Planning

There are three key points I always approach first when establishing a desired space, Organization, Neutrals & Natural Elements, and Personal Details.

Organization is Everything

Before you take on a home project, it’s important to make sure your space is organized and clutter-free. You can coat your walls with a fresh coat of paint, but if your space is a mess you won’t even notice the new paint color. Every item in my home was handpicked for a reason and each decor piece represents me and my family. I look around our home and I smile, feeling content and inspired. Some pieces hold so many memories and when I look at them I see a part of myself. I feel proud knowing we’ve brought our space to life. It may feel overwhelming at first, reorganizing, but once you cleanse one room it will become an obsession. You’ll feel motivated to clean another room, and then another. You will find yourself thinking before you purchase an item because not every find fits your lifestyle. Any time I’m shopping I ask myself, ”Does this purchase support the lifestyle I’ve worked so hard to create?” Spend some time today making a bag (or two) of donations and let go of whatever it is that you no longer need or want around you. Search for unique, functional storage solutions and have fun with organizing and finding balance. The storage you choose doesn’t need to be plastic containers. For example, my home is a farmhouse and a lot of my storage consists of wicker baskets, galvanized tubs, and wooden crates. I believe that storage should be functional and purposeful, meaning that your storage solutions were chosen for a reason and they reflect who you are.

Fall for Neutrals and Natural Elements

Color is a beautiful thing but I believe neutrals are essential to any space. The power of neutrals is their ability to create a fresh, clean canvas. Neutrals allow furniture and details to shine and don’t take away from the personality and story of your home. You can use neutrals on your walls in the form of paint, as your flooring, furniture, or accents. I feel that neutrals and natural elements connect you to the earth and keep you centered. Natural elements are my favorite part of home design and decorating. Having a space filled with elements that enhance your mood make a home more inviting and lively. Wood, cotton, stone, branches, and anything that can be found in nature are natural elements. With natural design aspects, you’re able to create the true mood that you desire, such as a tranquil cabin, or a rustic escape. Play with decor pieces that you enjoy when you’re outdoors like the feeling of water, towering trees, and pretty rocks when designing a room. If you love water you can incorporate a tabletop fountain, wall art of the ocean, or beach accents. You can even make your room resemble the movement of waves by selecting interesting furniture and the perfect wall color. For a lover of trees and forests, wood, rustic tables, and branches can be incorporated. If you’re spiritual, add some rocks and crystals to your sanctuary. There’s a lot of wood, earth tones, plants, faux greenery, cotton, and some metal in my space connecting me to the outdoors and the farm lifestyle.

It’s in the Details

Once you’ve finished creating a beautiful, strong, functional space it’s time for the best part…its time to add the finishing touches that make a home a home. Framed photographs, vases, throw pillows, books, and statues are all considered decor pieces and there’s something for every personality and theme. As you walk the aisles of Marshall’s, Target, or even an antique store, what speaks to you? What makes you smile? What would bring a little piece of you to the room you’re decorating. Don’t buy something just to buy it. Buy what resonates with your soul and heart.

I love candles, farmhouse accents, photographs, and plants (faux and real). I have farmhouse vases with cotton, forsythia branches, and real plants throughout my home. When I was a little girl I fell in love with the color and look of blooming forsythia branches. The bright, lively yellow reminds me of springtime, the countryside, and my childhood.

I love making tea in the morning and looking at my real plants, taking care of them, and feeling as though I’m creating a healthy environment. In the spring, summer, and fall my deck/patio and yard are blooming with flowers and plants. I have two bird feeders and a hummingbird feeder that become a hub of activity in the summer. There’s something calming about watching hummingbirds dance around the feeder. The little things make a home special and tie into the story you’re telling.

Finding what you love and filling your space with special details shouldn’t be stressful or a challenge. If you’re feeling stressed, then you’re putting too much pressure on yourself and have taken a step off of the right, unwinding path that leads to a finished space. Sit down for a moment and write down a few of your favorite things and what makes you happiest. Incorporate some of your favorite things and your strongest feelings into your home. Your space is you and you’re in control of the vibes you create. In a world filled with chaos and doubt, you want your space to be an escape. Dream on it and see what comes to you.

If you’re sitting on the couch, or you’re cuddled up in your favorite chair, looking around at a space that you’re proud of, and you can see yourself in your furniture, decor, the floorboards, and the walls, then pat yourself on the back. Take a moment to congratulate yourself on creating your sanctuary and for listening to your heart. Grab a drink, kick off your shoes, and take a deep breath. You’re home 🤍

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