January 30, 2021

Dreaming of Home

 
For the last couple of years I have had a recurring dream. I live in a house that I love- it's always different and never actually my real house- but I'm having some sort of decorating/space dilemma when I suddenly remember I have this entire wing of the house that I had forgotten I even had. It's usually down some stairs and is multi-level and open space and full of furniture and household goods that I have also somehow managed to forget I have and I get so excited because I have all of these options and all of my space issues will be solved and now I don't have to give up the house I love because I can make it everything I need. 

Well, I had no idea where this dream was coming from until last August when Emma went back to school and took all of her worldly possessions with her, leaving me with a new space to decorate. I quickly realized it made me feel the same way the dream did, especially when I furnished the room with items I had tucked here and there only buying a can of paint for my project.

I had the same experience yet again, when we moved our dining table to the front part of our family room and dragged a couple of cozy chairs to the dining room which happens to house our only fireplace and which we've never gotten to use to it's full potential.


We've been talking about doing this for several months, knowing that the winter months were likely to be difficult, and really wanting to root ourselves in home and to make the very best of the situation. We never got past the idea of dragging cozy chairs in here but as soon as we did that I got that dreamy excited feeling and I started walking around the house pinching a nightstand from here, a lamp from there, a couple of throws, baskets, accessories...better grab that ottoman and that stack of new books! Before I knew it I had an entirely new room and the only thing I bought was an extension cord. The feeling was so much more satisfying than going out and buying all new things. 

This wasn't just a shift of furniture but a shift in perspective. This room calls to us. I have read more in the last month then I have in a long time. I plop into one of these chairs and instantly feel relaxed. I already know that I'm going to miss it this spring when the floor plan gets flip flopped again but what a wonderful thing it will be to look forward to next winter. It has me rethinking how we use our spaces and what that might mean for future renovations some of which I am sitting in this chair and planning for later in 2021- I hope.



I have been meaning to write this post for a month but you know what a month it has been. Right now I am sitting in the keeping room, fire roaring, chai latte beside me, Louis Armstrong serenading me while snow falls outside. I have a lovely view of it through the french doors and into the garden. It is everything I imagined it would be back in the spring when I pictured it covered in snow. It is the best spot in the house right now. I'm not the only one who thinks so. 

Sometimes dreams do come true. 

29 comments:

  1. Jen your new space sounds so perfect and I think I would keep it like that and not switch iot back. It is perfect for summer reading and the table looks wonderful with all the light surrounding it. Stay safe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! It's tempting to keep it this way but luckily we have a porch and beautiful new patio right beyond that door where we get to enjoy the views!

      Delete
  2. You are always an inspiration. Such a wonderful, cozy space.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Laurie. We are making the most of the coziness.

      Delete
  3. Love all of your posts and this one was so special. I love the idea of being flexible with spaces and moving things around seasonally to see what feels best. It’s really fun to hear about people enjoying their homes. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Bonnie! Has home ever been more important?!

      Delete
  4. Isn't it amazing how inspiring limitations can be? This is genius. I'm coming over.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your space is so open, yet it's cozy and very inviting! I love what you've done, and to only buy an extension cord is wonderful, isn't it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. cozy. cozy. cozy. warm and fuzzy. charming beyond words. my favorite room with a view.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your room is so cozy and welcoming. I can see why you love it so much! Why will it be changing in the spring?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, honestly we just use the house differently in the warmer months and the table in there is a slightly cramped situation that would definitely drive me crazy long term!

      Delete
  8. Have the dreams stopped?? It's beautifully charming.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such a gorgeous space.It's a lovely feeling to freshen something up and to find your treasures hidden away in the house to display all over again in a new setting. I can see why you love it so much. I wouldn't move from that spot either!xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, friend! I plan to spend the better part of the weekend here.

      Delete
  10. Gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. A gorgeous and cozy space. Your satisfaction with it oozes in your words.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lorrie! It has been a wonderful haven this winter.

      Delete
  12. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am always moving things around - it does give you a fresh perspective in so many ways - what a dream!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love your cozy space by the fireplace, I’m really jealous of your fireplace! I definitely get the satisfaction of rearranging home using only what you have, it’s amazing what can be accomplished for no money! - Stacey

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to leave me a note. It's always so appreciated.