Hello there! We’ve officially been living in our new [old] home for a month…how time flies! We’re learning all about what it means to be homeowners…the good, the bad, and the ugly; contractors are currently repairing a large hole in our living room ceiling (thankfully I snapped these photos before they arrived) which resulted from a major plumbing leak. But, (the good) I can actually make noise while Zoe naps upstairs, and she still sleeps peacefully. And I had about 15 ladies over Monday evening for a time of tea, scones, chatting, knitting and crocheting. And I had an oven to bake my own scones. So yes, there are downsides to home ownership, but the good far outweighs any negatives. I cannot wait to decorate for Christmas, buy our first tree, start a garden in the Spring, and make the garage our shared studio.

This first month, I’ve been focusing on decorating and filling the downstairs, and trying to make it hospitable. Our living room is actually the smallest room in our house (except for Zoe’s room) and is only 9 x 13! We got the couch of my dreams and I’m working on smaller pieces and layers now. I’ve never actually decorated or filled an entire home before. So this decorate-a-whole-house thing is new! I’m pleased with the first “layer” in the living room, but already know I want to add textures and depth. And wall art. I’m horrible at committing when it comes to hanging art on the walls. I have a difficult time choosing what to hang, and then there’s the where to hang it, and making the actual holes. In the wall. And apparently you’re supposed to only put nails in studs? So yeah, we’ll see when I get around to hanging things on the wall.

For the living room, I’m focusing on lots of natural colors and tones, and then adding unique finds from auctions, thrifts stores, or that have been passed down through the family. Two favorite textures are my vintage Moroccan blanket (a gift from my mother-in-law) and this blanket sent to me by Uncommon Goods. The Kantha Blanket is handmade from vintage saris by artisans working under fair trade practices in India. When it arrived, I was blown away. It’s soft, lightweight, and contains some of the most interesting fabrics! I love the way the blanket looks on the couch, and I’m trying to decide which side I want to display. I’m eying some other finds from Uncommon Goods gifts for women…this reclaimed wood stand would look great on my counter (especially if we get new butcher block countertops!). I also wouldn’t mind hanging this map in the Zoe’s room!