Last night felt like the end of an era.
Nearly a decade ago, when I first began sharing my home, I had just moved into a builder‑beige house with very little money for decorating. It was the tail end of the recession and I’d recently lost my job, so furnishing our new place was more about creativity than cash.
With a one‑year‑old and time to spare, I threw myself into projects. That period also marked the rise of the farmhouse decorating trend — practical, approachable, and affordable. Pallet projects were everywhere; I remember scouring the curb for pallets and turning them into furniture and accents for years. The farmhouse look resonated then because many of us needed budget‑friendly ways to furnish our homes.
One of my earliest projects was a DIY farmhouse table. I’d received a circular saw for my birthday and saved up for a Kreg Jig, then convinced my husband I could build a table for around $100 plus tools. He agreed, and that first project sparked a new chapter: I discovered I could make beautiful, functional pieces with lumber and a few basic tools.
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That first table was born from necessity and stubborn optimism. The build went well, and I soon added benches, storage pieces, and small accents built by hand. Those projects launched this blog and eventually turned into a full‑time income, freeing me from the need to DIY every single piece. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s followed along and supported us.
When we moved into the home we now live in, I realized it wasn’t a farmhouse house. I believe in listening to a home and decorating within its natural style. While a few farmhouse pieces can work almost anywhere, my 1990s traditional Cape Cod didn’t feel like the right setting for the rustic table — or the matching bench and media console I’d made.
So last night I sold the farmhouse table and matching bench to a dear friend whose home suits that aesthetic perfectly. I couldn’t let it go without styling it one last time, so I set a final spring tablescape that honored the raw, rustic beauty that piece brought into our lives. I’ll be selling the media console next, once I replace it with something that fits this house better.
This table launched my DIY journey and served our family well. It hosted ordinary dinners and holiday gatherings, and it helped me discover a passion that became a career. I’m comforted knowing it will continue to be loved and used by another family.
Moving on doesn’t erase those memories. This last tablescape was my quiet thank‑you to the piece that started it all — a simple, seasonally inspired display that highlighted its grain, imperfections, and character.
As I plan the next chapter for this house, I’m embracing a different direction. I’ve grown fond of the “grandmillennial” style, which feels like a natural match for our 1990s home — think traditional details, patterned textiles, vintage influences, and layered finishes. When we first walked through, the house had a Home Alone–style vibe: lots of wallpaper, detailed trim, and bold patterns. Much of that was painted over before we arrived, but returning to a more traditional look feels authentic to the bones of this home.
In the coming months I’ll share more about how I’m interpreting traditional and grandmillennial elements here — how I’m translating them into a layered, comfortable home that still feels fresh. For now, I’m taking a brief moment of quiet appreciation for the farmhouse pieces that started everything and for the community that’s grown around this blog. Thank you for being part of this journey.
It’s the end of one era and the beginning of another — and I couldn’t be more excited for what comes next.
Dining Room Sources:
Crystal Glasses – my great‑grandmother’s | Woven Chargers | Gold “Silverware” | Napkins | Table Runner | Speckled Eggs | Ceramic Egg Crate | X‑Back Dining Chairs | Hooks in Entry Way | Round Mirror (not available) | DIY Table Tutorial | DIY Bench Tutorial | DIY Buffet Tutorial | Grecian Bust Planter | Faux Potted Mini Orchids | Plates on the Wall – antiques | Other Faux Flowers – local | Block Pattern Blue Pillows | Pink Windowpane Throw Blanket
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- Traditional Dining Room Reveal
- 17 Beautiful Dining Room Chandeliers
- Gold & Greenery Christmas Dining Room