Building My Dream Home: A Journey of Design, Decisions, and Heart

I’ve been holding onto some exciting news, and now I can finally share it—I’m in the thick of building my dream home! This process has been equal parts exhilarating and overwhelming, filled with endless decisions, from the big-picture floor plans down to the smallest hardware finishes. Working with my design team has been a dream (though, let’s be real, not without its challenges!), and I can’t wait to bring you along as this vision comes to life.

For those who love behind-the-scenes peeks, I’ve been sharing real-time updates on Instagram—everything from mood boards to on-site progress shots. But as I prepare to say goodbye to my current home over the next year, I’ve been feeling nostalgic about all the love and labor we poured into making it our own. Today, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the renovations that transformed our first house into a home we truly adored. Plus, I’ll spill the details on where we saved, where we splurged, and how we struck that perfect balance between practicality and luxury.

The Emotional Side of Building (and Leaving) a Home

There’s something bittersweet about moving on from the place where so many memories were made. This house saw us through milestones, lazy Sundays, and even a few DIY disasters (lesson learned: never attempt to tile your own backsplash without watching at least five tutorials first). But as much as I’ll miss it, I’m thrilled to take everything we’ve learned and pour it into creating a space that’s even more “us.”

Building from the ground up is a whole different ballgame. Every decision feels monumental—like choosing the right layout that will flow seamlessly for daily life or debating between quartz and marble countertops (a surprisingly emotional debate, by the way). But the freedom to customize every detail? Absolutely priceless.

Renovation Reflections: Where We Saved vs. Where We Splurged

When we first tackled renovations in our current home, we quickly realized that not every upgrade needs to break the bank—but some are worth every penny. Here’s a breakdown of our biggest takeaways:

The Splurges That Paid Off

• Cabinets: We opted for custom cabinetry in the kitchen, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The storage solutions and high-quality finishes made such a difference in both function and aesthetic.
• Hardwood Flooring: We upgraded to solid hardwood instead of engineered, and years later, it still looks brand new. A worthy investment for sure.
• Lighting Fixtures: Statement lighting became the jewelry of our home. A stunning chandelier or unique sconces can elevate an entire room.

The Savvy Saves That No One Noticed

• Tile: Instead of splurging on high-end tile everywhere, we mixed in affordable options in low-impact areas (like the laundry room) and saved the luxury picks for focal points (hello, primary bathroom!).
• Decor: Trendy accent pieces can get expensive fast, so we shopped sales, thrifted vintage finds, and even DIY’d some artwork. The result? A curated look without the designer price tag.
• Hardware: Swapping out builder-grade knobs and pulls for stylish, budget-friendly alternatives made a huge difference—without the custom price.

What’s Next? A Peek Into the Dream Home Process

Now that we’re starting fresh, I’m approaching this build with a mix of excitement and hard-earned wisdom. Here’s what’s top of mind:

• Open-Concept Living: After years in our current layout, we’re prioritizing seamless flow between spaces, especially for entertaining.
• Smart Storage: Custom closets and built-ins are non-negotiables this time around. Lesson learned: you can never have too much storage.
• Outdoor Oasis: We’re dreaming big with the outdoor space—think a cozy fireplace lounge and maybe even a pool (fingers crossed!).

Of course, there will be hurdles (permits, timelines, and the inevitable “why did we think this would be easy?” moments), but that’s all part of the adventure.

Join the Journey!

I’ll be documenting every step of this process—the triumphs, the setbacks, and all the design dilemmas in between. For daily updates, follow along on Instagram, but I’ll also share deeper dives here for those who want to save tips or revisit our progress.

And to anyone else building, renovating, or just daydreaming about their future home: I’d love to hear your stories! What’s your biggest splurge? Any renovation regrets? Drop a comment or send me a DM—let’s swap inspiration and war stories. Here’s to creating spaces that feel as special as the memories we’ll make in them.

P.S. Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll reveal the design palette we’ve chosen—spoiler: it’s equal parts timeless and unexpected! 🏡✨