We’ve lived in quite a few houses over the years — this is our eighth home since we were married — and each one has taught us something about making a space feel like ours. Some places take time to mold into a home; that slow transformation can be rewarding, and I’ve enjoyed finding creative ways to update and personalize those houses. But then there are the homes that feel right from the start. This little house by the sea is one of those. From the moment we stepped inside, it felt like it belonged to us.
The connection isn’t just about the coziness or the interior style. It’s also about the setting, the neighborhood, and the island itself. We’re excited by the everyday possibilities — strolls on the beach, ferry trips to nearby islands, and long evenings on the porch watching sunsets and sunrises. These are the moments that make a house into a home.
We have so many visions for our life here. I can picture family gatherings on the porch with rocking chairs, grandchildren tucked into bunk beds, quiet mornings with coffee, and spontaneous adventures off the island. It already feels like a home we’ll enjoy for many years — maybe even our forever home.
Right now, with the first fall chills in the air, I’m most content simply sitting by the fire and appreciating this new chapter. Fall has always felt like the perfect season for nesting and savoring the small, everyday comforts of home. Do you feel the same way?
Sources and Room Details:
Rug: Our new rug from Ruggable (we chose the 6×9 size).
If you missed it, I shared more of this room along with our mudroom and a whimsical patterned powder bath in a previous post.
Round rattan mirror over the fireplace.
Leather ottoman: we found a similar style. (Jack, our goldendoodle, is thrilled to have the ottoman back — he was lobbying to clear the decor so he could hop up and lounge!)
Chair and couch: Ikea Ektorp (they came with the house).
Dip-dyed wood stool beside the chair.
Brass-shade floor lamp in a similar style.
Navy and white embroidered pillow on the sofa.
White fringe pillow on the sofa.
Blue starburst pillow on the sofa.
Window blinds: Hunter Douglas.
Paint color: likely Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore.
For more decor sources and items from around our home, visit my shop where I collect favorite finds and styling ideas.
If you enjoyed this, you can also find additional Fall Nesting posts from this year to inspire cozy seasonal updates.