What’s on My Nightstand?

I was standing in the doorway of my office this past weekend completely amazed at the transformation. The new light has finally arrived and after almost 4 weeks of using the picture window as the only light source in the room, it feels like a huge blessing to have the new chandelier installed.

Over the years, we’ve learned what styles work best in this little cottage and slowly room by room things are starting to take shape. When I first moved to the island, I was certain the house should be decorated in a coastal cottage style. I love beach houses so I had turquoise, shades of blue and shells throughout. Here are a few bad pictures to prove my point…

I would spend hours flipping through magazines, watching home improvement shows, shopping after work trying my best to create a home that felt warm and inviting. Of course, I loved everything I brought home…at the time. (I know. I’m so embarrassed by these now too but we’re all friends here and this is part of the journey.)

It never failed after a few months I would grow tired of the latest decorating project and then the cycle would start all over again. I’m almost uncomfortable to admit it but this went on for a while…like years.

Crazy, right? A few years ago, the book, Decorating with White by Country Living was recommended to me by a fellow blogger. I swear it was like a light went off and that one book changed everything. I’ve used this book as inspiration throughout the office makeover.

I realize now the reason I kept redecorating every few months was because my heart spoke in neutrals. I wanted the relaxed feel of a beach cottage, layered with lots of texture and natural elements without all of the color. I wanted a calm, comfortable, reclaimed and chippy but not too chippy look. I bought into the notion that “because” I live on an island, I needed to be “beachy.”

I’ve come to understand now, this home was never meant to be beachy or even coastal inspired. It was always meant to nurture and fill happy hearts which means lots of muted colors, whites, baskets, comfortable, distressed furniture my dogs can lay on and hand scraped walnut hardwood floors that can handle sand, rain and paw prints.

If you’re stuck in a decorating rut or feel like you don’t really know what your style is take a look at the things your pinning on Pinterest, the people you feel inspired by on Instagram or the magazines and books you gravitate to at the bookstore. I promise there will be a common theme.

The baskets under the console table at my house are filled with Flea Market Style, Country Living, Romantic Homes and Where Women Create. All of those publications fill a need for decorating with style on a budget as well as encouraging other women to live out their dreams in business. There’s something out there that will make your heart sing too.

Creating a home you love takes a long time. It used to drive me bananas when people (my mom) would say that but it’s so true. It takes patience, effort, confidence and energy so stay the course. Don’t be afraid to buy what you truly love even if it doesn’t seem “cool” or “trendy” at the time. You’re creating a home that will be a safe haven from so many things, which is all the more reason you need to make it exactly the way you want it to be.

Designer, Nate Berkus says, “Your home should rise up to greet you” and I whole-heartedly agree. You are worth celebrating…so, what does your home say about you?

See you guys back here tomorrow. I’m teaming up with my favorite bloggers, painters and business owners to reveal, “What’s in My Paint Bag.”

Many blessings,

CoCo