Hello and welcome to Painted Shadow Designs! I’m Sarah DeNike, and this blog is a little window into my world, my style, and my adventures in creating a home that resonates with the beauty of northwest Montana.
Who Am I?
Originally from a farming community in northern California, I’ve spent a wonderful 25 years in the greater Seattle area before embracing a significant life change. In the summer of 2023, my family and I moved to northwest Montana, returning to my roots of living on spacious acreage. It’s just me, my husband Jim, our youngest son Will, and our two adorable Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Islay and Skye, nestled in this serene landscape. Our oldest, Jack, is off making his own way in the world at college.
Our New Beginning
Our new journey began with the purchase of a lovely house on 10 acres – a stark contrast to the over two decades we spent in the suburbs. Here, we have the luxury of space and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a setting that inspires and rejuvenates.
What Is Painted Shadow Designs About?
Painted Shadow Designs is more than just a blog; it’s a chronicle of our journey in transforming our house into a home that mirrors the beauty of its surroundings. Over the past 7 years, I’ve honed what I call my ‘rustic modern’ or ‘mountain modern’ style. It’s a blend of clean lines with rustic, nature-inspired touches, particularly wood. This blog is a canvas for my ideas, projects, and inspirations.
Living here, I’ve found joy in DIY projects. With a modest budget, I’ve learned to get creative, and I’m excited to share these endeavors with you. Whether it’s decorating the interior to reflect the rustic elegance of Montana or working on the vast expanse outside, each project is a step towards creating our dream home.
Join Our Adventure
I invite you to join me on this journey. Whether you’re here for design inspiration, DIY tips, or just to enjoy the stories of our life in Montana, there’s something for everyone. Follow along as I navigate the challenges and triumphs of rural living, interior design, and DIY projects, all under the majestic backdrop of the Montana mountains.
Thank you for stopping by. Stay tuned for regular updates, and feel free to reach out with your thoughts and stories too. Let’s make this a shared adventure in creating spaces that speak to our hearts.
Warmly,
Sarah