Lately, I’ve really been thinking about what makes a true, real-life home tick.
Is it the design? The feeling it gives you when you walk in the door? Or is it the organization behind it all?
Besides the obvious (the people who dwell and make a life there) what is it that really makes a house… the literal makeup of a home… successful?
Sometimes, I look at photos, and I see museum-esque replicas of untouchable interiors. While they are lovely, they feel unattainable as places my children would destroy in 2.5 seconds flat. I know that everyone’s “attainable” is different. But I want to know where these imaginary perfect people keep their toys. Their garbage can. The dog bowl. The heaps of laundry. How a home functions in the hubub of daily hooplah rigamarore.
I adore a photo shoot. I love dressing up my home and taking beauty shots. It’s fun. It’s what we do. We also know there’s a big difference between a photo shoot and real life. And we all know that the answer to that original question depends on what you deem as “success”.
I’ve learned over time through trial and error, balance, and in some instances the hard way… but I have to say, I think that the most important element in a home, is making sure it works for you.
If you can get a home to work for you… the rest is just gravy.
We’re kind of on a die hard mission to make that happen. It’s one big balancing act, running a household.
It’s also about wisely planning your spaces. Some of this happens through trial and error as your family grows. Some of this happens naturally. It most definitely happens over time. There’s a difference between those trendy purchases for your home, and those that you know will last for decades. The junk scores waiting for a makeover and the wise investments that will serve you for years to come.
It’s definitely different for everyone but love the idea of a well planned home, with both.
Recently, we received some questions about our sofa. It’s one of the most asked questions next to our chalkboard fridge.
It’s still one of my very favorite things. It’s still holding up fabulously. It’s worth every single second of my past ‘drama’. I earned it through sofa karma, after all. ;} (You can see our past recap here… we are still bonkers about it if you have any q’s this might be a good point of reference.) If we ever had an epic catastrophe like busted water pipes in our home, I’d be the dork attempting to haul the sofa out on my back through the door (after I made sure everyone was okay) I’m strong like that. And freakishly OCD.
But the main reason we love this sofa? (And I think it says a lot that Jamin is also on board with the all out love for said sofa) We don’t work for it. This beauty sits in the heart of our home and is used every day for hours on end. I work here. Drink my coffee here. I don’t hold my breath when the kids leave the dinner table and saunter through the living room with dirty hands. I don’t feverishly attempt to remove every single spot, because we can’t see every single spot. It’s sturdy and large and comfortable, and it can hold it’s own while the offspring leap from the ‘pirate ship’ (I’ve forbidden it, but adventures happen.) I’m allowed to let the adventures happen behind my back, and I don’t have to worry about it.
I know what it feels like to angst over a piece you’ve put a lot of work into, and it just not hold up. I know (after learning the hard way) we made a wise investment that will keep serving my family the way we need it to.
I think that if you can find a piece that you love, that also works hard for you, you’re winning in the home department.
Our sofa originates from the fabulous Andella Home. They’re quickly becoming my go-to spot for one of a kind finds and amazingly beautiful staple pieces. Today, I thought I’d round up a few of my recent faves and craves from their site.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Drool fest much?
Want to know the best part? Their discount is baaaacckkkkkk! A few of you guys have been asking me about this one, and as promised, I’m giving you a heads up!
Andella home is offering 10% off with code handmade, and a free gift with each purchase at a fifty dollar value. These diffusers are swoon-worthy, y’all. Oh, and the best part? Their shipping… it’s always free.
So what do you think about the ever elusive balancing act between investment pieces and great finds with a home?
What makes your home really work for you?
Lisa says
Love! This is so true.
Jenna says
I couldn’t agree more about making your home work for you. So very true
kristen says
Can I ask; what mood board tool do you use to make your above mood board?? Thanks 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Kristen! Certainly! We use photoshop and illustrator to create our mood boards. I hope that helps! ;}
Kat says
Ahhhh, photo-shoot fantasy land! The thing I notice most is that there’s never, ever a dish drainer in sight. I doubt that we ever have a moment in our house when there’s not *something* sitting out to dry. Those plastic containers that come out of the dishwasher with little rivers in their grooves have to go someplace, right?
ashley @ the handmade home says
amen. ;}
the farmer's wife says
I think if the furniture doesn’t have to be in the forefront of the mind, that’s a good thing. I also think that if everything has a place that drives the functionality. But not just a place–but a place that makes sense. Clean up can be done in minutes after a full day IF everything has a place that is accessible and makes sense to its users.
angela @ another bite please says
ok to funny..I was like staring at your sofa thinking I have to email her to see where she got her sofa from and thankfully i keep reading and yeah found out…love your living room it def looks like a home should!
Heidi @ Decor & More says
I do love that sofa… someday when our big brown suede beast is done, I’ll be on the hunt for this guy. 🙂
xo Heidi
Jana says
I would love to know where you found your coffee table, if you don’t mind me asking? I love your sofa and entire living space!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Jana not at all! You can read all about it here https://www.thehandmadehome.net/2011/04/how-to-build-a-restoration-hardware-coffee-table/
Marcie Lovett says
The funny thing is, in the photos, your living room looks like some fancy place that doesn’t used much. I’ve seen pictures with your kids lolling around in there, so I know it really is a LIVING room, but it doesn’t look like a space overrun by kids. Nice job!
Meg says
We have a leather chesterfield sofa that I feel the same way about! It’s amazing. It might have been more money than all of our other furniture combined, but it was worth it. (and somebody gifted it to us) Yes. I’m so there with you.