As the year draws to a close, I like to take a little time to look back with gratitude. Reflecting on the months gone by helps me find the silver linings, appreciate the progress we made in our home, and remember meaningful moments from the blog and life.
Building a home is a process that unfolds slowly. Some years feel more eventful than others, and sometimes progress looks like small, steady steps rather than dramatic before-and-after reveals. Even when the changes are subtle or mostly behind the scenes—planning, preparing, and settling into a new rhythm—that work matters.
For us, 2022 was a season of transition, planning, and getting comfortable in our new home. We spent much of the year settling in after the move and establishing routines in a new place. Moving is always energizing and exhausting at the same time, and it often takes months to feel fully recovered and comfortable again.
Shortly after moving in, our family jumped into wedding planning—my daughter Courtney became engaged late in 2021 and married in July 2022. Her wedding is a joyful highlight from the year. Of course, life also brought difficult moments and losses; the year held both celebrations and sadness, highs and lows.
We also spent a lot of time planning a remodel that will begin soon. The project includes an addition for my parents plus a new kitchen and dining area for our family. A year of planning doesn’t always produce visible results immediately, but it lays the foundation for the work and rewards that follow.
Looking ahead to 2023, we’re excited to finally see these plans come to life. New projects—both for our home and our business—will begin in the coming weeks, and we can’t wait to share the progress.
On the blog front, 2022 was a busy year. We published many posts intended to inspire and encourage readers as they create comfortable, beautiful homes. I also released my eleventh book, A Lovely Life, and we began work on another book to be released next year.
We’ve been developing a long-held dream that will move forward this year, and I’m thrilled about the plans we’ve been quietly preparing. I’ll share more details in the weeks ahead—there’s lots to look forward to.
Staying connected with our community is central to what we do. We kept in touch through our email newsletter and social media channels and partnered with several brands over the year. An active, supportive community makes this work meaningful, and I’m deeply grateful for your encouragement.
January 2023 will mark our 16th year in online business—a milestone I’m proud of. The internet and the blog world have changed a lot since I began in 2007, and we’ve adapted and grown through those changes. While I sometimes miss the simpler days of blogging, I’m grateful we’ve continued to do work we love and that resonates with others.
Through The Inspired Room, I’ve had the privilege of encouraging people to make their homes welcoming and comforting. That purpose is what started this blog, and it remains the reason I continue to do this work. Thank you for being part of the journey and for supporting what we do.
Do you take time to look back on the year and notice how far you’ve come? Even in hard seasons there is often something to be grateful for and things to anticipate in the year ahead.
I’ll have so much to share in 2023 as our remodel gets underway and as we roll out other projects and plans. I hope you’ll follow along—make sure you’re subscribed to my emails!
I recently shared seven simple ways we made progress in our home during the first year, and below I’ve rounded up more highlights and favorite posts from the year.
Here are highlights and posts from the year, listed from most recent back to early 2021:
Getting Ready for Winter in the Snug (shared photos and details of how we arranged furniture and used what we had in this cozy multi-purpose space)
DIY Whale Wreath
My early winter cottage bedroom and seasonal printable artwork
Decided to name our multi-purpose room THE SNUG and shared about our whimsical winter guest space
Continued our tradition of the Moravian Stars on our porch
Changed out our living room chairs for affordable striped armchairs (and how our Christmas tree influenced the choice)
Decorated our stairs for Christmas and shared tips for making garland fuller
Shared one of my favorite vintage pieces and tips for telling your story in your home
Hung our DIY porch lantern with a flickering battery candle
Battery-operated window candles that set a warm mood in our home
Invested in mix-and-match pillows and shared tips for pattern mixing and saving money
Decorated our porch for fall
Ideas for a cozy fall entry and tips for a welcoming entryway
Shared my secret decorating tip and moved my blue glass lamp to a new spot
Solved storage needs with shallow underbed storage bags for linens
Hung coastal and sailboat artwork and shared favorite sources
Savoring the last sunsets of summer from our porch
Added washable white slipcovers for IKEA Ektorp chairs
Discovered lightweight reversible blankets many readers loved
Added railing planter boxes to improve curb appeal
Created a summer door basket with faux hydrangeas
Shared about how a home is a sanctuary, not a showplace
Small-space laundry closet storage solutions
A full tour of our new beach house with before photos
Small-space storage tips for making room for what you love
Six months in the new beach house progress report
Added personality with a new lantern light in our entry—before and after
A pretty basket of spring branches for the entry and front door
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:
I released my 11th book, A Lovely Life.
Launched Monday Mood Boards, a new series.
Introduced @theinspiredroomstyle, a curated Instagram shop of timeless furniture and charming accessories.
Courtney got married and shared wedding photos and planning advice.
Shared cozy inspiration in our annual Fall Nesting series.
More favorite posts:
Kylee shared progress on her home.
Realized and embraced the “Coastal Grandmother” vibe.
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 reflections on the gift of home.
Ten favorite cleaning tools, gadgets, and hacks that make life easier.
Reflections on how to live a more lovely life.
Why I love being called a homebody.
Happy New Year, friend!