What do you do to make everyday special? Do you do anything to celebrate the smaller, ordinary moments, or are you happy to let life wander on?
Recently, I’ve given this a lot of thought, particularly as the house was being renovated. Being at home all day, every day, trying to work and liaising with builders, I’ve found the intrusion more and more difficult. I haven’t been too bothered by the mess, dirt and dust but more the lack of privacy and complete feeling that I’m an intruder in my own home.
This week I’m celebrating that, after almost 4 months, the builders have left. The scaffolding is coming down and we can start to get our home back to some kind of normality. I appreciate that this all sounds a little self-indulgent, and I know we are incredibly lucky to be able to afford to have the work done, and indeed, very lucky to have our own home. Many don’t. But it’s led me to think a lot about what home means to us.
For me, it’s made me realise how connected I am to the space, and how I feel so safe here. I knew that, but having people working here for 4 months, using it as their workplace (with respect), has made me feel very much like an intruder in my own house. I’ve felt a lack of security. I’ve felt intimidated at times, not able to use parts of the house, understandably, and having to live with tools and builder’s gadgets outside my bedroom door. (Well for much of the time we had a builder’s sheet as a bedroom door anyway).
I made sure I had one room which remained clean, tidy, and out-of-bounds to builders which helped. But I’ve been surprised at how unsettled I’ve felt. And when the work started going wrong, and became quite delayed, how dark it made me feel.
So, today I am celebrating. The house is quiet and calm, much of the dirt and mess is cleaned up, and we are starting to organise our things and fill the new cupboards. I’ve teamed up with Waterford Crystal, as their new site, Live.Love.Toast has great synergy with how I’m feeling. The images in this post, a sneak peek into the completed loft bedroom, show the beautiful Tina Bud Vase from the Waterford Crystal Fleurology collection, a stunning range designed by Jeff Leatham.
Live.Love.Toast is a space which shares people’s stories about celebrating but also offers inspiration to elevate more everyday moments into a celebration. It has recipes, party information and outfit suggestions, all done with style and class.
If you want to share your celebration story, or how you elevate the everyday moment, you can share it on Twitter with @live_love_toast using the hashtag #LiveLoveToast
Me, I’m going to glory in my peaceful home, live simply for a few weeks and enjoy the calm.
Images: All Jen Stanbrook
This is a collaborative post.
Jen is an interiors writer and blogger and has an insatiable love of home style and decor
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I know how it feels with builders in your space, definitely unsettling. Our last major renovation lasted 6 months, we had to move out for sanity’s sake. Hopefully it won’t last for much longer for you and something to look forward to at the end. x
Amazing that they have gone and that the work has been done in time for Christmas. I hate having house guests for too long let alone builders for four months so I can definitely sympathise. Enjoy, relax and I can not wait to see the finished space. Beautiful styling too xx
You must be so pleased they’re out of your hair! Builders create such mess and havoc, but it’s worth it in the end. I love the tropical plant print xx
Congratulations on getting your home back Jen. Although it’s been tough it will be so worth it in the end. I hope you love your new space!!
I know what you mean about having builders in, and not always feeling like it’s your house. It’s especially difficult when you’re trying to work from home as well. Four months is a long time. At least they’ve finished now and you can gradually get things back to normal and enjoy your lovely new space!
Glad you’re finally getting some peace and quiet Jen. I’m in love with that coaster btw 🙂
Hey Jen, This is one the interesting blog to read and I have saved your site for such things. I am glad that you are celebrating peace & quite, finally 🙂
Hi Jen, You are expressing in a great way my own experience during the renovation of our farmhouse. But, hey, when things are back to normal it’s worth it and the value of a having a beautiful interior you really enjoy is something to celebrate! By the way, that crystal vase looks fabulous.