With our empty nest filling up again, I’m cherishing the extra time we’re spending together at home. Courtney moved back for a season a few months ago, and our freshman Luke had to return from his dorm to finish the year online because of the pandemic, so there’s been more family time than we expected.
We’re a close family, and having everyone under one roof for an extended period has felt special, even if it hasn’t been perfect. We’re grateful for the positive moments that have come from this—extra meals together, more conversations, and simple routines that feel meaningful.
Lately our favorite family pastime at dinner has been playing Blokus. Have you tried it? I’m not usually a big board game person, but this one is easy to learn and surprisingly strategic, so it’s been a fun way to connect each evening.
My husband Jerry has been spending a lot of time tending the yard—trimming trees and shrubs, pulling weeds, and watering. We don’t have a landscaper, but he enjoys the work and it gives him a good excuse to be outdoors. The yard has become an important place for us to relax and get some fresh air, along with neighborhood walks.
Despite being home more, we haven’t been bored. Between running our businesses, tackling small projects around the house, and enjoying family activities, there’s always something to do. Rearranging furniture has become a regular pastime for us as our needs change—especially during this season when we shifted how we use many rooms.
When we moved in, we set up an office in the lower level and even built a wall to define the space. With Courtney home and more of our work happening together, we moved the larger portion of our home office down to the bigger area. It made sense to consolidate workspaces so we can collaborate and spread out when needed.
We didn’t spend a lot on design for this space. Apart from one Ikea storage solution—Pax wardrobes with Bergsbo doors—we mostly used what we already owned. It’s not perfect, but it’s comfortable and functional. We have plans for future updates, both big and small, but there’s no rush.
If you’ve followed the blog or read The Inspired Room book, you may recognize several pieces repurposed here from other rooms. The space feels inviting, cozy, and useful. With more people in the house, it’s nice to have a quiet corner downstairs when we need a break.
We brought the large magnetic chalkboard from the hallway of our previous house—it’s still a favorite. I need visual reminders to stay organized, and the board helps with that. It’s practical and adds personality to the workspace.
Downstairs we also have our afternoon coffee station for those inevitable caffeine emergencies. It keeps our routine simple and comfortable when we need a quick pick-me-up while working.
The white Alex drawers from Ikea are perfect for organizing shallow items like paper, art supplies, and office tools. Their slim profile makes it easy to keep the workspace tidy and accessible.
I was thrilled to hang a framed memory from my first book, Love the Home You Have, along with its New York Times bestseller announcement. Seeing the cover on the wall is a meaningful reminder of why I started The Inspired Room over thirteen years ago—to encourage people to love the homes they already have.
The blog started as a way to help others find joy and contentment in their homes, not as a route to becoming an influencer or author. That mission still guides the work we do each day.
Our dogs, Jack and Lily, love spending time in the office as well. Jack has claimed a favorite spot on the ottoman and is often found lounging there while we work.
How is everything going in your home these days?