Creativity Grows Here
For Shelby Vanhoy, creator behind Pretty in the Pines, home is the heart of creativity. It’s where her blog started a little over a decade ago, founded on savvy DIYs, renter-friendly fixes, and sharing her own goings-on with the world—taking her from North Carolina to New York City, and back. With every project, and every move, Shelby has discovered more of her creative self, bringing an even clearer vision of her approach to home as she goes—one founded in creating a safe, personalized space within which her creativity can flourish and evolve.
Rooted in Nostalgia
When asked what drew her to home décor and interiors in the first place, Shelby recalls her childhood. “Some of my most cherished memories are the ones made at home with my parents, in the simplest moments.” Baking cookies with her mom and decorating the house for the holidays come to mind.
The Mindie Rug sets the tone in the serene primary bedroom, with its rich neutral palette and traditionally inspired design.
As I get older, I appreciate more and more how much time is spent at home. Making it yours—a place you want to be and where you feel yourself—is so important.
Shelby and her son, pictured on the family’s front porch—a favorite place for them to spend time together.
As a parent herself, Shelby aims to recreate these same feelings with her family, creating a safe, warm, and peaceful environment. As a creative, these elements help her flourish, too.
Every corner counts: The Minerva Lamp elevates the bedside table, its pleated empire shade casting a warm glow.
Nostalgia and comfort are themes throughout Shelby’s design ethos.
Beloved movies like Father of the Bride and Home Alone come to mind when speaking to her sources of inspiration—and coziness is the ultimate goal.
The Nanette and Harriman Pillows complete the throw-pillow pile, adding texture, while White Ranunculus adds soft romance above.
To achieve this storied, homey feel, the content creator looks to English and French countryside influences—rich in cozy patterns, antique-inspired décor, and romantic elements—embracing an approach that she’s named “traditional with a twist”. Elements are timeless, not trendy, with personal flourishes and antique finds abound.
as seen in shelby’s home
A Home, A Haven
For Shelby, creating a safe, personalized space goes deeper than good looks. A little over five years ago, increased feelings of anxiety opened her eyes to the grounding power of home. “It’s the only place I felt 100% at peace and like myself when I was struggling—and it still is.” Creating an environment that’s reflective of you, that’s safe, is where creativity grows and where the self can be freely cultivated. It’s where cherished memories are founded.
It's for these reasons that adding personal touches is so important, culminating in a space that feels uniquely you, even if that means small changes here and there. I’ll make a newer piece feel my own by adding little touches and details that give it a more vintage look and make it feel more me.
shelby vanhoy, pretty in the pines
And if you want to borrow Shelby’s overall approach?
01.
Head to the antique market (even if you don’t pick anything up, there’s inspiration abound).
02.
Choose timeless pieces that will grow with you as your style evolves.
03.
Take your time and embrace what you like, even if it’s a mix of different styles.
I really like to find pieces that feel like they’ve been there for many, many years. Ones that feel timeless and adapt as my style evolves.
