Journeys End House Tour
We’re sharing Journeys End House Tour today!
While we were knee deep photographing and creating content for the new website, we began reminiscing about all the changes our home, Journeys End, has gone through over the years.
When we first moved out to this tiny island, I decorated everything in a coastal theme, and it was a complete disaster.
Not because there’s anything wrong with having coastal accents layered throughout your home, mind you.
It was a disaster because it just wasn’t us.
For some reason I kept trying to make it us over and over again because I thought that’s what you were supposed to do when you live on a tiny island in Florida.
But one day, everything changed, and it happened in the most unlikely place.
I can clearly remember standing at the graveside celebrating the life my uncle.
It was a chilly winter day in Florida. The skies were a pale blue, and the sun was shining just enough to keep us warm despite being bundled up.
They had just lowered the casket into the ground and the immediate family had been ushered into nearby vehicles and quietly driven away for much needed respite.
All that remained were friends and family greeting each other with generous hugs and words of sympathy and support.
To this day, I don’t know what made that moment in time stand out.
But if I close my eyes, I can take myself back to that spot almost immediately.
As I was standing there watching it all unfold, I remember being instantly struck by what it meant to truly feel home, and I silently wondered about the kinds of spaces all those people at the graveside that day would retire to…
Would they feel comforted when they walked through their front door?
Would they have a home that immediately hugged them like a blanket, or would they be walking into a house that felt heavy and cluttered?
Most importantly, would they go back to a place of comfort, love, and care?
While our aesthetics have definitely changed over the years from coastal to shabby chic inspired to farmhouse neutrals to country house style, I can honestly say that day was a turning point for us.
Even though we’ve walked in and out of various design styles, our ultimate goal ever since has been to create a home where we can celebrate the ordinary and honor the extraordinary no matter what our budget or season of life.
To date, we’ve painted almost every room, traded out and traded up various pieces of furniture, given old pieces new life, and constructed and decorated our way to a cozy home we treasure.
It’s definitely taken a lot longer than I expected.
But sometimes it’s easier to refine your style by peeling away the layers of things you don’t like before you find those things that undoubtedly make your heart sing.
Journeys End is an open concept home which is great most of the time. It forces us to be tidy and to understand our decorating style because so many of the spaces are open to each other.
One of the best decisions we’ve made over the years is keeping things neutral.
That way, we can add pops of colors, prints and textures seasonally without having to redecorate every few months.
That’s not to say we’ve always agreed on everything though.
It took nearly 7 years of waiting patiently before I finally got the green light to paint the kitchen cabinets white.
A few years later we added shiplap to give the walls a bit of texture and I’ve never regretted either decision.
Truthfully, a lot of our decorating has been “meantime” kind of decorating while we search for inspiration or a unique piece of furniture that’s just the right fit to find its way into our home.
While decorating in phases might not be for everyone, it’s another decision that has served us (and our budget) well over the years.
It’s given us a chance to refine our style, learn new DIY skills and to appreciate the journey of creating a home we love.
I’m sure there will always be things about Journeys End I’d like to change…the laundry room, master bathroom, backyard and our flower beds could all use an update.
But I’ve come to understand it takes time to layer in all the things that make a house feel like home.
Things like…a united color palette, a signature scent, unique wall art, beloved collections, cozy nooks and crannies, spaces to gather and celebrate, spaces to relax and unwind in, and simple routines to help keep you tidy and organized.
Most importantly, it takes time to cultivate an attitude of gratitude where embracing a home that’s perfectly imperfect feels like one of life’s ultimate luxuries.
If I could offer one piece of advice from living at Journeys End it would be – don’t wait.
Don’t wait to create a home you love *someday.*
Take every opportunity you can to start building spaces you’re proud of today.
I’m cheering you on! Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Seaonal Tours to Enjoy:
- Spring Flowers Home Tour
- Spring Flowers Porch Tour
- Elegant Fall Home Tour
- Elegant Fall Porch Tour
- Effortless Christmas Home Tour
Many blessings,
CoCo
As always your house is beautiful, CoCo. It’s been fun to see many of these projects come to life. I love reading your blog.
CoCo, your home is beautiful! First of all the setting is just dreamy. Reminds me of something from a movie scene! The inside is cohesive, comfortable, and pretty. I just love that every thing about it has a family story. Keep up the great work girl.
All of it is just so pretty! 🙂
All of your renovations and projects have turned out beautifully Coco! What a lovely house and tour <3
What a beautiful setting, home and post, Thanks so much for sharing your most lovely home with us. Sandi
what a beautiful place to live.
Oh CoCo – It’s so amazing to see a home tour all at one time! You have really transformed the house into a beautiful retreat space. It is so gorgeous and inviting. We swoon every time we see that kitchen! You have a way of creating rooms that are pretty yet meaningful. Get your calendar out because we are planning a visit!
What a beautiful home you’ve created! I poured over each picture!
Beautiful! You have excellent taste in making your home feel classy, warm & inviting.
Your home and property really are so beautiful CoCo!
Not only are the photos lovely as always, but this story of home and what makes a home is spot on! Home has a different feeling for us all and to be able to create that, as you have, takes time.
Thanks so much for sharing your home;)
Thank you, Maria! There were definitely times I wondered if we were ever going to be able to whip this place into shape. Now I realize all those stops, starts, and mess-ups were the best part of the journey. Big hugs and thank you for your kind words, CoCo
Even in a moment of sadness and celebration your heart turns towards the thought of others. “Were they going home to a place of comfort?”. I wish I were like you in the sweet thoughtfulness of others. Love how the Lord works and how you found your comfort zone. A place for respite and security. We all need that. Still working on our house in the city but you give me hope! Thank you for the inspiration. It’s all beautiful.
You’re so sweet, Cindy, thank you! As a military family, we’ve been all over the place. We’ve lived in a really large home on the beach, in a tiny hotel suite, and in every imaginable space in between. But no matter where we lived, my Mom always made it feel like home and kept Christ front and center in our lives. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for her while my Dad was away. But she always made homekeeping feel flawless and welcomed all sorts of families with gracious and open arms. I’ve realized over the years through her example, our homes are ground zero for loving well. And every time we throw open our doors (even when we have construction dust or wet towels on the floor) we’re sharing His light. I know you’re still working on things but I think He’d be proud of you ❤ Big hugs, CoCo
Your home is lovely and so is the sentiment expressed here. I consider my home my sanctuary – blemishes and all. I live in a home built in the ’20s, remodeled by us almost 20 years ago and streamlined again (and again) over those years through various milestones. Although I’m always interested in changing some things, I love it just as it is every.single.day.
Such sweet and kind words, Margaret, thank you! I can only imagine the love and care you’ve poured into your home over the years. It sounds amazing and the perfect place to celebrate all your favorite things. Hope your week is richly blessed, CoCo
I really appreciated how you described your design style as a way to “celebrate the ordinary and honor the extraordinary.” This is such a great philosophy for creating a home that feels warm and inviting!
Thank you, Heidi! There are so many different styles and trends out there keeping that goal front and center has really helped us appreciate our home in ways we could have never imagined. It also allows all of us to truly have a home we love filled with personal touches and makes everyone who enters feel special. Hugs for a happy week, CoCo
My husband and I have had 12 homes over the years and some have felt more welcoming than others. You created a home that instantly wraps its arms around you.
You always leave the most thoughtful comments, Karen, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Hope your week is filled with all good things, CoCo
You have such a beautiful home! It’s so cozy and welcoming. And I love the story of how your home design journey started. And what a wonderful piece of advice!!
Thanks so much for your sweet and thoughtful words, Michelle, I really appreciate it. Sending you hugs for a happy day, CoCo
CoCo,
Your house tour is just amazing. Your home is so soothing and calm feeling. I loved all the vintage, especially the brass bed. Just stunning.
I really appreciate it, Rachel, thank you! It’s been a lot of trial and error to create a home that feels like a true retreat space but I feel like we’re finally getting there. Sending you tons of hugs and safe travels, CoCo
Coco your home is beautiful. It really reflects your sweet personality in every picture. I love how you decorate and how everything in your home flows so nicely. Thank you for sharing that amazing post with us.
Such sweet and kind words, Meagan, thank you so much. It’s taken a while to get to a good spot but I feel like we’re really close to having everything in place. I don’t know if a house is ever “finished” but it feels really nice to feel settled. Big hugs, CoCo
My husband and I are looking to relocate to the south and I read your blog and just loved the area that you are in. Is there any way you could help us out with around where you are located?
Thank you so much and God Bless,
Christine
Thank you so much for your kind words, Christine, and I’m so sorry for the delay in responding. We’re in Florida but there are lots of other beautiful places around the South to explore and consider including Florida’s 30A area (the water is gorgeous on that side of the state), Dahlonega or Savannah, Georgia, Beaufort and Charleston, South Carolina, or Asheville and Charlotte, North Carolina. While Florida is a beautiful place to live there are definitely things to consider like hurricane and flood insurance requirements and our property taxes have steadily increased over the last few years. Those things might not be a deal breaker but they’re something to consider. Hope you find a beautiful place to settle, CoCo