A little over five years ago we climbed the front steps and saw this house for the first time. I’ll be honest: it wasn’t love at first sight. Seattle’s real estate market is, and has been, difficult to break into. We weren’t in a position to compete for the kind of homes I daydreamed about—many of the basic houses nearby were priced far above what we could afford.
As our search for “the right one” stretched on without success, our original wish list began to shrink. What started as a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves slowly narrowed to practical priorities. At first that felt disappointing, but eventually we found ourselves simply hoping for a house that was clean, structurally sound, and livable.
When we found this house, it didn’t match my ideal style, but it checked the essential boxes and then some. If I squinted I could see potential to make it ours. A rare bonus: there were no competing offers when we put ours in, which was almost unheard of in that market. The inspector remarked that it was one of the most solid, well-cared-for homes he had seen in a long time, and that gave us peace of mind.
It wasn’t instant infatuation, but it felt right. The house surprised us in ways we hadn’t expected. It’s light and bright—even the basement gets good light—there’s a generous yard, and a lovely view. Looking back, it feels like a gift that was meant for us, even if I didn’t recognize it the moment I first walked up the porch.
We haven’t had the budget or time for a complete remodel to transform the house into everything I might wish for, but over the years we’ve made changes that make it feel more like our home. Small updates—the Dutch door, the painted brick—bring me joy every time I come through the front door. And while I do still think about projects I’d like to tackle, I try not to let that overshadow what we already have.
The other day, coming home from a walk, I climbed the porch steps and, instead of cataloging imperfections or making a list of future projects, I simply paused and felt gratitude for what is.
This year, in particular, has felt upside down. So many things we took for granted have proven uncertain. Navigating these challenges has been difficult, but it has also reminded us what truly matters. Small comforts have taken on greater importance.
Standing on the porch, I felt thankfulness. Life remains imperfect and the future still holds unknowns and worries, but this simple porch welcomes us home to a place that keeps us warm and loved. That steadiness matters more than any cosmetic change.
If you’re new here, you can see our full house tour.
For a recap of the improvements we’ve made over the years, see “A Look Back at Our Home Improvements.”
For details about our painted brick exterior and backyard projects, check the post about that project.
If you’d like to share your porch or holiday decorating, join our free Facebook group and show us what you’ve done!