For the last several months, we have been hunting for the perfect place to call home. Having had our current home for sale for some time now, we do not want to be caught with no place to go if/when it sells. The process of trying to sell and buy a home at the same time is one filled with discordant emotions: The constant hope that it will sell, mixed with the anxiety of, “What if it sells?!?” Looking for a new house with eager expectation, while the devil on your shoulder keeps telling you, “This is a waste of time . . . It could take another year before you sell your house and this house that you love will be LONG gone by then!” But despite my doubts, reservations, and anxieties about packing up and starting over some place new, and despite the constant stress of having to keep our house immaculate on the off-hand chance that someone might want to come look at it . . . at times I allow myself to dream about starting fresh. My home is very important to me and I strive to make it a beautiful, quiet, comfortable space that feels lived in. I imagine myself to have a flair for design and am consistently inspired by beautiful spaces but, up until now, my design style can most accurately be described as traditional. Safe.
I am ready for something new. Granted, I will not have a signficant redecorating budget after the expense of moving, but I know there are so many simple things that can be done on a dime. Photos can be taken and digitally manipulated and then hung in spray-painted frames found for $0.50 at the Salvation Army. Pillows can be made or recovered from scrap fabric found in a bin at most fabric stores. Curtains can be bought for half the price when you look in the shower curtain section and have a working sewing machine. I know that I have the capability to make a change and I am ready for it. Afterall, acceptance is the first step toward recovery.
I also have the distinct privilege of having wonderfully artistic and design oriented friends who have recently moved and been able to re-define their style. I look at the pictures they post and glean ideas and inspiration that I file away until it is my turn to re-draw my living space. Here are some of their photos. Hopefully they will inspire you as they have me.
Katie's New Home in NC - You can see more pictures on her blog, ChaiThoughts.com
Morgan's New Home in Downtown Jackson
Nostalgia in the Making 
Thank you so much, Diana! It’s definitely a work in progress, but I love the idea of defining one’s own space regardless of the budget. I’ve seen rooms re-done for $50 that were way better than the spaces that cost thousands to redecorate. It’s all about your perspective.
And I think your decorating style is just lovely. I’ve always admired it. :)
You have definitely been an inspiration to me! And thank you. But I know I’m ready for some fresh changes. We’ll see what happens :)
Best of luck with your house hunting/selling. We’ve picked up and started fresh more times than I can count, and I am so glad we found a place to call home!
I’m sure that’s a relief to finally be anchored! I hope we can say the same soon.
When you find your new home, it will be the perfect place and what fun you will have decorating. There’s nothing like new paint colors, a few new accessories to revive the soul. I’m so glad you stopped by to say hello.