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. 

My colorful spring kitchen tour

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I love a colorful home all year. But there’s something about spring that makes me want to amp it up.
 
Maybe it’s living in the Midwest. We spend winter covered in white and early spring surrounded by brown. I’m just jonesing for a little burst of color. Yellow daffodils. Pink tulips. A bluebird. SOMETHING already. For goodness sakes. 
 
I can’t control that. But, I can control what’s in my home. And that means plenty of color.

A very merry Christmas tablescape

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Is there anything that screams Christmas more than the color red, plaids, and colorful Christmas lights? Of course not.

And that’s exactly why these elements were perfect for our very merry Christmas tablescape. Why choose just one when you can integrate them all?

More is always more, am I right?

Hello spring home tour

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I’m thrilled to share our home as part of the Hello Spring Home Tour, hosted by Carrie of Lovely, Etc. Don’t miss all the awesome spring inspiration from dozens of home bloggers at the bottom of the post. It’s the perfect breath of fresh air.  Spring has officially arrived. That may mean it’s going to rain for at least […]

Tweaking your home for Valentine’s Day | Happy everything

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Valentine’s Day isn’t anywhere near the top of my holiday love list – Ryan and I are not particularly romantic. Or, you know, at all romantic. But, while I may not be booking fancy dinner reservations or creating elaborate displays of affection, I do like to give my home and family a little love around this […]

A new Christmas tradition: Fancy family dinner table

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There’s something special about setting the table. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it signals that time together at the dinner table is important.

Henry must agree, because when I set up the table for Christmas, he asked who was coming over for dinner. When I told him that this was just for us, he grinned from ear to ear.

It’s good to feel special. And a beautiful table helps make your family feel special.