The Handmade Home is a relatively new blog to me. I really like their colourful, casual, happy style. A little while ago Ashley shared 10 decorating tips, and number 3 was to make moments in your space.

“When you have little areas that really reflect who you are, that’s when you’re getting somewhere. Giving an area space to breathe, to create little moments within your space, is like double bonus points for spaces in your room.”

I love making our home personal, whether it’s doing the work ourselves, using furniture that’s been handed down through the family, decorating with items that are unique and important, or any number of little touches that make our home all about us.

So Ashley’s advice about making moments really resonated with me. Here are a few of my favourite moments from our home.

Basement reading nook

The reading nook is a good example of creating a simple moment in the midst of a larger space. The basement is mostly open concept, but I created different zones and the reading nook under the window is a favourite.

It’s simple. A comfy chair, a good light, a small side table made from a stump and a large ottoman where I can put my feet up. The reading nook is a good reminder that it doesn’t take much to make a moment.

How to make a DIY round ottoman

 

Mudroom

The mudroom is a space that only sees moments. It’s a pass through. We don’t hang out in there. But it’s full of helpful moments that set us up for going out or coming in.

There’s the bench that our nephew and I made, the repurposed hooks for Baxter’s leashes and towels, the refinished closet doors that look a bit like barnboard, and a bunch of other elements that make this a personal, functional, beautiful space for us.

Free plans to make a rustic wood bench

 

Book collection on the basement TV stand

The TV stand in the basement is a completely personal piece. I designed it to accommodate Matt’s collection of video games and systems. It also echoes the style of his grandfather’s dining set, which sits on the other side of the room.

While this cabinet can be a moment all on its own, there’s another smaller moment sitting on one corner: a small book collection anchored by a homemade die bookend. This bookend ties in with the fun and games theme we have happening in the basement, and the books add to it. Chuck Norris, card tricks, cute dogs–this shows we love our books, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously around here. This isn’t literature. This is just for fun.

How to make a die bookend, including a free pattern for your own dice

 

Shelves in the basement bathroom

I love the tile, fixtures, huge mirror and dark paint we chose for Matt’s bathroom. It was one of the first spaces where I took some decorating risks, and five years in I’d make the same choices again.

The built-in shelving is a particularly special moment for me. We contrasted the classic marble, shiny chrome and dramatic black wall with warm natural elements like barn board, baskets, golden wood and one treasured family photo.

Bathrooms sometimes don’t have a lot of space for decorating. This little section gave me the opportunity to add the personality that I crave and highlight some things that are important to Matt.

See the whole bathroom

 

Living room fireplace mantel

The big fieldstone fireplace in the living room is one of my favourite moments in this house. We treasure the warm fires on cool winter nights and enjoy the rustic style the fireplace gives our farmhouse year round.

The mantel is a moment on its own. We found the barn beams on the property, had them milled, and then installed and finished them ourselves.

The fireplace is a spot I’ve learned not to over-decorate. I enjoy the fireplace and the mantel most when there’s breathing space to appreciate the stone and the wood.

Every time I look at the fireplace, I’m reminded of the work and all of the people who were part of this project.

How to make a round wood framed mirror

 

Over our six plus years at the farm as we’ve worked our way through various spaces both in and out, and we’ve been able to create lots of special moments. The process of making a house your own is a special one.

What is your favourite moment at your house? Do you create moments, or do they happen serendipitously?