NewlyWoodwards

an unconventional home

3 steps to create a more beautiful and functional dining space

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In our home, our dining room is a hard-working space. It’s not a space that’s used only for holidays and company. It is used all day, everyday. From breakfast to artwork to homework to dinner (and many other things in between). 

But while the dining room is hardworking, it also has to look good.
Because it’s always visible – at the very center of our home. That means we look at it and pass through it dozens of times every single day. 

I’ve been imagining a few simple tweaks to make the space work better for our family. After three years of heavy use, I think it can be more beautiful and more functional. 

Here are the steps I’m taking to get there. 

Five ways to prepare your home for 2019

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If you are feeling the need to purge and simplify your home after the new year, you are not alone.

Following the excess of the holiday season, your home has earned a breather, don’t you think? You have earned one, too. Because you and your home have weathered a busy and full November and December – entertaining, decorating every nook and cranny, and filling closets and cupboards with hidden gifts and treats for Christmas morning.

Decorating kids’ rooms at Christmas

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If you’ve been around for any length of time, you know that I love decorating my son’s room for Christmas. It’s just a fun tradition to do together.

Since he was born, we’ve been decking those halls. And as he gets older, he takes pride in taking the lead on the “design decisions.” Like the year he decided he wanted a full-size dinosaur tree. 

Our Christmas mantel and living room

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Our living room is feeling extra cozy for the holidays. There’s something special about the glow of Christmas tree lights and the warmth of a fire. And don’t forget all those blankets. Because we need them in December. It’s coooooooold out there.

Our living room really looks a lot different than the last time I shared it here. We got a new-to-us sofa, pulled up a chair from the basement, and added curtains and a new ticking stripe chair. It wasn’t really planned. It started with the new sofa and snowballed from there.

Our holiday kitchen and dining room

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As we settle into the third Christmas in our home, I’m getting a really good feel for what works and what doesn’t. I’m not someone who re-thinks my decor every year. I like what I like and I use what I use. Sometimes, I tweak things and rearrange. But mostly, our home feels the same […]

Where to find the best holiday decor

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Do you want to create a beautiful holiday home? You aren’t alone.

I love putting together a warm holiday home every year – with unexpected touches. And I often get asked where I found (fill in the blank). Because many pieces are unique – but also because I also try to put them together in a fun and creative way.