My New Home
Couch, Side Table, Framed fabric art is no longer available.
After living alone for the better part of my 20s, I moved into my dream (rental) house with three of the best roommates.
If you would’ve asked me if I would ever live with people at the age of 26, I would have probably laughed in your face. In fact, I think I did laugh when Kayla and Hannah brought it up to me last year. Then the quarantine happened, and the world felt infinitely more fragile and frankly, so did I. After that experience, I knew I was made for community and longed for friends to come home to everyday. I knew I was ready to take a leap and try something new. I mean — heck — you don’t always get the chance to live with your closest, single friends forever. Right?
So here we are! One month into this co-existing experiment, and I can honestly say that this is the best place I’ve ever lived. The home is beautiful, but I can see how God is using this to make me more like Himself. I have had to become more selfless, forward thinking and conscientious of others’ feelings even more than usual. It’s confirmed what I already knew — that our sisters in Christ are such a blessing. I love how we learn from each other and grow together. We’re just becoming better women/ future mothers/co-workers. Amazing.
I have also enjoyed being able to recreate my bedroom/ living area in this space.
Cane End Table, Rug, Linen Quilt, Wall Sconces, Target Pillows
While I’ve got a few more additions to make until it’s complete, I have loved the way this vision has come to life.
This room was a garage until the owners renovated. I love the paneled walls and brick bottom layer around the edges. I wanted to make this room a calm respite, so I went with with a neutral palette. Soft creams, gold tones and heavy texture would be a beautiful contrast against the stark white walls. They also installed the jute carpet without any input from me— and I LOVE IT. I saved a fortune on rugs because of it!
I also wanted to have matching nightstands and console to hide all of my books for the first time in my life. Honestly, there is nothing more satisfying. Is this what adulting feels like? I feel like it is.
The easiest way to design your dream room is to visualize it. I use Canva to help me do that. I process my design ideas with color palettes and textures. Canva is free and super easy to use. This is what my original mood board looked like. I wanted the style to reflect the new and refined season that I’m in.
Mood board created on Canva.
When creating your mood board, I think it’s smart to evaluate what you will actually end up using vs what is a complete, overpriced pipe dream. While I love everything from Anthropologie, I know that Facebook Marketplace is more my speed (and budget.)
It’s smart to get creative when you’re on a budget. That way you can invest in high quality pieces when it makes the most sense. I splurged on the Warwick cane pieces from Target and the Samsung Frame TV. (Mostly because when the TV is off, it looks like a piece of art.)
PRO TIP: Always remember to look on Facebook Marketplace for a dupe. Most people don’t realize that they are selling treasures for close to nothing!
The best part about this room is that others feel welcome to come in and stay. I’ve already spent countless evenings chatting and watching movies with my friends. Charlie seems to have settled in well too.
Other fun things to note…
• Did you see Molly Baz’s gorgeous new cookbook? I’m obsessed, and I don’t even cook.
• Musee Shower Steamers are the best self-care product for people who don’t like baths AKA me.
• Rifle Paper Co. just came out with their brand new planners!
• Princess Diana in pink ensembles is an actual mood. Which outfit is your favorite in this post?
Laurel, Mississippi is one of the most charming Southern towns, full of hospitable neighbors, good food, and places to shop. As a local for 20 years, I’m sharing the best of the best.