Take a peek inside the festive home of one of HYD’s very own organizers, Laura. With a love for the hunt and a serious work ethic, they’ve created an eclectic and stylish home out of a house that needed lots of love.
1 Year Later
Our azaleas were showstoppers this spring.
One year ago my husband and I moved into our current home. A whole year later, I am flooded with gratitude as I reflect on the past year of living here.
I am obsessed with old houses, character, charm, quirks, etc. And our (old) house has lots of that, but what I’ve realized is that my gaze has shifted from the house itself to the life we’ve lived in it. There are so many moments I want to bottle up and remember forever, and they have less to do with the stuff and more to do with the people. That may sound obvious, but I am someone who LOVES to create a place (think- decor, pillows, candles, music, etc.) and it’s taken adding our baby girl to the mix for me to see how much less those things matter than I thought they did.
View from living room into dining room.
Back deck.
A safe, cozy, inviting home is still important to me. But some of my favorite meals of the past year have been eaten on paper plates at our ottoman in the living room or on our patio table we found at a yard sale. The shelves in the laundry room are not as tidy as they were when I was intensely nesting, and I’m ok with that. I’m learning that I can be settled and enjoy a place (our home) even when things are unsettled (think- unmade beds, chaotic refrigerator shelves, leaves on the floor in the entryway, piles of baby clothes to name a few). We all have heard that perfection isn’t the goal, and I’m just here as an honest control freak to say it again. Let’s enjoy our homes, the people in them, the neighbors on our street, and the smell of your favorite fall candle.
View from back of the house.
A year into living in this home, I’m more convinced than ever that we have the best neighbors in the world. In a culture of individualism and society filled with so much division, there is nothing sweeter than a kind neighbor. I wish everyone could have even just one neighbor like the ones we’ve gotten to know over the past year. They’ve checked our mail, cut our grass, brought us food, dropped fresh flowers at the door, shared yard tools, passed down baby clothes, taught us how to trim rhododendron bushes, made us cocktails, invited us onto their porches, laughed with us, held our baby, and so much more. The gift of good neighbors is one we did not anticipate and it’s been the sweetest surprise. Knowing you have people around you who care, is no small thing.
If our walls could talk… they’d tell stories like these:
There were a lot of poopy diapers, but even more baby giggles.
Learning about the parts of our HVAC unit on chilly days with our favorite handyman.
Eating takeout on the living room floor because hand washing dishes is not for the faint of heart.
Hosting our first Easter and Mother’s Day on my husbands great-grandmother’s table.
Smoking lots and lots of meat and brewing too many pots of coffee.
Taking daily walks and learning the names of neighbors and their dogs.
Watching Premier league soccer on Saturday mornings.
Cleaning up baby food off the floor below the highchair.
Gathering friends to watch Wimbledon and eat breakfast casserole.
Pulling weeds and borrowing the neighbors lawnmower.
Having a glass of wine on the porch after the baby goes to bed.
Pots of soup and chili made in an outdated kitchen.
Folding laundry on the living room floor while baby girl does tummy time.
Making and remaking the guest bed for lots of family visits.
Inviting friends over to help us choose where to hang art on our walls.
This is the good stuff. It’s not perfect and not always easy. But I am so grateful for the beauty and meaning and abundant life we’ve experienced in this home over the past year. Now the same leaves we watched grow in the Spring, are falling to the ground and so it goes. Thanks for coming along for my reflective journey. Cheers to many more meaningful days in the places we call home!
HYD Team Home Tours: Allison + Liz
One of our favorite things to share on the blog are home tours. We decided to do a little virtual “home tour” with our own team members. So, enjoy these two!
Allison’s home.
Allison
How long have you lived in your home?
- 18 years
What does "home" mean to you?
- Coziness, comfort, and a place to reflect the personality of the owner
How would you describe your style of decorating?
- Combo of 50s-60s vintage, comfortable basics, and slightly trendy colors and decor
Did your style happen organically or was it a process of figuring out what style means to you? Has your style changed over time? Do you have any favorite stores or shops for furniture or home decor?
- It has been a process, and I am always changing things. I have a "style" now, but it has progressed over the years. Redecorating and rearranging breathes new life into a room for me, so rooms get makeovers every few years. No favorite shops other than Home Goods/Marshalls, Bargain Hunt, and Target. I always say that I don't find my furniture, my furniture finds me. Lol
Allison’s kitchen.
When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
- I hope people feel that my home style reflects me. I like for people to ask me questions about things I have, since there are stories behind many of my items. I love to have items that have significance - like it belonged to a family member, or I got it from the estate sale I hosted for a friend, or my husband and I found it on a trip, etc. I also hope they feel like it's a comfortable home. They can touch things, they can sit down wherever. They can go look in my fridge or pantry without asking.
Do you have a style or home philosophy?
- Keeping "white space" in every area. I feel like there always needs to be some empty spots for things to go - empty space in my pantry, closets, on my countertops, etc. I never want anything to be completely full because it's too visually busy for me.
Do you have a favorite room in your home? A favorite piece of art or piece of furniture?
- Favorite room would be my living room, as it has a ton of natural light, and most of the other rooms in my house are darker. Favorite furniture is the master bedroom furniture - it came from an estate sale of an older lady I'd known since I was little. I had always HATED the furniture in our bedroom that belonged to my husband in college. When we stumbled across this furniture, it changed my life!! I love it every time I look at it.
What do you love most about your home?
- Our new outdoor living space, and our neighborhood, as we have a close-knit group of friends.
Allison’s home.
How would you describe your relationship to your belongings?
- Very little is permanent in this house, other than very special things (like furniture that has "found me"). I know I like to redecorate, so I prefer to buy cheaper trendier decor because I know it won't be around forever. My mantra is that if I haven't used it in a few years, and I can replace it for less than $30, it's going. In the event I ever need it again, I can either borrow it, or repurchase it. If I repurchase it, it will probably be a better version of the one I had before!
What do you love about working with HYD clients?
- I love making a difference for people. I love seeing that look of "YES!!" on their faces. That look of relief that says "thank you so much for doing what I hadn’t done on my own!”
READ MORE ABOUT ALLISON HERE.
Liz
How long have you lived in your home?
- 13 years
What does "home" mean to you?
- Home is where I feel completely comfortable and where I am surrounded by the people who love me unconditionally.
How would you describe your style of decorating?
- I would say my style is transitional, with a hodge-podge and kid-friendly flare. ☺ I tend to gravitate toward comfort and function over style. If I could completely redecorate my home starting from scratch, I would definitely incorporate more bohemian decor. I love the warmth, color and eclectic vibe of this style.
Did your style happen organically or was it a process of figuring out what style means to you? Has your style changed over time? Do you have any favorite stores or shops for furniture or home decor?
- My style has definitely changed and evolved over time. I used to think that everything needed to match and coordinate perfectly, but now I find my eye gravitates towards a mix of styles, colors, and textures.
I love browsing Home Goods, World Market, and just recently discovered Nadeau.
When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
- Comfortable, warm and relaxed
Liz’s living room.
Do you have a style or home philosophy?
- Since I’ve worked for HYD, I have definitely become more of a minimalist in my home philosophy. Less stuff and less clutter gives me room to breathe and enjoy my home even more.
How is your home an extension of yourself or of your family?
- I love a framed photo and my home is full of them showcasing so many of my favorite family memories. My various arts and crafts from over the years can also be seen displayed around our home.
Do you have a favorite room in your home? A favorite piece of art or piece of furniture?
- I have two favorite rooms. The living room is where my family spends the most time together and the bonus room is where I get lost in my love of crafting.
What do you love most about your home?
- I love the open floor plan and the coziness it brings. I l also love our big backyard which feels like an extension of our home.
How would you describe your relationship to your belongings?
- Unless the belonging has strong sentimental value, I don’t get too attached to my possessions. When purging my belongings, my biggest hurdle is letting go of how much I paid for the item, even though I no longer have any attachment to the item itself. I find this takes practice- the more I do it, the better I am at letting go.
What do you love about working with HYD clients?
- I love helping HYD clients feel a sense of accomplishment, whether that’s in organizing a small area or tackling a big move. It’s easy to get stuck inside our homes and not know where to begin making changes. Each time I go into a client’s home, I hope I can provide encouragement and a gentle push in the right direction.
We’ve said it before, but we’ll shout it from the rooftops- we have the most incredible team. It’s what makes Help You Dwell the dynamic, thriving, and unique service provider we are.
Thanks for sharing your homes & hearts with us Allison & Liz.
Looking for more lovely home tours?
Is Your Home a Reflection of You?
As we begin a new year, we want to encourage you to reflect on a few questions we often explore with our clients. The hands on “organizing” and “packing/unpacking” work we do is important, however the deeper work we do often has more meaningful implications than we can express through before & after images.
Take some time to consider these questions:
What do you love about your home?
What are a few of your favorite memories or meaningful moments that have taken place in your home?
What do you hope others feel when they spend time in your home?
Does your home decor and style consist of your own selections? Or is it a combination of gifts from loved ones and passed down pieces from family members?
Where do you find inspiration for your home?
Who do you trust to help you make decisions about your home?
Where do you go in your home to find rest?
What are values that you’d like your home to reflect?
What do you wish you could change in your home?
Are there areas in your home that cause you to feel overwhelmed?
What is one improvement you could make to your space that would increase your enjoyment?
Photo by Texture Photo.
Before we begin any home organizing project, we create space to listen first. This allows us to gain a more full understanding of why a client reached out to us and what hurdle they are hoping to overcome. Life is messy, complicated, and unpredictable - and our homes are often affected by the events and seasons of our lives. We remind our clients that feeling shame around the current status of their home is not helpful, beneficial, or necessary. Rather, we encourage them to dream again of what their space could look/feel/be like. We remind our clients that their home is never too far gone & there is always somewhere to start.
Do you have an area of your home you’re ready to reclaim? Our team is ready to help.
Start the conversation today.
Sidenote: Just as we are continually encouraged and inspired by our clients stories, our team is made up of strong, resilient, and talented organizers who each bring a unique set of life experiences that enable us to serve clients facing all kinds of challenges. Read more about them here.
Home for the Holidays
Making "Home": a 500 sq ft London Flat
Welcome to London! I wish so badly I could invite you in for a real life tour & give you a hug, but sadly that is not the case currently. So I’ll do my best to virtually welcome you into our “home” in this beautiful city. I’d offer you a cup of coffee (or tea) if you were visiting- so make yourself a “cuppa” and settle in.
Start 'em young
Taryn with Kate, Will, and Eli Ruth // 2008
I became a mom with very few plans in place for how I’d spend time with my child or children, how I envisioned my home being set up for little ones, or how many kids I wanted to have. I’d always hoped to be a mom. I just didn’t really have specific ideas of exactly how that might go down. Almost 17 years into motherhood, and 3 amazing kids later, I am both thankful for that somewhat clueless beginning and at the same time, a bit regretful that I wasn’t more intentional.
Image: Texture Photo // 2018
I’ve found that not having concrete expectations of how motherhood would go was a gift in that it allowed for a whole lotta grace. Not so much pressure on them or on me to be someone I had dreamed up in my head. I think I have been able to pay closer attention to each one of my kids and their unique personalities, ways of relating, and specific needs better since I didn’t have rigid expectations of what I wanted parenting and my kids to look like.
Being somewhat clueless also paved the way for new relationships and a sweet reliance on family. I am fortunate to have started motherhood off with some incredible new mamas who I’ve shared this crazy adventure with and who are still some of my dearest friends. We learned so much from one another. I am also a very blessed gal to have a mom and mother-in-law who have shown me what great love and sacrifice for your kids looks like. All good gifts in the midst of my cluelessness.
However, there is one area that I do wish I had been more thoughtful about at an earlier stage — how to create spaces in my home, and spaces in our days, for my kids. I had to make a lot of mistakes in this area before realizing there’s a better way. Of course hindsight is 20/20, but if I had taken a bit more time to think through what items &/or areas in my home that would encourage my kids to learn, explore, and love well, I would’ve saved myself lots of hours of singing (and doing) the “clean-up, clean-up, everybody everywhere” song and dance, procrastination, guilt, and frustration.
On May 2 at The Back Porch Mercantile, this is the exact topic we will be teaching on.
How do we get a baby’s room ready with all the needs but not the excess?
What’s the best way to create a play area for toddler’s that allows them to explore but doesn’t turn my house into a plastic toy jungle?
Do I keep all my preschooler’s handprint art and the other 724 pieces of art they’ve created?
Toys through the years and how to store them in a way that your kids can actually clean them up.
How do we do birthdays and holidays well without filling up on too many gifts?
What to do with all my elementary-age child’s school work?
How do teach my kids to organize?
I have learned lots raising this boy and my two girls. I’m still learning. And whether you’re a new mom or a few years in, my hope for you is that through some intentional, thoughtful planning, you can create the best space for your kids and for you to be the best mom you can be.
Image: Paige Severance (and her cutie twins!)
Why we love coming home…
My favorite thing about coming home is the people... whether it be my family, neighbors, or folks dropping by, it’s the place where we get to connect with our people, hopefully creating a space where everyone feels welcome.
- Taryn
Items from a guest, a child & the garden.
I love coming home because our house feels like a comfortable blend of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we are going as individuals and as a family. I’m a sucker for anything unique and old and I love that our home feels like a giant patchwork quilt: pieces of memories, people, and inspiration sewn together in a way that somehow all works.
- Caroline
Bookshelf of collected treasures, photo by Texture Photo.
Coming home feels like a big exhale to me. Our home is comfortable and simple, a place where we feel free to rest & play. We hope it can be that for everyone who comes in & out of our door.
- Katie
Morning light through the dining room.
I enjoy coming home because I have such a cozy space! My house is small & the main room is used as an entryway, living room, dining room, game room, homework area/office, TV room, weekend sleepover area, etc. When I walk in the door, all the future plans & past memories are there to greet me. And Stella. She’s always there to give me a warm welcome home as well.
-Kathie
Main room, featuring Stella.
Some of my favorite things are LOTS of sunlight, real plants (now that I’ve learned to keep them alive), candles, and good coffee. At the moment, my family is living in a temporary residence that really doesn’t feel like home to me. But I’ve still got my plants and coffee and I’m eager to get back into a space I can make all mine again!
-Rheannon
Plants and good coffee.
What do you love about coming home?
Join us @ Consign to Design tonight!
We’re so excited to gather at Knoxville’s very own Consign to Design this Thursday night at 6:30 pm. We will be presenting “The Ordered Home”. Kristi and her team have graciously invited us to come some organizing know-how in their beautiful shop of high end consignment furniture & decor pieces. We love their shop and their mission to give quality furniture & decor new life in new spaces. Whether you are already organized or overwhelmed by the thought of organizing, this is for you. We’ve come up with some practical and inspiring tips and tricks to share with you. You’ll leave refreshed and empowered, we promise. We are excited to meet you & share our evening with you. We will be taking questions & discussing all things related to home and dwelling. Invite your friends!
There may even be a giveaway….
See you tonight!
6:30 pm @ Consign to Design
9329 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37922
Phillips Family Home Tour
Meet the fabulous Phillips family! Dan, Brooke, their 4 kids and their awesome dog. I sat down with them a few weeks ago and had a great conversation about life, love, and making a home. This home tour is a bit different than our usual tours because in a few weeks they will be moving to a new home. We wanted to capture a small piece of the beauty and love in their fixer upper before they said goodbye to it. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into their life. All photos were taken by Haley Kennedy.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
How long have you all lived in this house?
We bought the house in November of 2016. (It’s a wild story!—read more about it here on Brooke’s blog.) The home had been sitting empty for about six years and we affectionately coined it the “Phillips Family Fixer Upper” and set to work making this gem of a home into all it could be. We did a major overhaul on the kitchen by removing a wall, adding the island, new countertops, and open shelving. We took it back to the bare bones and simplified. It’s made me realize how freeing it can be to have only what you need. Aside from the kitchen, we restored all of the floors, resurfaced just about every wall in the house, added ship lap in a few rooms, and created a breezeway in order to make the office and master bedroom wing function better. We strategically added walls to create a better flow and layout for our family. We did a lot of the work ourselves with the help of family and friends.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
How would you describe your style of decorating?
Brooke: It’s collected. I don’t really know how to describe it other than by saying I don’t follow trends. If anything, I look back to what history has shown us is beautiful. If it was beautiful 100 years ago and still is today, then great! I look around and look for natural textures and use them collectively. I don’t like synthetics or reproductions. It’s more true when it’s been found and discovered rather than copied. When I’m working with a client I always say “Tell me about YOU! You don’t want a carbon copy of a Joanna Gaines’ house. Tell me about YOU! Let’s see what you love and figure out how to use it in a tasteful and beautiful way.” In order to have the richest experience in your home, an item either needs to be useful, beautiful, or sentimental. Ideally it would have all 3, but at least 2 or you shouldn’t have it.
Another major thing I use help create a space is that I want to touch on all the senses when decorating. I pay close attention to the textures felt, the sounds heard, the mood they want, the smells that create memories. Did you know that smell is the only sense that’s initially processed in the brain and the limbic system? Smells can cause a feeling! Dan helps me think through what’s really functional. He grounds me. He comes up with the best ideas because he’s so logical. I think of myself as the creative but he is creative too, just in a different way. He takes my dreamer self and helps me make it a reality in a practical way that’s so much better once it’s been thought through.
Dan: My style is practical and comfortable. If it makes me decompress— that’s my style. I don’t like things to be too put together. I like things that make me exhale. I like dark woods, brick, masculine and earthy things—with a touch of woman— got to have a woman’s touch.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Backstory on how Brooke got into design:
When I was a little girl and my friends were buying toys, I was buying antiques. For my first job I painted horse fences and I took all of the money I made and bought an antique. It was a settee to go at the end of my bed. I’ve loved design for as long as I can remember. Jumping ahead in time— while my friends were in college, I was having babies and Dan was a pastor. I have always decorated peoples homes— but I did it for free. I did big homes and small homes and operated an art boutique for a period of time. When we moved to Knoxville and Dan transitioned from full time ministry to teaching and coaching football he said “Babe, you are going to have to get a job or charge people for what you do.” I went and got a job as a barista at a local place in Knoxville. One day the manager looked at me and said “Brooke— what are you doing here? Why are you serving coffee?? Go do what you do!” So I started my company 3 years ago. It started with one friend and then a few more friends hired me and now here I am!
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
You have some really amazing pieces in your home, what is your relationship to your belongings?
As sentimental as I am, I don’t hold on to things just because it was my grandmothers or because it has some memory attached to it. However, I love to hold on to things that are sentimental and use them in artful ways. Most importantly, I want my belongings to tell our story. I want reminders of where I’ve been or what I’ve been through. But I also have 4 kids and dog— a million things have been broken and I can honestly say I don’t get mad when things break—it’s just not worth it. I’ve either glued them back together and put them right back up or tossed them and moved on.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Do you have a style or home philosophy?
Everything here is rescued. Whether we spot a chair on the side of the road or hunt estate sales for the perfect armoire, there is a frugal-ness to what we do. You don’t have to spend a million dollars to make a beautiful space. You also have to remind yourself that a home is not built over night— its built over time. Without patience there is constant frustration— allow a space to be empty and wait for the right pieces.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
So how do you decide what to purchase?
Wait! wait! wait! Certain pieces can change a room and are worth waiting for. Ask yourself, “Is this something that’s going to be with my family for years or generations?” If it is, it’s worth the investment. Build around your investment pieces frugally. Over the years I’ve found that it’s very difficult to buy good quality new furniture— the good quality pieces will cost you. Good quality new items are outside of 99% of the budgets that I typically work with. You have to look beyond the furniture store. I’ve learned to use furniture in a lot of different ways— ask yourself how versatile a piece is when you are considering it. Stay away from synthetics and go for things that are real. Do you love it? After a week are you still losing sleep of the dresser that you didn’t buy? If you are then go get it!
I will say this—As women, we look at magazines, Pinterest, and Instagram and either we live in envy over it and don’t have peace or we say forget it and give up. Often times people are in one of those camps. Have you given up and stopped caring about your home? Have you gotten obsessed with perfection and constantly worry about things getting messed up? Wherever you find yourself, there is a medium between those two extremes— that sweet spot where you find contentment. The goal is for your home to work for you and your family- it doesn’t have to be perfectly decorated. A home that you love and enjoy is easy for other people to love and enjoy.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
What does home mean to you?
Dan: It is my refuge. It’s where I recharge, get encouraged, decompress. I don’t function well when I don’t get enough time at home. Home is where love happens. Everything I love about this home is because I love the people who live here.
Brooke: Home is a place where you receive love so you can give it. Just the physical home itself gives off that feeling. We’ve lived so many different places and they each served such a purpose. Not all of them were pretty… but they were all a home. When I came to this house- I could feel love.. I could feel that there had been a family here.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
Dan: Creating spaces that people want to be in is Brooke’s specialty.
Brooke: Our house is an emotional place for people. I want them to feel like they belong here and can be comfortable here- be themselves. All their problems, all their quirks, can just be here— you don’t have to become something or someone else to walk in our door.
Thank you so much Dan and Brooke for welcoming us in and sharing part of your story!
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Webb Home Tour
In the 1950's, a government-created flat top house was a hot commodity in Oak Ridge. Hugh Webb, a UT college student in 1952, bought one for a whopping $900 and had it moved to a plot of land in North East Knox County. Our home tour today offers a glimpse into the crafted home of two artists who have created a masterpiece of a home that started as a prefab box. Barbara and Hugh Webb have lived in their home for 60 years and they have redesigned, reconfigured, and revamped their home into a one of a kind oasis. With 10 acres, horses, and incredible vision, they have truly made a home for themselves.
Early on they decided that, rather than moving around over the years, they would use their money to travel and work on the home they already had. They set a goal to take their children to every state in the US and to travel internationally as often as they were able. Whenever they got the itch to move, they would re-imagine their space and transform it to meet their needs. Barbara would draw up the plan, and Hugh would bring it to life.
Barbara's mother was Finnish and her Scandinavian style carried over in a natural way. Barbara has always been drawn to clean lines and minimalist decor. With muted tones and lots of neutrals, Hugh claims that if he sat still long enough, Barbara might paint him to match the rest of the house. With a mix of family antiques and carefully curated decor, their home is like a gallery in and of itself. Barbara is one of the founding charter members of the Foot Hills Craft Guild and hasn't missed a show in 50 years!
When I asked Barbara what her secret to creating a home was, she said " We enjoy our home and we enjoy each other. That’s the main thing about everything—— enjoying each other." If you spend any time with Hugh and Barbara you quickly realize that they are an incredible team. They love to dream and create together and the results of their teamwork are visible all over their home and in their children and grandchildren who come by the house almost daily to feed the horses or stop in for a chat. Hugh and Barbara enjoy more than making art together, they go dancing every Monday night. She says, "I could Waltz across Texas with Hugh".
Enjoy these scenes from the Webb's home.
The front door of the Webb Home
The bookcase is a family heirloom from Barbara's grandparents. The birds sitting on top were hand carved by Hugh.
The Living room with a portrait of the Webb's daughters done by Barbara
The tea party room.
Kitchen details
Vintage breadbox
Breakfast room and view onto the back porch where Hugh and Barbara take a break from creating every day at 3pm for cake and coffee.
Barbara's studio
Miniature paintings by Barbara Webb
Barbara's studio
Master bedroom
guest bedroom details
guest bedroom
portrait of the Webb's daughters by Barbara
six changes you can make to feel less stressed
Have you ever come home from a stressful day of work and needed to escape? Maybe you already stay home and need a space to feel at ease. We've got six changes you can make within your home to help you de-stress.
1. Add Plants:
Decorating with plants not only adds life and freshness into your home, but by bringing nature inside, you will instantly feel a since of calmness. For Air-Filtering plants, be sure to check out this post!
2. Let More Natural Light In
By opening up your curtains, you are letting more Vitamin D into your home. Vitamin D aids in a stronger immune system and is proven to make you happier. Cozy, warm rooms can be calming, but when you need a 'pick-me up', be sure to let some light flood in.
3. Add in Calming Colors
Colors such as blue, violet, pink, and green are known to help calm your mind. Whether you choose to paint your walls a calming color, or simply add in art or accessories, these colors are sure to sooth your mind and create a since of calmness within your home.
4. Create an area of Peace
From answering e-mails after hours to checking off a to-do list, your mind is constantly running. To create an area of peace, pick at least one place inside your home that you set aside for only non work related activities. Your brain needs a space where work isn't done so it knows to shut down and relax.
5. Get Rid of Clutter
Easier said than done! Luckily, you have HYD to help you with this task. Getting rid of physical clutter also rids your mind of clutter. Taking time to put things away and clearing your space will help put your mind at ease and make your home feel more put together.
6. Put away the Electronics
Scrolling through social media may ease your mind for a short time, but it is also known for making you feel more anxious and depressed. Give your eyes a rest by mediating, tending to your home and/or garden, going for a walk, or taking a bath. The list is endless if you'll only put your phone away, shut the TV off, and explore what's beyond your doorway.
what is "hygge"?
hygge
pronounced: /ˈhʊɡə/
origin: Danish
noun
a quality of cosiness + comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment of well-being.
Where did this concept come from?
Photo from It's Me, Charlotte!
US Ambassador of Denmark describes hygge as: "the felling you get around thanksgiving, like being cozy and being with other people". It is imperfect and very casual. Practicing hygge is more about how things feel than how they look.
Charlotte Higgins, from the Insider describes it as "a feeling of calm togetherness and the enjoyment of simple pleasures, perhaps illuminated by the gentle flicker of candlelight."
Listen to Tsh, from The Art of Simple and Erin Loechner talk about hygge on this podcast.
What does it look like?
Photo from House Beautiful.
Hospitality.
Shared experience.
Being an inviting person in an inviting space.
Creating a ritual, habit or space that allows you to enjoy the present moment. It isn't about striving for a specific style or look, but it is about being intentional with what you create space for in your space and mind.
How can you incorporate this in your life and home?
Wanna read more? Check out this book.
You might have a specific blanket, pair of sweatpants or coffee mug that you can describe as
hyggelig, meaning hygge-like. These are your things that induce coziness and calm for you.
Bringing the outside in is very hygge. Incorporating natural elements in your home, creates a sense of life and growth.
A way to engage in this way of being is by putting your devices down. Shifting our focus from a bright little screen - to the people and places around us, invites us to participate in the moment to moment.
11 Ways to Make Your Life More Hygge according to Country Living.
We love that hygge is not something that you can order online, or grab at Target. It is unique to your life, your family and the way you live. It takes a little thought and creativity to incorporate hyggee, comfort and coziness into your life.
Blog image source: The Art of Simple.
home resolutions for 2017
The dawn of a new year is a great time to reflect and dream about the days ahead. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the lists of "shoulds", let's be practical as we think about how to be better stewards of our homes this year.
There are ways to maintain order and organization on a daily and weekly basis but the beginning of a new calendar year is a great time to plan for the next four seasons. We're suggesting tasks, projects and specific areas of focus for each season. Show your home some love throughout the course of an entire year, one season at a time.
So, we did some research and added our own touch to create a free printable for you. We've taken into consideration the weather and other factors that effect the ease and importance of certain tasks. Download, print, and share the Home Resolutions for 2017 right here on our blog!
Our team is ready to help you with those areas that need organization, every season of the year. Give us a call to schedule your free consultation today 865.345.9080.
join the challenge
Fall has finally arrived. Let's hope the weather follows soon! We are devoting the month of September to an often neglected and problem area of our homes. You guessed it... the closets.
What better way to get motivated and organized than joining us in the:
#HYDFallChallenge
For 4 weeks (every Thursday in the month of September) we will pick a specific closet to focus on in your home. Our blog will feature inspiration and tips to help you conquer your closets one week at a time. We want to see your completed projects each week! Post a photo to Facebook or Instagram (by the Monday after the blog is posted) with the hashtag #HYDFallChallenge . We will pick one random winner each week to receive the prize of a lovely HYD Canvas Tote!
Why participate?
Because your closets need some love every now and then.
Because you will create space in your closets for the things you need and love.
Because you might win a beautiful HYD canvas tote.
Because purging and creating space in your closets will inspire you to declutter other areas.
Because donating and giving back to your community is life giving.
Week 1: Linen Closet
Begin by taking everything out of the closet (or cabinets).
Separate the contents in a way that makes sense to you.
- separate by room of use (master bedroom, children's bathroom, extra bedroom, etc.)
- separate by color (whites, colors, neutrals, etc.)
- separate by type (bedsheets, hand towels, bath towels, picnic blankets, etc.)
Sort into categories.
- Discard- the torn towels or worn out sheets that you'd rather use in the garage or to dry off the dog. These can be put in a new place- laundry room or garage.
- Occasional Use- the towels, sheets and blankets you only need when you have multiple house guests at one time or when the whole family goes on a trip. These could be better stored under a bed in a vacuum seal bag. Table cloths might fall into this category- try to find a place closer to the kitchen such as the top shelf of the pantry.
- Necessity- the ones you use every day. These are the ones that deserve a prime spot on the shelf in your laundry room. The trick here is that you don't need excess. Only have on hand, what you need and use regularly. Let your kids pick their favorite towels and blankets and find a shelf they can easily access.
- Donate- Challenge yourself to fill a few grocery bags or even a trash bag of linens that you can part with. Our local KARM stores would be a great place for these to end up.
Put back the contents that are here to stay.
- Think about who is using the linens and if they can reach what they need
- Put them back in a way that is practical and aesthetically pleasing (each time you open this closet, you'll be glad you did!)
- Show your family members or roommates the new linen closet system!
- Share your photo and hashtag #HYDFallChallenge
Happy organizing!
#HYDFallChallenge
Keeping Order
Finishing up an organizing job in someone's home or office is a thing of beauty. It's satisfying to know we've helped a client find a bit of freedom from their clutter or good homes for unneeded items. We also leave hoping our clients can maintain the new found order.
The thing is, life happens again. There is so much to manage in our daily lives and often people come first, work outside the home next, activities around town after that, and our homes only get us when we're wiped from all the life we've been busy living.
HYD wants to help keep your home a peaceful, ordered space you can rest, entertain, create, or simply be in... any time. We are now offering a monthly organizing service. Let us help you in areas like these and then some...
Kitchen Cabinets and Pantries
Mudrooms and Laundry Rooms
Linen, Coat, and Guest Room Closets
Bedroom and Kids' Closets
Basements and Attics
Garages
Potting Sheds and Barns
Kids' Bedrooms and Playrooms
Home Offices and Family
Art, Sewing, or Craft Rooms
Rearranging a Room or General Decor Changes
The fee is $85/mo with a one-year commitment or $975/yr if paid in advance. The fee includes up to two hours of organizing each month, one free donation drop off each month, 10% off any additional hours, and unlimited e-mail access to HYD for personalized consultation.
We look forward to serving our clients in this new capacity. If you're interested or have further questions, please don't hesitate to call 865.245.9080 or email us at info@helpyoudwell.com.
Come on in : Home Tour with Peter and Julie Wolf
Walking in the backdoor of this Cape Cod nestled in the heart of Fountain City, one is immediately at home. As a guest, you're greeted with enormous smiles, warm hugs, and a glass of your favorite beverage within minutes. There's no doubt that for the 30 years Peter and Julie have lived here, they've learned a bit about making a house, a home.
The Wolf home in 1986
The Wolfs bought this little home back in the mid-80s with two young boys and family heirlooms to fill the rooms. Prior to landing in Fountain City, they'd been in California, St. Thomas, Michigan, and a few other stops before finally setting down some roots here in East Tennessee. Peter grew up sailing and Julie grew up around the lakes of Michigan. The influence of the sea is evident in the color schemes and artwork throughout the house.
Peter and Julie's style is a wonderful mix of traditional, eclectic, primitive, country, and little Pottery Barn sprinkled in. Julie mentioned that very early on, she and Peter shared very similar tastes in home decor and they love to do "the work" together. Whether it's refinishing a piece, finding the right spot in the house for a new treasure, or working in their outdoor space, they've been a team since day one. Julie really is a girl after our own hearts in that she really likes a place "clean and tidy, I like it less cluttered," she says. In 2000, they were able to put a wonderful addition on the back of the house adding a great room for entertaining, a master suite, and two car garage with an upstairs. The heart of the remodel kept in mind the idea of having people over. Last year, they were even able to host their niece's wedding in the backyard and it was a huge success!
Addition in 2000
Julie wants every guest to feel right at home upon arrival. "I want folks to feel like they can get a glass of water if they'd like and that my home is their home. I truly want them to feel totally comfortable." She celebrates so many of their guests throughout the years by showcasing many of the generous gifts family and friends have given them over the years. This is where the eclectic part of their decor comes from. "If i find something I like or if someone gives me something I just find a place for it." Both she and Peter love the stories connected with the pieces in their home and they love to tell you how each one made it's way to Forest Lane.
Peter at work in his home office
The Gathering Table
When we asked what home means to them, Peter quickly answered, "The place I'd rather be than anywhere else." Peter has travelled with his work for over 30 years, spending countless nights in hotel rooms all over the US and Canada. He cherishes his time at home with his family, friends, and projects. Julie says she has multiple favorite spots in her house depending on what the activity but if she had to pick, the big round oak table would probably be top of the list. Gathering with family and friends over a meal and a glass of wine fills her heart like nothing else.
Julie working in her "nest"
We also loved Julie's thoughts on collections. She said, "Collections just happen to you." Over the years she may have purchased one or two pitchers and was given a few from her mother and before she knew it, a pitcher collection was born. She loves to think of the giver as she uses each pitcher or any gifted home item in her home. Sometimes the gifts aren't necessarily decor items, but just stuck in a drawer and Julie will find them at times, hold them, take a moment to reflect on that time, that person, and enjoy the memory.
Our last stop of the tour was in the stained-glass studio in the upstairs of their garage. For about a decade now, each Wednesday night, up to 9 women meet for a meal, a beverage, plenty of laughs, and some time in the studio creating all kinds of beautiful pieces. This extension of their home has allowed the Wolfs to bless others by giving them a space to create but also a space to connect with others.
Finally, this particular home tour holds a special place in one of the dwellers hearts as I've spent many hours over the last 30 years being loved so so well within the walls of the Wolf home. My family has shared Thanksgivings, baby and wedding showers, birthdays, a wedding, and so much more with the Wolfs. They have been great stewards of this warm and welcoming home they've been given and I am so fortunate to have been one of the recipients.
Thanksgiving 2014 - The whole Wolf gang
Home as an Offering : Home Tour with Lindsay Heath
We sat down this week to interview the lovely Lindsay Heath about her house, her decorating style, and her philosophy on home. If you've never met Lindsay, the best way I know to describe her is that her presence feels like a warm hug.
Honestly, to focus on Lindsay's decorating style and her home in it's purely physical sense would be a disservice. Lindsay has a natural eye for creating beauty but what struck me the most about our visit was the overwhelming sense that when you walk into her home, the pressure is off, you are invited, welcomed, and appreciated.
With a knack for quirky items and for the cast off's of both friends and strangers, Lindsay and her husband Jonny have created a patchwork home that incorporates the practical, lovely, and eclectic parts of life in every sense. One thing Lindsay said that I've been thinking about a lot is that "space is defined by the people who inhabit it and use it". With a desire to make the people around her feel more important than the things she surrounds herself with, she aims for making spaces feel touchable and approachable; like you can enjoy yourself without having to worry about your surroundings. She mentioned that over the years she has come to find that an object can evoke a memory but that she doesn't have to retain the object in order for the memory to continue. Lindsay loves the creative aspect of decorating with objects that can be repurposed or reimagined. She loves finding unwanted objects and looking at them in a new way... kind of like when you find a house that's about to be demolished so you pick it up and move it two blocks over to save it... yes... she actually did that!!! (more on that at a later date) She shared with us that many, if not most of the things, in her house have been given to her and she in turn passes things along when she no longer has the space or need for them.
Lindsay is the first renter we have interviewed and we were especially interested in what she had to say about decorating a rental. Upon moving into their home they were asked not to paint or hang large things on the wall. As a result, Lindsay has used her limitations to find creative ways to dwell and make the space feel like home. Large art pieces lean against the walls, thumb tacks or Velcro strips are used for lighter objects. Lindsay has found that sometimes limits help you see things in new ways, limits force you to think creatively.
We asked Lindsay what "home" means to her and she mentioned the end of a stanza in the daily reading in the book of common prayer. It reads, "May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you; may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm; may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you; may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors." The lines resonate with Lindsay in that to her, home is a place to welcome people in from the weariness, from the pace of the world.
"Home is a place for gathering and celebrating and for relaxing and eating: the really elemental practices. Home is the hub of human activity. The way that we relate in homes can be so formative- be it through decoration, presentation of food, accessibility to objects. Our relation to all those things that make us human make up a home; a place that can encapsulate all of the best parts of human life. "
Another unique thing about Lindsay and Jonny is that since they were married, they have always lived with other people- sometimes other married couples, sometimes single folks, but always someone. We asked her to tell us a little bit more about that decision. "On a practical level, when we got married, it made sense financially to share the expenses with others along with the fellowship, the space, the being known and knowing. The incidental disciplines and sacrifices of being not as able to hide the things that as humans we are tempted to hide and the discomfort of sharing space have been an unexpected and challenging reward. With the different people we’ve lived with, we always sit down and talk about all the reasons to live together, economic, practical, division of labor, fun -- but the primary reason we share a home with people is to become more like Christ. It’s been a very consistent practical way to be challenged and to challenge others in the comings and goings of every day life. Living with others creates a lot of opportunities to do that hard work. It has been a great way to keep in check the temptation to hold onto things tightly. Living with others is often inconvenient but there is an ethic of being uncomfortable that I’ve found to be a wonderful crucible-- that’s been a refinement of my walk towards Christ."
"Mi Casa Es Su Casa" : Home Tour with Becky Hancock
This month Help You Dwell sat down with Becky Hancock to get her two cents about creating a home and the process of bringing old things back to life.
Steve and Becky bought their historic home in June of 2004 and have taken on several projects and renovations to make it their own.
One of their favorite projects to date is their kitchen. Using vintage 1950's metal cabinets rescued from a tear down of another building, a kitchen table that belonged to Becky's grandmother, and a light fixture that Becky found at The Salvage Shop, as the style reference, they were able to formulate a plan for a retro kitchen design. In a record breaking 7 weeks, (with front end loading) they totally redid their kitchen and ended up with an absolute gem.
Upon walking into the house you feel a mixed sense of walking back in time (or down memory lane) and feeling totally at home. No doubt, the items chosen in the Hancock home evoke a sense of nostalgia to everyone who comes by. Becky's decorating and home making philosophy stems from the fact that she is drawn to things that represent a happy memory; things that remind her of people, old times, or things that tell stories. Because of this, she is naturally drawn to vintage items. Every item I asked about during the tour had a story behind it and naturally served as a conversation starter. Along with nostalgic items, it's clear that both Steve and Becky are musicians and long time music lovers by the instruments and music paraphernalia that also adorn the home.
Dining Room built-in
Master bathroom extension
Dining room
Old family photos throughout the house create a kind of "walking photo album" cataloging multiple generations.
When asked about living in a downtown neighborhood, Becky explained that her time living in New York created in her an appreciation for living near people of all different nationalities and walks of life. The downtown neighborhoods in Knoxville provide a diversity that much of the city doesn't offer. Becky talked fondly about getting to know many of her neighbors and the value in building community with all kinds of people. Aside from being able to walk downtown and being close to work, Becky loves old homes and loves being able to be a part of restoring the home she and Steve own.
Becky and Steve Hancock
Becky and Steve are hospitality driven and have opened their home multiple times to friends and family who need a place to call home for various seasons of life. In the spirit of hospitality, Becky says her philosophy of home is "Mi casa es su casa. I want people to feel at home when they are here, that our house is always open; a safe, welcoming, authentic space when you need it."
Thanks Becky and Steve for showing us around your beautiful home!
Be Yourself.
Our homes are the places where the majority of us spend the most time, the place where we laugh, cry, rest, dance, yell, sing, dream, make our messes, stash our treasures and share life with others. We get that. We love that.
Photo compliment of Stylish Eve
We also love our clients. Just about every week, Help You Dwell gets the pleasure of meeting a new face and hearing a new story. It has been such a joy for us. Often, when we walk into a new clients' home, the first thing we hear is "sorry." Clients are sorry for the mess, sorry they've let it go this far, sorry they can't do better on their own. We understand. We never judge. We have a story too.
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." Maya Angelou
- Excerpted from Letter to My Daughter, a book of essays (2009)
As we walk through our plans to help folks find order and peace in their living space, we want to hear the story that brought them to this place. It's so important in the process of organization of one's home. HYD never wants a client to think that we're coming into a home to get rid of all the clutter just so it looks better. Our goal is to always help the client live life with the freedom from the extras that pile up all around. Working alongside the client, embracing their story, and being part of the process that helps to write a few lines in the next chapter is an honor for us.
Be yourself. Just with less stuff and more you. You are worth the effort.
Let us help you dwell.
