Sometimes my drive gets the best of me. That strong desire to get to the next thing clouds my enjoyment of the here and now. While I love the process, I work hard towards the finish, and when I get there I immediately start thinking of my next marathon – often forgetting to enjoy what I had just accomplished. (Let’s get something straight, running a REAL marathon will never be on my list of to do’s.)
Too often I feel that way about our house. We’ve come a very long way. It started with lots of wallpaper, poor quality carpet, and oak everywhere. When I moved in to Micah’s bachelor pad I didn’t have a clue about decorating – I just knew what I didn’t like. My mother-in-law taught me a lot and then I engulfed myself in the internet and really began to hone my personal style. We’ve done some pretty big things to this house. Like knocking out a wall between the kitchen and living room…
adding wood floors, changing all the hardware, and upgrading trim…
putting lots of love into our kids’ rooms, including some wainscoting in the nursery….
adding a fence…
and building a multi-level deck and pergola.
We’ve painted cabinets and updated countertops.
We’ve finished the basement and made a space for the kids to call their own.
And we’ve tiled, and tiled, and tiled. (Still a few more week’s before the bathroom’s reveal!)
We’ve put so much of ourselves into this home, and it is with mixed feelings that I let you know we will be selling it. The sign goes in the yard Monday. Like so many races I’ve run, I’ve had the next one in mind for a long while now. And often times that mentality keeps you from appreciating what you’ve got in the moment. “In our next home…” “Well, our next house will have more room…” “We can do that in the next house…”
But for now I’ll just be enjoying what we have in the here and now. I’ll be taking in all of our hard work (mostly my husband’s) and all that we’ve done and gone through in this house. How much we’ve grown, in number and hopefully a bit of wisdom, and how much I’ve learned through the process.
Charlotte Smith says
So many beautiful upgrades! Congrats and good luck! I have to remind myself the same things when I get frustrated with our own home…man, it was a dump when we bought it. I'd love to think this will be it, but I wouldn't be surprised if we outgrow it eventually! So hard! Happy sales!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Charlotte! It's so easy to get caught up in all of the things you'd like different, instead of focusing on the good, isn't it? Have a lovely weekend!
Emily Palmier says
Your home is so beautiful!! Enjoy your last days there!! 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Emily!
Catherine Hansen Peart says
Good luck on the sale! Where are you moving to?? Not literally of course (stalker alert!). Just curious if you are moving states, cities or within the same neighbourhood etc.
Karen @ a house full of sunshine says
I understand those mixed emotions! We've moved several times in our marriage, and while it's always exciting to start a new phase, I feel like I leave a little bit of myself behind in each place we've lived. Loving all these photos you've shared! You've done a beautiful job of this house!
Karen | a house full of sunshine
themakerista@gmail.com says
Exactly. Thanks so much, Karen! It's nice to hear I'm not alone in these feelings. It's exciting, but your home feels like a haven and to change that is still a little difficult.
Julia Konya says
Get out! That is big news!
And I will never run a real marathon either. It's just not me 😉 I'm really competitive in other things but not when it comes to running 😉
Rachel Rardon says
You should be so proud of what you have accomplished – your home is beautiful! I hope you find the perfect buyer who can appreciate what you have done and your attention to details. Cheers to you!
themakerista@gmail.com says
That's sweet, Rachel and yes, I hope we find someone who will love it for what it is and appreciate the work we've put into it. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
craziness! best of luck to you!!!
Brandi says
You and your husband know what works best for your family. Wishing your family the best! You'll make beautiful new memories in your next home.
Ginger Bell says
I absolutely love your style, and have to admit, I LOVE it when designers I admire buy news houses – purely selfish reasons. I love seeing all the transformations from scratch. I love you what you have done with your current house, and am so excited to see what you will do in the new house you buy.
themakerista@gmail.com says
You're sweet, thanks Ginger! And thanks for calling me a designer, something I am far from! Very flattering. 🙂 I know what you mean, some of my favorite bloggers to follow are those who are renovating a home…it's so exciting to watch! Thanks for following along with me!
Lisa McKell says
Where is that rug in your kitchen from??? I love it and need it in mine!
themakerista@gmail.com says
The rug is from Homegoods, Lisa. I got it about a year ago, but I noticed the last few times I was there that they had similar rugs in lots of different colors – I even saw this same pattern in a different color. Thanks for reading and I hope you can find one!
Sarah says
Knocking out that wall does wonders (not that I've seen the before). I was just thinking to comment on how crazy I am about your floorplan when I scrolled a bit to read that you'd been the brain and brawn of making it that way. Truly gorgeous home, Gwen! You've really got a knack. Can I ask what that cool tone is on the living room wall? And, where are you guys headed? Staying in the area, I hope!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Sarah! The living room wall color is a custom color, but you can find the info in this post. We're planning to stay pretty close to where we are now, probably Lee's Summit area. With family and so many friends around, it's hard to go too far. 🙂 Hope you're doing well!
Ashley Brown says
Wow! What a gorgeous house! I'm excited for your next adventure!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Ashley!
noey meirowsky says
Gorgeous home! You've obviously put a lot of heart and love into making it a home. I am sure the next one will be full of the same!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Noey! I'm hopeful to find something we can make our own, again. 🙂
Jennie says
I love your style and your blog, and I look forward to seeing what you do next. Good luck with the sale!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for following along, Jennie!
Summer Hogan says
You're home is so gorgeous! I can't wait to see what you do with the next one!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Summer!
Autumn Beach says
Ahhhhhh!!! This is SO exciting, Gwen!! To a blog junkie like myself, this means an abundance of glorious posts documenting the transition of a house to a home. I am going to LOVE "joining" you in this journey. Why am I JUST NOW reading this?! I check your blog almost daily! Alas, I am behind in my blog reading. Only to miss this big news. Oh well. Best of luck in the selling and finding departments! I think you should start looking in the Shawnee, KS area. 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
I'm hoping that will be the case, Autumn! I'm excited to move on, but also have mixed feelings. Hope you're doing well!
Bethany DeVore says
Your home is so beautiful, I'm sure it will sell quickly! Can't wait to see you work your magic on a new place!
Tracy Laverty says
That is big news! I hope it sells quickly for you. You have beautiful style and your home is lovely. What a great adventure.
Gypsy Heart says
Such a gorgeous home! Your taste is very much like mine…love your use of color. Best wishes on selling and finding the next perfect home for you and your family!
xo
Pat
megitys says
Oh my goodness! I just looked up your listing and I'm moving to MO! Seriously. My house is 1,000 sq ft less and waaaaaaaaaay less beautiful with a sad, sad yard "valued" at just a little less then your listing. Your home is beautiful! I love everything that you have done with it! Good luck selling (don't think you'll need it) and looking forward to your next adventure
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
You should be so proud of all the hard work you two have put into your home. Whoever the next family is will have something beautiful 🙂 xo Kristin
Natasha says
Not quite sure how I found your blog but I have to say I totally smitten with your style, that nursery is so unique while being soft & lovely…love it! New follower here, I'll be adding you to my blogroll in my sidebar, good luck on the move & can't wait to see more from you!
Natasha
http://www.littlepinkmonster.com
themakerista@gmail.com says
Oh, thanks so much, Natasha! Happy to have you reading!
laura Madalene says
That looks great – I would have loved to win it!! I am always looking for new home decor ideas. I'll be back to read more in the future.
house-design
Shavonda@AHomeFullOfColor says
Geesh ive been so busy with my own house selling and buying adventure that Im just getting to play catch up. Im so excited for your news and your new adventure. Happy listing and happy selling my friend:)