The Art of Living Well at Home.

Our homes are many things for us. They are our launching pad and the place we return to. They are a place of productivity and a place of rest. They are a place we invite others into and a place we turn to for personal retreat. They reflect who we are and become the frame for the life we live!

Living well at home is something I am passionate about – not just seeing our homes as a practical means for living, but as a canvas for a beautiful daily experience. Cultivating a home that marries utility and beauty requires some intentionality and forethought, but it is an investment that gives back every single day and offers an elevated sense of peace as you live day by day.

Cultivating the art of living involves paying attention to a few key areas:

• Creating intentional spaces. A huge part of living well at home is curating a space that suits your lifestyle best. This means recognizing what you will use a space for and designing it to best meet that need. Creating a nook especially for reading, a coffee bar for your daily coffee ritual, a sleeping space that is calming and comfortable, and a workspace that fuels creativity are all excellent ways to customize your space and encourage living well at home. 
• Cleaning and decluttering. Staying on top of clutter is one of the best ways to live well at home, creating a space that is not chaotic or stressful, but allows you to breathe deeply and focus on being present with the people and tasks that are before you. Making sure that everything has a place it belongs is key to staying on top of clutter, as well as being willing to regularly re-home things that are not often used or serving you and your family. Having a consistent cleaning routine is another non-negotiable way to make your home a true place of solace. This can look like daily cleaning rituals (such as wiping down kitchen counters), as well as weekly rhythms (think deep cleaning bathrooms and dusting). This will look different for each home, but the important thing is finding the cleaning rhythms that are workable for you and prevent cleaning chores from backing up and becoming overwhelming. This also comes in so handy if/when you sell your house and “unlock new doors” elsewhere. Keeping up with cleaning means less work in the long run.
• Playing on the senses. Our five senses are the most powerful way we experience life from day to day. So, take this into account as you create the atmosphere of your home. Lighting a candle just for fun, selecting plush throw blankets, and making sure your rooms are well-lit are all ways to maximize the ambiance and daily experience of life in your home. 
• Leaning into daily rituals. Daily rituals are one of the simplest ways you can ground yourself and refuel in small, tangible ways throughout your day. Whether this be making yourself a warm, comforting latte first thing in the morning, a few gentle exercises in the afternoon, or ending your day with 10 minutes of reading, these little rituals become markers for our days and encourage us to live well at home.

This life is truly a gift, and choosing to live well in our homes is one way that we can steward each day we are given well. I hope these four key principles to living well at home can inspire and encourage you as we walk together towards that!