Before I get cozy sharing art, recipes, and home inspo, I thought I’d take you on a little tour of where the magic happens. I am a total homebody and look forward to getting home every day, no matter how short or long I’m away. Welcome, stay a while.
Come ON in, it’s safe, comfy, & hopefully a little inspiring
As an artist, friend, and mother I see my identity reflected the moment I walk in the door. Having a home that says, “come on in, it’s safe and comfy, and perhaps even a little inspiring here” is always the goal. A plush sofa with lots of pillows and one of my handmade colorful quilts welcomes you right inside the door. Kick off your shoes and go no further after a busy day. The living room, though small is grounded and centered on the hearth. The tv is tucked in a corner where it’s perfectly comfortable to watch while not feeling like “the point” of the room. Everything is thoughtful but nothing is too precious. Baskets keep toys and shoes tucked away but always at hand. Art fills the walls, the majority of which is my own and some of which I’ve slowly acquired over the years. Danish design pieces like candle holders and vases are tucked all around to bring some sculptural reflective light and a bit of modern to such a classic home. Plush, one-of-a-kind Persian Shiraz rugs lay on solid oak floors and ground the otherwise mostly neutral furniture. The walls are simply white and create a sense of freshness and brightness that draw light inside. My goal is that all who enter find light, comfort, warmth, good food, and company. They inhale, exhale, and walk away feeling lighter.
Veer left from the front door and find yourself in the sun room which serves as an art studio, a play room, a library, and the perfect spot for the Christmas tree. It just pulls light from outside and makes for a space that is bustling and busy. There may be toys on the floor, paintings on the desk, a quilt taped to the wall, a bunch of books half-read in a pile, and an armchair with a cup of coffee beside it, but all of that together is why I love it.
Venture into the dining room to the right, which is always ready for all kinds of food, and filled with yummy smells. A hutch-full of sparkly wine glasses, cloth napkins and serving platters—a go-to place for all the necessities for entertaining—sits in the room with alongside dining table and a perfectly pink armchair.
Beyond the dining room is the kitchen, the action hub of the home, where I’m usually doing dishes or cooking, and from where all the snacks and drinks constantly flow. I have multiple loves in this kitchen, not least of which is the perfect little nook where we typically squeeze in for casual meals. You know how a booth is always more comfortable than chairs at a restaurant? That is exactly the case here. This little nook with a cozy half-circle booth is perfectly quaint and welcoming. It sits across from the coffee counter and dry storage shelf, where all of my flours, sugars, and bulk ingredients are meticulously labeled and lined up like little soldiers. The visual of glass jars full of ingredients is so inspiring to me.
While the nook and coffee area are indeed endearing, the kitchen itself makes my heart full. Just this past year, after my constant non-subtle hints about “facelifting” the kitchen, my husband surprised me with starting the project while I was away for ten days (a super-smart choice considering we have small children who needn’t live in a construction zone). Whenever I walk in, I feel the level of detail my husband has poured into my primary workspace which makes it feel like his daily love letter to me. Not to mention it turned out gorgeous! Evergreen fog beadboard, warm white cabinets and shelves, and dishes both modern and vintage make the kitchen necessities always at-hand.
Where to begin with making home, homey
The first question I would ask is, what is home to you, when you close your eyes and go home, what do you imagine? Then make every design choice based on the goal…or more likely goalS. Is it solace and quiet? Is it a bunch of friends? Is it mom’s food? Is it comfort? Work from there. Every piece of furniture serves the purpose of the home. Is the goal rest and solace? Go for neutrals, quiet colors, space to breathe. Is it the bustle of friends? Fill the cabinet with elegant glassware and stock the kitchen for cooking. Is it comfort—find the couch you can sink into and fall asleep happily on. Give it a warm blanket and have slippers nearby. Is it a bit of all of those things? Then let each thing serve its purpose. Fill your home with things you believe are useful and that inspire you. And for heaven’s sake, please have good lighting!
And now, for some food…
Easy to remember and craveable, this curry is DELISH. 5,4,3,2,1, Go make this! :)
This Week’s Art for your walls
Florence’s Zinnias
Zinnias grow beautifully in our garden. Florence and Mikey help plant them from seeds every year. Florence has this painting hanging over her bed and it feels very much like her.