My husband gave me these two little birds for our anniversary last spring. He held them out and said, “this one is you and the other is me.”
Now that we are empty nesters, those two small birds feel even more meaningful. They sit in our home as a quiet reminder of our years together and the life we’ve built.
Our home is full of objects that tell our story. To someone scrolling past a single photo online, the things you see in my rooms might appear incidental, unimportant, or like unnecessary clutter. But to us, they are the memory markers of a lived life.
I don’t live in a curated square on Instagram, and I don’t want social media deciding how my home should look. A room staged perfectly for a photo doesn’t necessarily bring me joy.
What brings me peace and everyday happiness is being present in a home that reflects our story.
I prefer to be surrounded by beautiful, useful items—things that are not merely decorative but that revive favorite memories or make our space feel warm and comfortable. Those objects aren’t clutter; they are the pieces that make our house feel like home.
I work to create rooms I genuinely love to spend time in—spaces that feel lived in and that speak to who we are. My goal isn’t perfection, it’s presence and connection.
That is what brings me joy: the small, ordinary things that carry meaning, the items that greet me each day and remind me of moments, people, and places that matter.
What brings you joy in your home? Surround yourself with those things and create a space you love to live in. What meaningful treasure do you display that tells your story?
(This post was adapted from a recent Instagram update.)
More on empty nesting and home life
If you’re navigating the empty nest phase, you may find comfort in creating a home filled with meaningful objects and comfortable touches. It can be helpful to focus on a few simple ideas:
- Keep items that evoke positive memories and let go of things that no longer serve you.
- Create cozy spots where you can read, reflect, or enjoy conversation—small changes can make a room feel inviting.
- Choose practical decor that you use and appreciate daily rather than pieces that only serve to look good in photos.
- Celebrate small rituals—morning coffee in a favorite mug, a pair of keepsake birds on a shelf—that anchor routine and joy.
Home is not about perfection or trends. It is about the life lived within its walls. Surround yourself with things that comfort and inspire you, and allow your living spaces to evolve as your life changes.
PS…If you’re interested in more thoughts about empty nesting and home style, I’ve written about this phase and how to make your home feel like you again.