Tag: A Storied Home

What does this time of year & the holidays mean?

What are the memories, feelings, traditions?

Have each family member take a few minutes to list words.

Create chalk art with all the words.

Chalkboard Tips and Tricks here:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/281543713389391/

Gather your favorite seasonal mugs.

Ingredients: cocoa, marshmallows, candy canes, cookies, and other fun accompaniments and don’t forget the whipped cream.

Find the perfect bucket, basket, or platter to hold all the fun.

Make time for a couple “cocoa chats” with family or friends. Enjoy your favorite Christmas songs.

Style your existing decor to give it a holiday flair.

Change a frame.

Add a bow.

Hang seasonal foliage.

Write holiday sayings/lyrics on glass items with non-permanent marker.

Fill containers with holiday-themed/colored items.

Challenge yourself to “wrap” gifts in anything but traditional wrapping paper or gift bags.

Fabric Map

Clothe Napkins Decorative Tin

Dishtowel Wallpaper

Poster Stamped/Painted Craft Paper or Paper Bags

Ice lanterns are fun to make and share!

Gather vessels of various sizes.

Cranberries, pine sprigs, pinecones, mini lights, candles will make it pretty.

Hope for cold weather or a large freezer.

Here is a little help:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/184858759693138887/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/50384089570641492/

My hope is you will find yourself slowing down, having conversations with those important to you, creating with little effort, and sharing.

it’s storied time

Creating a beautiful (to me) home has become so important to me, but it wasn’t always a conscious thing. In my adult life, I have lived in three homes. The first one was an existing 1970’s multi-level. I loved the handsewn curtains in the primary bedroom and the recovered cushion on the window seat. The second one was a builder standard two-story that we (my husband) did most of the finishing work on. I fondly remember the wall art we crafted from 2×4 remnants and the barstools that received regular fabric updates. Our third and current home is 100% custom and is still our dream home. Nearly each room tells a part of our story. A reclaimed barn wood wall, photography turned canvas, and shadowboxes filled with small treasures from our trips and outings. I was pulled toward these special touches because they just made me happy.

You see, I always got caught up in the idea that decorating my home was frivolous. Honestly, I still do sometimes. It has taken many years and introspective thinking for me to realize why I take and appreciate this approach. Seeking meaning and creating with my own hands seemed less superficial. It takes more thought and often leads to better satisfaction. These were among the reasons I came up with. Beauty as purpose became a conscious approach for me, our home, and always a warm conversation with others. Whether you personally design and contract items or find what speaks to you at stores, a home of intention supports in all the ways.

Home isn’t a place; it’s a feeling.

Cecelia Ahern

I discovered that making us happy is reason enough to curate a home that is beautiful to you. However, there is real scientific reasoning for what beauty among us does for us! Your home physically protects you, but less obvious, it has the ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Meals are served in your home, but similarly your home can deplete or energize you. The rooms in our homes have general purpose. Do you have a spot to read or be creative; to be fulfilled beyond “shelter”? The days are often crazy, but our homes, if fostered, help us close the door on the chaos on the other side. Our environment directly impacts our wellbeing. Our homes are ours, but do they tell our story? Think about the images, colors, and memories that bring you joy. Bring that into your home! I hope to help you do just that throughout this blog journey and on Storied social media. @astoriedhome on Instagram and Storied- A Home Concierge on Facebook.

it’s storied time

I am a lover of stories! I am a discoverer, creator, and sharer of stories. It comes from deep-down and years ago. I have unconsciously looked for the meaning in things, relationships, and places since I was young and believe me, sometimes it is exhausting. More often, it is inspiring and makes me so happy!

I began sharing this outlook as a young adult. Being intentional in selecting or handmaking gifts to give away felt good. Preparing recipes from old recipe cards of dear family members brought connection. Displaying artwork that once hung in a grandmother’s home encouraged a daily smile. I could not attain these feelings from traditional shopping and purchasing.

As I look around my home, I see artwork collected from dozens of trips. Imagine the stories to be told for years to come. In the dining room, milk glass treasures are front and center gathered over time. Cookie cutters collected and gifted are displayed on a shelf in the kitchen. You wouldn’t think baking cookies could get any better. A gallery of my kids’ artwork has come together and the pieces are really good. I am beaming!

“Where did you get that?” Over the years, I have been asked that question so many times and it brings me so much joy to share those answers. I began to see I was offering the same words over and over again and encouraged those asking to find and embrace their own meaningful way of living.

What I didn’t realize was how much I had to share. I eventually ventured into offering my approach as Storied – A Home Concierge. I want people to know that slowing down and thoughtfully curating a home and life is not frivolous; it is soothing. Storied makes it ok to think about things in your home as more than just objects. View all you already have through a different lens. Make your home a reflection of you and those you love. Take the time to ask yourself what you want and then wait for it. Allow space for opportunities and sit with that blank canvas until you feel inspired. Create something with perfection thrown aside. You cannot do it wrong.

Finding intentionality in your home life will overflow and when you walk out your door, you will radiate all your home is giving you. Hang onto those stories and when someone asks’ “Where did you get that?” a beautiful conversation and connection will be had.

it’s storied time