Well friends, it’s the most wonderful time of the year again, and after quite the hiatus, I’m pleased to report that I’m back in Boston and back on the blog! There’s nothing quite like a New England Summer to welcome you back home. I spent most of this year living out my California dreams, residing in a sweet sunny Santa Monica townhouse. And I have to say, it was exactly what I needed. It was energizing to be somewhere new, and the perfect amount of time to get the experiences I wanted without missing my favorite time back on the East Coast. And now I’m happier than ever to be HOME.
There’s certainly plenty to unpack about that experience and the transition back, but today’s focus will be on something that has been bringing me lots of joy lately. Something I missed most of all when living somewhere temporarily was being in a space that felt like mine, and collecting the little items along the way that make it feel that way. Now that I’m back, my first priority in settling in has been slowly but surely creating a space that I love so it truly feels like home again.
Investing in pieces that bring me joy, and that I can have for a long time, now feels like even more of a luxury. And that might be anything from a handmade mug at a local market, coastal HomeGoods decor, the softest sheets I’ve ever experienced, or a comfy new armchair to settle into.
I thought that given all of the sales that will be popping up left and right for Labor Day, it would be a great time to document some of the pieces I’ve been happiest with – although let the record show I am mourning the fact that this particular holiday has come so soon!
Outdoor Space
The biggest priority to tackle was, of course, our outdoor space, which has quickly become my favorite part of the apartment. Being on the fourth floor, the views are amazing, and with just a few purchases, it became a true outdoor oasis. Featuring a Birch Lane outdoor sofa with coffee table, grounded in a neutral outdoor rug, and accented with my favorite find of all – floral outdoor pillows on sale at Pottery Barn.
Living Room
Next up, our living room. I’m challenging myself to branch out from my typical coastal decor style to fit the space, and am going for more of an Americana vibe. Thus far, this has been largely accomplished via HomeGoods decor, but a Wayfair sectional, neutral rug, and comfy swivel chair serve as the foundation for the space. A personal favoirte decor find would be these floral pillowcases from Etsy. Plus, I always have my Barefoot Dreams or Chappy Wrap blankets to cozy up with.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, I cozied up the bar with some coastal counter stools. Of course, the best item I own in here is my Nespresso, which I made feel right at home with a cute coffee corner setup. And of course, nothing brings me more joy than enjoying my lattes in my Anthropologie Icon Glasses.
Bedroom
Lastly, for the bedroom. With the light wood combination of a Thuma bed frame and AllModern dresser and nightstands, the foundation for an organic modern oasis was set. Complemented by quite literally the softest sheets I’ve ever felt and an olive West Elm quilt set, I’m so excited to come to bed every night.
Final Thoughts
There’s something really special about the process of making a place feel like home — it’s less about having everything perfectly curated and more about collecting pieces that genuinely make you happy to be there. After a year of living out of a temporary space, I have a whole new appreciation for that. Whether you’re setting up a new home, refreshing a room, or just treating yourself to something you’ve been eyeing, Labor Day is a great excuse to invest in pieces that will stick around. I’ll keep updating the Shop page as I find new favorites, so check back often — and as always, thanks for being here. Happy shopping! ☼
