I love to think about how the word “serendipity” relates to creating my dream home.
Horace Walpole coined the term serendipity. In a letter dated January 28, 1754, he explained the idea behind it: unexpected discoveries made by accident and sagacity—finding things you weren’t actively seeking.
Some people can hand-pick their dream house. Others design one from scratch to suit every whim. Many of us, though, stumble upon the house that feels like home—an unexpected discovery or a thoughtful reimagining of what’s already in front of us.
My husband and I have always shared a love of houses. I’ll admit I’m the dreamer, and he graciously humors my daydreams—sometimes even contributing a few ideas of his own. Our shared enthusiasm has been part of our relationship for years.
That “dream house” feeling has been with me since childhood. It inspired the title of my first book, Love the Home You Have, which unexpectedly became a New York Times bestseller. Over the past 12 years, through my books and this blog, I’ve encouraged readers to find contentment in the home they live in—even if it isn’t every detail of the ultimate dream.
I still receive many messages from readers who say my books helped them dream again and pair the home they have with the home they imagine. Hearing that brings me great joy.
Obsessing over a house you don’t have can breed discontent. But I find that serendipitous dreaming—imagining possibilities—can be inspiring and even therapeutic. It keeps our creativity alive and often leads to surprising ways to bring elements of a dream into an existing space.
Recently I bought a design book that resonated deeply with me. Gil Schafer III’s A Place to Call Home felt like a kindred spirit; even if the homes in the book aren’t realistic for my Seattle budget, the design perspective and choices inspired me. It’s a lovely coffee table book and a source of fresh ideas.
One house in the book particularly captured my imagination. I shared images I loved, crediting the sources I used. I find myself mesmerized by that home—I picture my dream house with a similar look and feel, or perhaps like a cozy farmhouse I adore. Either way, these images fuel creative longing.
I loved a line from an article about the house that speaks to this idea: “Life brings you things that don’t necessarily fit into your decorating scheme,” says Rita Konig. While she may be referring to mismatched objects or quirky heirlooms, she’s also pointing to a deeper truth: leave room in your plans for serendipity.
Whether we live in our dream house, build it, or adapt what we have, many of us crave a meaningful connection with our homes. Dreaming and seeking inspiration opens us to possibilities; often we discover that our current space can become what we always wanted with a few thoughtful changes.
So, fellow dreamers, have you left room in your heart or your plans for serendipity? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
That deep connection to home is one reason I wrote my book Dwelling. Creating greater well-being where we live is not just about architecture or decor; it’s about the choices we make, the items we bring into our space, and how we live there. Dwelling explores how those decisions shape how we feel at home.
Credits: Elle Decor, GP Schafer, Rita Konig, Eric Piasecki