As the year draws to a close, I like to pause and reflect with gratitude. Looking back helps me recognize progress, even when it felt slow at the time. On the blog I enjoy reviewing the changes we’ve made to our home and celebrating both the visible updates and the quieter behind-the-scenes work.
Creating a home takes time. Some seasons bring big visible changes; others are made up of small steps—planning, decisions, and settling in. Even when there aren’t dramatic before-and-after photos, progress still counts.
In 2022 much of our focus was planning and settling into our new home. The move itself happened just before the year began, so much of 2022 felt like a recovery period, finding new routines and regaining energy after the stress of relocating.
We experienced our first full cycle of seasons in the new house, and the year brought both joyful and difficult moments. One of the highlights was my daughter Courtney’s wedding in July—planning that event right after moving made 2022 particularly memorable. Alongside those celebrations we also faced losses and challenges; it was a year of highs and lows.
A major focus for the year was preparing for a remodel that will begin soon. We’ve planned an addition for my parents and a new kitchen and dining room for our family. Much of 2022 involved decisions, drawings, and planning—work that won’t be dramatic immediately but will pay off in the months ahead.
We expect 2023 to be a year of visible progress as these projects come to life. I’m excited to share the process and results as construction begins and the spaces evolve.
On the blog front, The Inspired Room published many posts this year meant to inspire and encourage. I also released my eleventh book, A Lovely Life, and we worked on another book set to be published next year. We’re launching long-held plans this season, and I can’t wait to share more about that soon.
Keeping our community connected has been a priority—through regular emails and social channels we stayed in touch and collaborated with brands we love. That connection makes this work meaningful and motivates us to continue sharing ideas for creating a comfortable, welcoming home.
January 2023 will mark our 16th year in online business. The digital landscape keeps changing, and my team and I have adapted while staying true to the reason I started blogging in 2007: to encourage others in making their homes a sanctuary. I’m grateful you’ve followed along and supported this journey.
Do you take time to look back over the year and notice how far you’ve come? Even difficult years can contain moments of gratitude and seeds of hope for the year ahead.
I’ll have so much to share in 2023—our remodel will be in full swing and I’m eager to connect in new ways. I hope you’ll follow along; make sure you’re subscribed to our emails!
I recently posted about 7 simple ways we made progress in our home during the first year, and below I’ve rounded up highlights and favorite posts from 2022 and late 2021.
Here are key posts and highlights from the year, listed from most recent back toward the beginning of 2021.
Getting Ready for Winter in the Snug (arranging furniture and using what we had to create a cozy multipurpose space)
DIY Whale Wreath
Early winter cottage bedroom and seasonal printable artwork
Named our multipurpose room THE SNUG and shared our whimsical winter guest space
The tradition of the Moravian Stars on our porch
Swapped living room chairs for affordable striped armchairs and shared how the Christmas tree influenced the decision
Decorated our stairs for Christmas with tips for making garland fuller
Shared about a favorite vintage Staffordshire piece and tips for telling your home’s story
Hung a DIY porch lantern with a flickering battery candle
Battery-operated window candles that create a warm mood
Invested in mix-and-match pillows with tips for pattern mixing and saving money
Decorated our porch for fall
Ideas for a cozy, welcoming entry
Shared a secret decorating tip and repositioned my blue glass lamp
Solved storage needs with shallow underbed storage bags
Hung coastal and sailboat artwork around the house and shared sources
Savoring summer sunsets on our porch
White washable slipcovers for Ikea chairs
Found lightweight reversible blankets that many readers loved
Added railing planter boxes to boost curb appeal
Summer door basket with faux hydrangeas
Reflections on how a home is a sanctuary, not a showplace
Small-space laundry closet storage solutions
Full tour of our new beach house with before photos
Small-space storage tips to make room for what you love
Six-month progress report in the new beach house
Added personality to our entry with a new lantern light—before and after
Spring door basket ideas
Our kitchen and dining room remodeling plans with before photos
Three simple updates to make your bedroom a winter sanctuary
A few other things that happened in 2022:
Released my 11th book, A Lovely Life.
Launched the Monday Mood Boards series.
Introduced @theinspiredroomstyle, our curated Instagram shop of timeless furniture and accessories.
Courtney got married and shared wedding planning advice and photos.
Shared cozy inspiration through our annual Fall Nesting series.
More favorite posts:
Kylee shared progress on her home.
Explored the “Coastal Grandmother” aesthetic and what it means to me.
Shared a downloadable seasonal planner and tips for intentional holiday planning.
Thoughts on creating an intentional home and secrets to success.
My design philosophy and the gift of home.
Ten favorite cleaning tools, gadgets, and hacks that make life easier.
Reflections on living a more lovely life.
Why I love being called a homebody.
Happy New Year, friend!