Curating a home… from scratch

I’ve spent my young adult years living as a bit of a rental nomad, drifting through spaces with beige walls and cookie-cutter layouts that just begged for a little life. In my early twenties, I’ll admit, I didn’t see the point in really personalizing a rental. I’d throw in a cute piece of art here, a plant there - nothing that really said “home,” just the essentials to get by. But over time, I started feeling like my space was less of the word and more of a storage unit. I was surrounded by furniture and decor that didn’t really matter and that didn’t feel like it would last. That’s when I had my little epiphany: just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel like yours.

That realization kicked off my love affair with interior design. I wanted my home, no matter how temporary, to feel like a cozy, stylish haven. Living in a rental shouldn’t mean sacrificing personality or comfort, even if your name isn’t on the deed! I quickly learned that with a bit of creativity, any rental can be transformed into a space that’s uniquely yours. My secret weapon? Embrace the limitations as opportunities to get creative.

For starters, rental walls often come in a shade of “neutral beige” which is boring as hell. Painting is usually off the table, so I leaned into decor tricks that could still add color and character. Art and objects became my best friends. A piece of art that truly speaks to you or a big, beautiful plant can work wonders in brightening a room and grounding the space. (Side note: big plants are everything—they bring style and a surprising sense of calm. But more on that wellness benefit later!)

Another trick I’ve loved? Changing up the hardware. Have you ever played The Sims? Picture that moment when you can strip away the walls and focus just on the decor. That’s the vibe! I like to imagine a blank canvas and ask myself: what little details can I swap out to add flair? Hardware is a game-changer - it could be new doorknobs, fun light switches, or chic curtain hooks. It’s all about those little touches that make a space feel custom, even if you’re renting.

Now, let’s talk about the latest chapter in my design journey. Rain and I recently took the leap from our cozy two-bedroom loft to a lively house, complete with our dog, our toddler, and a whole new canvas to decorate. It’s been a whirlwind! Moving in meant bringing along our favorite pieces: the art, the record collection, the books, the giant plants that we couldn’t part with. At first, this new place didn’t really feel like us, but slowly, piece by piece, we’re turning it into our sanctuary - a space that tells our story as a family.

This journey has sparked a whole new love for interior design in me. It’s become less about “what looks good” and more about creating a space that truly feels like home, that reflects who we are. Thanks for following along - I can’t wait to share more updates and show you the cozy, creative nooks we’re bringing to life! More soon!