Welcome! I’m Ann!
The vintage home decor blogger behind Dabbling & Decorating, where thrifted finds, antique treasures, and timeless decorating ideas come together to create an eclectic New England home style. After 26 years in education sales in Connecticut, I followed my passion for home styling to Vermont’s Green Mountains, trading hustle for hygge. Today, I split my time between our cozy Vermont retreat and our coastal Maine home—two spaces filled with vintage charm, meaningful collections, and plenty of inspiration for decorating with secondhand style. Come take a peek inside, starting with our Vermont Home Tour.
Growing Up Maine: Where My Love for Vintage Home Decor Began
Some kids played house—I redecorated one. Growing up on the coast of Maine, I spent my childhood rearranging antique treasures and vintage finds in my parents’ home every chance I got. Those quiet moments of creative freedom sparked a lifelong love for vintage home decor and coastal charm—passions that continue to shape the eclectic style of both our Vermont and Maine homes today.
My Vintage Roots: A Family Legacy of Thrifting and Timeless Style
I owe my love for vintage home decor to my parents, both lifelong collectors, antiquers, and lovers of timeless treasures. My dad had a knack for building furniture by hand and played tennis well into his 80s. My mom’s eye for antique charm and thrifted finds shaped the way I see and style a home. Thanks to them, I can’t pass a flea market, antique shop, or thrift store without stopping to explore. Vintage is in my DNA—and their passion still lives on in every corner of our home.
Our Coastal Maine Home: A Vintage-Inspired Family Retreat
After my parents passed, we lovingly renovated their Coastal Maine home, preserving their cherished antiques and blending them with our own vintage-inspired style. The result is a home full of character, comfort, and timeless coastal charm—a true reflection of family legacy and New England decorating traditions. Browse our series In My Mother’s Maine Home:
Our Life Today: Antique Road Trips, RV Style & Ella the Bernese
Today, life is a vintage-inspired adventure. My husband Steve and I have been happily married for 26 years, sharing a love for skiing, hiking, antiquing, and spontaneous travel wherever the road takes us. We’ve recently embraced the RV lifestyle with a panoramic Class B camper and launched our Antiquing Road Trips & RV Decor Series—where vintage finds meet life on the road. And no trip would be complete without Ella, our spirited Bernese Mountain Dog, who adds joy and charm to every stop. Join us as we explore the backroads of New England (and beyond), always on the lookout for our next great antique treasure.
Home Decor Brands I’ve Partnered With
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with over 50 trusted home decor brands, thoughtfully curating and styling products I genuinely use and love. Every brand partnership featured on my blog reflects my passion for vintage-inspired decorating, eclectic style, and authenticity—because if I wouldn’t use it in my own home, I wouldn’t share it with you.
Sponsored Decorating Posts
Explore some of my recent sponsored posts featuring vintage-inspired home decor, styling tips, and brand collaborations:
Vintage Revival Rugs for Timeless Home Decor
Shop My Storefront and Save 15% on My Favorite Vintage Rugs
As a proud Revival Rugs ambassador, I’m thrilled to share how these beautiful vintage-style rugs have transformed our homes in Maine and Vermont—from cozy living rooms to inviting kitchen spaces. Each rug adds warmth, elegance, and timeless charm to any room. Browse some of my favorite rug styling posts below to see how Revival Rugs can help you create a curated, vintage-inspired look in your own home.
Audio more your vibe?
Prefer listening over reading? Tune in to my podcast interview with Melanie Ferguson on her inspiring “Creatives on Fire” series. In this engaging conversation, I share how I transformed my love for vintage and home decor into a full-time blogging passion. Discover the story behind the blog, my journey from hobby to fulfilling career, and what fuels my creative fire every day. Don’t miss this chance to connect with me on a more personal level—press play and join the conversation!
Auction Ninja: Featured Guest Blogger
Popular Vintage Decorating Series: Thrifting, Ski Lodge Style & Antiquing Road Trips
Thrifting with the Gals
A reader favorite series featuring vintage decor, thrifting adventures, and antique finds—shared alongside fellow home decor bloggers.
Vintage Ski Lodge Decor Series: Cozy Alpine Home Style
Whether you’re styling a New England ski house, mountain cabin, or cozy winter retreat, this vintage decor series brings classic alpine charm and Nordic style to your home.
Antiquing Road Trips & RV Decor Series
Join us on scenic RV road trips through New England and beyond as we explore antique shops, flea markets, and hidden vintage gems. Along the way, we share outdoor styling ideas, beautiful stops, and the charm of life on the road—one unique find at a time.
Our Home, Featured in Country Sampler Magazine
In 2024, our coastal Maine home was featured in Country Sampler Magazine—a true dream come true! It was an unforgettable experience, and I’ve shared all the behind-the-scenes moments, vintage styling, and emotional details in this special post.
Also Featured In These Home Decor Publications
I’m honored to have my vintage home style and decorating ideas featured by these inspiring magazines and media outlets.
Farmhouse Style Interview with A Cottage in the City
Expert Tips for Curating a Timeless Farmhouse-Style Home
“We contacted four farmhouse design experts and asked them to share their insights on curating an authentic space. From their top styling tips to advice on mixing old and new, and the must-have vintage pieces worth collecting, their answers offer inspiration and practical guidance for anyone looking to bring the warmth and character of farmhouse style into their home.” A Cottage in the City…
Would you leave us a review?
Hi friend! If you’ve been inspired by Dabbling & Decorating, I would be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave me a review on my Google Business profile. Your kind words and feedback mean the world to me and help others discover our little corner of vintage charm and creativity.
Thank you for supporting my passion—I couldn’t do this without you! 💕
Thank you so much for stopping by and getting to know a little more about me, my family, and the heart behind Dabbling & Decorating. If you love vintage home decor, thrifting, and antiquing across New England, be sure to visit our Vintage and Thrift Shopping Guide, where I share some of my favorite stops and secondhand finds.
From Maine’s coastal charm to Vermont’s mountain views, every home and story here celebrates a passion for decorating with history, character, and heart. I’d love for you to join me on this journey—where stories are shared, treasures are uncovered, and every space tells its own beautiful story.
See you soon—coffee’s always on here!
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
Leave a Reply