavor that brings to life the vision of your perfect living space. Our adventure began in 2021 when we delved into the design process, and now, in August 2023, as we admire the progress of drywall installation and exterior transformation, we reflect upon the remarkable timeline that has brought us to this stage.

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The Top Brands to Elevate Your Home

When it comes to curating a living space that truly reflects your personality and style, selecting the right interior design brands is paramount. Each piece you choose, from switches and sockets to furniture and fixtures, contributes to the ambiance and comfort of your home. When it comes to curating a living space that truly reflects your personality and style, selecting the right interior design brands is paramount.

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Crafting a Culinary Haven

When it comes to designing your dream home, the kitchen often takes center stage. It's not just a place for cooking; it's a hub of creativity, family gatherings, and culinary adventures. Creating a kitchen in a custom home is an exciting journey, and it's all about the details that make it truly exceptional.

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The Start of Our Custom Home Journey

Life's journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and for my husband and me, it all started when we met in the charming city of Wilmington, North Carolina. We both came from diverse backgrounds, with me having grown up along the picturesque North Carolina Coast and my husband hailing from Georgia but having lived in both New York and Texas.

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architecture, custom home, home design Christie Raju architecture, custom home, home design Christie Raju

Finding Inspiration for Your Home

Building a home is a deeply personal endeavor that allows us to create a space that reflects our unique personalities and aspirations. For my husband and me, the process of gaining inspiration for our dream space was an exciting adventure that took us from the picturesque streets of Highland Park Village in Dallas to the serene charm of North Carolina's coastal bungalows.

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Taking Shape: The Highs and the Lows of Building a Home

Join me on a candid journey through the highs, lows, and realities of custom home building. Whether you're a prospective homeowner or simply curious, prepare for an honest exploration that equips you with the knowledge and perspective needed for a successful and fulfilling home-building venture.

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