Our First Week in the New House: Unpacking, Unfolding, Becoming Home

There’s something about the first week in a new home that feels a little like standing in the middle of a story that hasn’t quite introduced itself yet.

The boxes are still stacked. The rooms echo just a bit, (okay, a lot). And every corner holds possibility—but not quite familiarity… yet.

Oh, did I mention the peek-a-boo view of the lake?

After months of dreaming, planning, and living “between houses,” we are finally here. And this past week? It’s been equal parts beautiful, exhausting, emotional, and full of those tiny, meaningful moments that whisper… you’re home now.

The best part…my granddaughters appear after school on a regular basis! This is why we uprooted our lives and moved to a new state, a new city, a new community!

The pair of Chesterfield sofas are perfect for the new Ralph Lauren aesthetic I am aiming for in our new home. Their rich leather, classic lines, and timeless presence instantly grounded the space and gave it that collected, heritage feel I love so much.

I found a beautiful rug that is helping to warm the place up—softening the room and adding that first layer of comfort that every home needs. It’s amazing how one piece underfoot can begin to tie everything together.

But my big find in this first week? A pair of red chests I discovered on Wayfair. I am sharing the link because I am sure I am not the only one who will fall in love with this chest!

They arrived in just a few days (which still feels like a small miracle when you’re waiting on everything else), and they are already starting to transform the room. The color is exactly what I didn’t know I needed—a deep, rich red that brings warmth, personality, and just the right amount of boldness to balance the neutrals.

Oh, the green faux ostrich leather boxes were an Amazon find and come in black too!

They feel like something I might have found in a tucked-away antique shop… the kind of piece with a story—even though they’re brand new.

And that’s when it hit me.

This is how this home will come together.

Not all at once. Not perfectly planned. But piece by piece—mixing old with new, classic with personal, layering in things that feel like us. I have an antique pie safe that has been in the family for generations just waiting to find its perfect spot.

It’s still early, and there’s so much more to do… but for the first time, I can really see it.

And that makes me even more excited for what’s next.

Sunday was our wedding anniversary and we took the opportunity to host a family dinner in our new home. It wasn’t a fancy tablescape, but I did take the time to make a lovely centerpiece.

I was determined to use these rose chargers, so when I spotted a woman walking out of Trader Joe’s with what looked like every pink bloom they had, I’ll admit—I felt a moment of panic. But as luck would have it, she left behind two bunches of pink roses and two bunches of wax flowers, almost as if they were waiting just for me.

I gathered them up, added a few stems of eucalyptus, and suddenly it all came together—a soft, romantic centerpiece that felt perfectly coordinated without trying too hard.

It’s funny how the simplest combinations can end up feeling the most special… and how a little bit of serendipity at the flower stand can set the tone for an entire table.

…now off to ferry my youngest granddaughter to softball practice! Until next time, hugs!