You're home!

This counter/cabinet area is the first thing we see when we step up into the kitchen from our landing area that leads outside and to the basement. It's a new area that we created during our 2021 renovation. The other night we were bringing our 4-year-old grandson, Camden, home with us after his swimming lesson and as soon as he walked into the kitchen, he said "Hello Great Grandma!" His words took us by surprise until we realized he saw Bernice, my mother-in-law, in the digital frame at that moment. It was so darn cute and words we never expected to hear from him because Bernice graduated to Heaven in December. To hear his sweet little voice speak to her was incredibly comforting. ​Larry and I find ourselves frequently pausing here too, just like Camden, and staring at the pictures. I change them frequently so there is often something new to see. It makes us happy; a perfect feeling to come home to.

Not long ago, I wrote a blog post about a woman who was in the process of leaving her home to move into her partner's home; the place where he raised his family. I offered her some guidance on how to add her personal touch to various spaces and specifically how to decorate in a way that makes her feel that she is at home. You can read Decorate For Your Soul here. 

​Their mud room is a space that connects to the front and back yards, garage, and kitchen. It's a busy place because they're coming in and out of this room all day, every day. She followed my recommendation to use the counter and wall area above it as a place to symbolize the blending of two lives. She asked each of their kids to provide a picture to add to this special place. Now, when any of them come home, each one of them is greeted with a symbol of their blended family.

This is the first impactful area that was created with her in mind. Upon coming home, she is immediately greeted with a visual display of celebration and love. Then, as she steps up into the kitchen, she sees a second area where she displays more of her meaningful items (below).

These areas will continue to change as she becomes more comfortable in her new space. For now, it's a beautiful way to welcome her into her new home.