From empty walls to a warm gathering place — our dining room makeover will always be about more than decorating. It’s about reclaiming space for family, friends and gathering. May the Lord use this space to bring people closer to Him.

I’ve always dreamed of having a dining room—a real one, with space to gather around the table. Now, somehow, we’re just a week and a half away from hosting a Friendsgiving in our home, and I’m finally bringing that dream to life. I started with the wallpaper—an elegant floral from Rifle Paper Co.—and it’s slowly transforming the room into something that feels both cozy and new.

I’ve always loved following design blogs, but I’m not a designer—just a mom who loves creating spaces that feel warm and welcoming. When we moved from our tiny New Jersey home (the one that got forty offers!) to a much larger house in South Carolina, I found myself both grateful and overwhelmed. For the first time, I have a real dining room—a space to gather without squeezing chairs against the wall—and yet I’ve been afraid to decorate it. But I’m learning that creating a home isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up, trying, and letting love fill the space.

It’s not done, but it works. We are turning half of the garage into an office for my husband and I. When you have a small space and a large family, you have to use every square inch with intention.

Small spaces have big potential for coziness and charm. It's not about the size; it's about infusing love and intention into every detail.

In the midst of raising young children, managing a full-time business, a basement renovation, foster care, and even a surprise addition to the family, the past five years have been a whirlwind for me. With barely a moment to spare for anything beyond daily survival, the idea of decluttering and organizing my home felt like a distant dream.

However, in a recent turn of events I suddenly had a little margin and decided to tackle my eleven-year-old and five-year-old daughters' shared bedroom. It's a small space that has posed unique challenges when it comes to keeping it clutter-free. Living in a compact home has taught her that clutter simply has no place. I’ve attempted to give it a quick and cheap refresh.