Meet Linda McDonald
Interior Designer, DIYer, Vintage Lover, Holiday & Hospitality Decorator
Hey there, I’m Linda!
I’m the creator of Life on Summerhill, and I believe every home has a story worth telling—and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to tell it beautifully.
I started this journey with a lot of creativity and not much cash. Fresh out of Florida State University with a degree in Interior Design, and later filled with inspiration from studying art in Florence, Italy, I was ready to take on the world—one DIY at a time.
My husband, Marty, and I raised our three daughters in a sweet Southern home we lovingly call Summerhill. With a west-facing window that soaked our living room in golden light, and a hill beneath our feet, it became the place where design met real life—tight budgets, messy crafts, joyful moments, and all.
What Lights Me Up
- Giving old pieces new life with a vintage touch
- Creating printables and guides that make decorating feel doable
- Sharing easy, affordable ideas that help others fall in love with their homes
- Traveling to new places and bringing that inspiration back into the spaces I design
- Spending time with my daughters, swapping ideas and laughs (and maybe a few Pride & Prejudice movie nights)
Fun Facts About Me
- I’ve studied design in Florence, Italy—and I’m still obsessed with all things European charm.
- I’m dairy-free and gluten-free, which keeps me on my toes in the kitchen.
- But when it comes to decorating? I’m all in on vintage treasures and thrifted finds — the older, the better.
- My favorite thing in the world? Driving through the mountains with my oldest, back rubs and movies with my middle daughter, and antiquing with my youngest.
- I’m a Disney-loving, organizing-obsessed, antique-collecting dreamer with a heart for helping others feel confident in their homes.
What I Do Now
I run Life on Summerhill, a blog packed with:
- Home decorating tips
- Seasonal ideas
- DIY projects
- Printables and guides
- Entertaining decorating
- And a whole lot of heart
You’ll also find me on Instagram sharing behind-the-scenes peeks and cozy home inspiration, and over on Etsy with my daughter Hannah, where we design printable wall art and tools to help you decorate with ease.
My Design Background
With my interior design degree from Florida State University and studies in Florence, Italy, I’ve worked as an interior designer for over 30 years. After years of designing for clients, I now pour that experience into Life on Summerhill, where I’ve been sharing ideas since 2014 — more than 600 posts and counting, with a new one every week.
Real Projects, Real Homes
Every project you see here is one I’ve done myself, and every photo is my own. Our builder-grade home lacked warmth and character, so I picked up a miter saw and brad nailer and added trim, paint color, and vintage finds to give it charm.
Life on Summerhill is truly a family affair. My husband, Marty, is my biggest supporter and helps behind the scenes with painting, cleanup, and all the heavy lifting. My daughters, Savanna and Hannah, and I team up on projects at their Atlanta homes — they often film the process, and I share the results with you here. You’ll also see projects from other family members’ homes, from our small hometown to the Florida coast.
My Book: Vintage Nest
I wrote Vintage Nest: 100 Thrift, Vintage & Antique Finds & Decorating Ideas to help you turn everyday treasures into timeless decor. 👉 Get your copy on Amazon
Brands I’ve Partnered With
I’m proud to partner with brands I use in my own home, including Lowe’s.
Meet Kit
You’ll often spot Kit, our cat and my faithful sidekick, supervising projects — usually from the comfort of a long nap.
Featured In
Linda’s work has been proudly featured on top platforms including The Pioneer Woman, Farmhouse Style Magazine, HomeDepot.com, Redesign Daily and other leading lifestyle and home decor websites. Her approachable style and creative solutions continue to inspire readers across the web.
Let’s Be Friends
If you’re here because you love a cozy home, get giddy over vintage finds, or just need someone to walk with you as you style your space, then you’re in the right place.
Thanks for being here—I’m so excited to share this journey with you.
👉 Follow along on Instagram
👉 Shop my Etsy printables
👉 Subscribe to my Youtube
And best of all 👉 Subscribe to my Newsletter where I bring loads of fun to your inbox.