Janessa Leoné Packable Straw Fedora

No formal dining room? No problem. Here’s how to create a cozy dining area with an open concept floor plan.

-Ground the space to create a clear visual boundary: maybe it’s with a large rug but in our case, we sourced this stunning banquette and had it reupholstered.
-Choose the right table, one that fits comfortably but doesn’t overwhelm.
-Define with lighting—a statement pendant instantly makes it feel like its own “room.”
-Keep the flow in mind-chairs should feel connected, not crowded

If you’ve got an open-concept layout, don’t fight it design for it.

It’s funny how the things you don’t notice in a space end up being the ones that make the biggest impact. In our opinion good design isn’t just how a space looks- but how it functions too. We always strive to match the lifestyle of those that live there.
I imagine how it will feel to move through a new space making it as effortless as possible.

Today on the blog we will be diving into all these details. Which one of these elements do you love the most?

We built this life on love, hard work, and a whole lot of dreaming.

I was 17 when I met Derrick. The thought of that alone makes me teary. I don’t think you ever really grasp how much life you’ll walk through with someone when you first fall in love—how many versions of yourselves you’ll grow into, how much change you’ll experience together.

Somewhere between then and now, we have built a life. One that looks nothing like we thought it would, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything. 27 years married, three kids, countless homes, and more chapters than I can count. It hasn’t always been easy. We’ve had to start over, take leaps of faith, and rebuild from scratch. When Derrick lost his job several years ago, we had a choice—to let it break us or to build something new. So we built. A business, a dream, a life that feels deeply ours.

And somehow, through all of it, he’s still my favorite person. The one I want to tell every little thing to, the one who makes me laugh when I need it most, the one I choose—over and over again.

So if you’re new here, welcome! This is us. A family who believes home should be a place where you want to linger longer. Thoughtful design, cozy spaces, and a lot of heart. Oh, and meet Lucy—our golden retriever who thinks she runs the place.

And if you don’t know this song… you’re definitely younger than us. 😉

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the other love stories out there!❤️

Life is Short. Make it Beautiful. ✨✨