We’re still enjoying our home life and making the most of every day. Even though I miss the freedom to travel and move forward with some plans, being at home has inspired a renewed appreciation for our surroundings. The weather in Seattle has been beautiful, which encouraged us to spend the weekend refreshing the deck and side patio. It felt wonderful to be outside and enjoy the sunshine while preparing those spaces for spring and summer.
I’ll share the progress on our outdoor areas tomorrow. If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen a sneak peek, but I’ll post more photos and details here soon.
By the way, the Inspired Stripe Rug I designed for Dash & Albert (shown here) is currently 40% off. It’s one of the rugs you all voted into production, and I still can’t believe it became a reality. I love having the runner in the kitchen during spring and summer.
While we’ve been busy outdoors, I’ve also been thinking about the interior of our home. Spending more time here has heightened my desire to make every corner feel comfortable and meaningful. Small changes add up, and being intentional about how a space looks and functions makes home life sweeter.
Three simple ways to feel more at home, even while staying in
Rearrange furniture for a fresh perspective.
When you’re at home more, moving existing furniture and accessories around is a free and fast way to refresh a room. Even small shifts can feel like a mini makeover. I’m in the middle of rearranging my dining room— I brought in a new piece last night and will share the reveal once I hang a few things.
Dream and plan future projects.
Spring encourages refreshment, but it also invites dreaming. Even if plans must wait, imagining future projects lifts spirits and helps pass the time with purpose. I often browse Pinterest and Instagram for ideas and sketch out possibilities for the next remodel or update. It keeps me optimistic and excited about the future.
Our kitchen, side yard and deck were the first major projects in this house, and completing them helped define the home’s direction. Now that those spaces are done, I have many more ideas for adding character and function to other areas. If you’re new here, I enjoy reflecting on past improvements and planning what’s next.
We had a project scheduled to start before the pandemic that has been delayed for now. I’ll share details about that and other ideas as plans become possible again.
Plan and plant gardens close to home.
Spending more time in the yard has made me imagine several new garden areas. A cutting garden that blooms in spring sounds especially appealing right now, since I can’t run out to buy flowers as easily. I’m gathering inspiration and sketching a garden plan so I can phase the work in as opportunities arise.
I enjoy making small bouquets from our own blooming trees—my camellias in the pitcher are from the backyard—and those simple arrangements brighten my kitchen and mood. Little touches like a cheerful dish towel or fresh flowers can make home feel more personal and comforting.
Come back tomorrow to see the updated look for our side patio and back deck — I love how it turned out!
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