A Tale Unique To You

After a month of travel, it’s been so nice to be in my own home for several consecutive weeks. As much as I love visiting new places and seeing different things, there is a peace to being stationary. I think it also helps that I absolutely love my house.

Recently, I sat back and reflected on what it is exactly that I love about my house. Is it the actual architecture or the furniture inside… or is it something more intangible? Why you feel what you feel is a function of so many variables. Of course I love the actual house because my husband and I designed and built it when we were moving out of Chicago in 2007. Even though I was pregnant through the majority of the process, I still think we made great decisions in regards to the floor plan and space. As for the interior “stuff,” much of that has been refreshed over the years… mainly because our style has evolved and matured over the past 18 years. Whereas before my husband’s aesthetic was ultra-traditional and wanted our house to look like an “old school” Ralph Lauren store and I was more contemporary; today, our styles have merged. We are both more drawn to clean lines and an organic aesthetic. So over the years, walls have been repainted, wall-to-wall carpeting has been removed, and lighting fixtures have been swapped for simpler styles. Our kitchen was redone also… that was a big one… and although the space remained exactly the same, the painted cabinetry, new countertops, and removal of the built-in units has lightened up the space tremendously. With an open floorpan, the kitchen and dinette meld into one another seamlessly offering a sanctuary of sorts. It doesn’t matter that we have a great basement or a super comfortable sectional in our family room, the kitchen area is where everyone congregates. Anytime we have friends over, everyone naturally gravitates to the kitchen area… surrounding the island and sipping their respective drinks at leisure.

Last summer, I felt as though all our bathrooms needed a “touch up.” Anyone who has redone their bathroom knows that this is no quick fix. However each of the kids’ bathrooms was quite beat-up and needed a face-lift. Looking back, it was a long and dusty summer… however in retrospect, I am so glad that we did this. I feel myself literally sigh when I walk into my bathroom these days. Gone are the dark wood built-in cabinets and the beige tile (what was I thinking?)… that has all been exchanged for a light and simple aesthetic. 

That being said, what I love most about my house is that I’m surrounded by objects that have meaning. Whether it’s an onyx bowl that I found at a flea market in Paris or the glass duo of an abstract man and woman that my mom gave us when we got engaged, it is the objects’ stories that bring me a sense of peace and comfort. With all these pieces come memories that take years and years to cultivate. And as those memories collectively add up, you’re left with a tale unique to you. 

Walking around my house now I see Trove’s makers’ stories woven into my own tapestry. I have loved learning about Noe who is in London via Japan and Melina who is a master at creating ancient Greek ceramics with a contemporary touch. There is so much to learn and when it comes from a “personal” source, the meaning is so much more impactful and relevant. 

My wish is that everyone is able to find at least a few special pieces that speak to them… with a story that is rich with a special memory or a unique experience. I truly think that it is worth it!