While I've been working all summer, I'm grateful for the slower pace this season brings. It gives me a chance to enjoy time at home, which, honestly, is one of my favorite places to be. My son Miles jokes that I spend at least four hours a day either cooking, cleaning, or both—and he's probably right. I need a clean house—not want, but need—for my mental well-being. And creating the kind of space I love is truly a part-time job.
As a child, I spent weekends cleaning and organizing my room. Maybe it was because I was an only child, naturally shy, and didn't have a packed social calendar (besides growing up in the dance studio). Still, having a clean and beautiful space has always mattered to me. When I was a teenager, I dreamed of having a well-organized home, filled with delicious food and a fridge stocked with ready-to-eat, freshly washed fruit. That vision stuck with me, and for the most part, I've made it a reality. But it is a lot of work.
Right now, I'm taking a break from kitchen chores—squeezing lemon and lime for my sparkling water and prepping a roasted cauliflower salad (inspired by the one at Market Hall). My home didn't always feel this satisfying. When we first bought it, it was a total fixer-upper—I was 28 years old and we were on a tight budget. But over the years, we've chipped away at projects, improving it little by little. Today, it has rooms and outdoor spaces I never dreamed I'd have.
The point is that life is expensive, and some things take time. Your first house might not be your last home, but what are the things that add value and enjoyment? If the size works and you like the neighborhood, you can transform the space you have into the space you want. A helpful tip is to envision your long-term plan and work methodically toward it.
One upgrade I always recommend is solid hardwood flooring. It's a timeless material that works beautifully in a vintage Craftsman, mid-century modern, and even newer construction. It's warm underfoot, natural, grout-free, and you can often refinish it more than once. Plus, if a board is damaged, you can replace just that section. Having consistent flooring throughout the home brings cohesion and flow—it can even make your home feel larger. (Though bathrooms should have tile.)
Another suggestion is to create a lush, cohesive outdoor environment. Ask yourself: Does your yard have trees? Does it need privacy? That can often be achieved with a living garden wall—plants like podocarpus or pittosporum work beautifully. A few evergreen anchor shrubs can provide year-round structure, making the space feel intentional. When I purchased my house, there were fruit trees planted right in the middle of the backyard. While I dislike the idea of removing a tree, we ultimately took out four of them, which completely opened up the yard. A more thoughtful layout made the space far more usable and inviting. Consulting with a landscape professional for advice on plants and layout may be worthwhile. I also see that beautifully landscaped and hardscaped gardens not only enhance your day-to-day experience, but they tend to attract more interest, whether from friends, neighbors, or future buyers. A well-designed yard becomes a true extension of your living space and adds value to your home.
One of my favorite things is attending the Decorators' Showcase. Although the showcase tours have concluded, here is the Matterport Tour.
Here's to slow progress, home rituals, and carving out beauty in the everyday. If you need advice for your home, I'm happy to help!
p.s. - don't forget to follow me on IG my handle is @Deidrej
