With our “empty nest” starting to fill again, I’ve been cherishing the extra time at home with our kids. It’s a season I know won’t last, so I’m enjoying it while I can. Courtney moved back for a while, and our college freshman Luke had to come home from the dorms and finish his year online because of the pandemic. It’s been a gift to have them here.
We’re a close family and it brings me joy to spend more time together. We didn’t expect to be together this much under one roof, but we’ve made the most of it. It hasn’t been perfect, of course, but we’re grateful for the upside—more shared moments, relaxed days, and time to connect.
One of our favorite ways to spend evenings is playing Blokus while we eat. If you haven’t tried it, the game is simple to learn but offers plenty of strategy. Even someone who isn’t a big board game fan can get drawn in. It’s become a nightly ritual that’s both fun and competitive in a lighthearted way.
My husband Jerry has been focusing on the yard—trimming trees and shrubs, pulling weeds, and keeping everything watered. We don’t use a landscaper, but he enjoys the work and being outside. The yard has become our primary outdoor refuge these days, in addition to neighborhood walks. It’s calming to have that space to get fresh air and move around.
Even though we’ve been home a lot, we haven’t been bored. Between running our businesses, tackling little house projects, and family activities, there’s always something to keep us busy. Rearranging furniture is nearly constant for us—our rooms evolve as our needs change, and this season is no exception.
When we moved into this house, we set up a home office in the lower level, and later created a wall to define the space. With Courtney back, we rearranged again and moved the larger portion of our office into a bigger area downstairs. It made sense to centralize our workspace for multiple people and to support a growing business.
Design wasn’t our main focus here, so aside from an Ikea storage wardrobe we’ve mostly used what we already had. It’s not perfect, but it’s functional and comfortable for now. We do have plans for updates—some larger projects and some smaller tweaks—but we’re not rushing them.
If you’ve followed this blog or read The Inspired Room book, you might recognize several pieces from other rooms in our home. Bringing familiar items into this space makes it feel welcoming, cozy, and practical. With more people in the house, it’s nice to have a separate spot downstairs to work quietly or take a little retreat.
One of my favorite organizational touches is the large magnetic chalkboard I brought from our previous home. I need to see things visually to feel organized, and this board helps keep tasks and notes in view. It’s a simple piece that makes a big difference for staying on top of projects and schedules.
Downstairs we also set up a little coffee area for afternoon pick-me-ups—because coffee emergencies do happen. It’s handy to have a dedicated spot for a quick cup while working or taking a break.
(We use a reliable coffee maker down here and have a few favorite tools for making coffee that make the routine enjoyable.)
Storage is an important part of keeping the space functional. The white Alex drawers from Ikea are great for organizing papers, art supplies, and smaller items. Their shallow depth helps prevent clutter and makes it easier to find what we need quickly.
I also hung a meaningful framed piece in the office: the cover of my first book, Love the Home You Have, paired with its New York Times bestseller announcement. Seeing that on the wall is a reminder of the mission that started this blog years ago—to help people love the homes they already have.
The blog wasn’t founded to chase influence or authorship, but to offer encouragement and practical ideas so others can create comfortable, livable spaces that feel like home.
Our pets love the space too. Jack and Lily often hang out in the office—Jack especially can’t resist an ottoman. Their company makes the room feel even more lived-in and cozy.
How are things going in your home right now?