When we bought our home 14 years ago, we felt like it had everything we wanted. A big backyard, double car garage and partially finished basement. Again, reminiscent of a scene from The Family Man. (You only need to watch the first 15 seconds.)

Eventually, I wanted more. I wanted the inside of my house to reflect me. I wanted to be proud of it. At best, it was a hodgepodge collection of all of the furniture we had ever bought. I’ll never forget when I had spent a day purging and rearranging our family room. I was proud of the new look and sent pics to my family. My middle sister Nikki replied, ‘Looks like a college dorm room’. She thought I was sending her before pics.

One night at home, Eric and I were talking about inviting our new friends Danielle and Niels over. We had been to their house for dinner. It is the most beautiful home. I looked at Eric and asked, ‘Where will we even sit when they come over?’ And that was it. We decided at that moment that we were going to get our house looking like a grown up house. We sold or gave away almost every piece of furniture and decorative item. I was ruthless.

We consulted the most brilliant designer Ron Nuhn and we relied heavily on our friends Danielle O’Connor and Niels Kouwenberg and Brad Hernden for their advice throughout. I can only imagine how painful it was for them at times.

We lived in shambles for months but our ‘new’ home emerged. And everyday I love it. This was not an inexpensive process. But we were ready for it. Well, ready to re-mortgage anyway.

Swivel chairs from West Elmand everything else from HomeSense! (Sammy thinking he is safe from Chloe)

Artwork from Jillian’s
Dining room chairs from Structube

The couch in our family room is absolutely my favorite piece. It is the fourth most expensive thing we own after our house, van and kids – and technically we don’t own any of those. It has been made very clear to the kids not to go near the couch with food; though I continually find evidence of it when I haven’t been home. I don’t even like people’s butts on it so we sit on blankets.

Sectional from Pavilion
Built-ins by Nate!

The media centre in the basement was almost a deal breaker for our marriage. I couldn’t understand why we needed a GIANT screen. It has certainly been used a lot – but I still don’t know how to turn it on.

Leather chair from West Elm,artwork by Sarah Clarke Art ,media stuff from McNain’s and everything else from HomeSense!
Towels from Wills and Prior

Most of the house is full of art done by our family. It’s a super inexpensive and personal way to add art to your house!

It took me more than 10 years to truly feel at home in my house. That is a long time. But now, I don’t want to be anywhere else.  

Soon you will be treated to some of the beautiful homes of my friends. Stay tuned!

Are you in love with your house?

A bit more…

Check Out Some Celebrity Homes

From my blog An Open Book – My Affair with Another House