January - That Hygge Feeling

January was a busy month and the weather was a mixed bag of rain, snow, and a few days warm enough to open the windows. I love quieting the house after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I found myself wanting it to look like less, and set to work creating a feel that was snug, comfortable, and calm. We made several trips to Goodwill, getting rid of as much as we could, before I had a chance to change my mind. When I added something new, I tried to make it as simple as possible. I used flour sack towels for window curtains and made nordic stars from paper bags. I moved things around and used them in new ways and tried to find the balance of cozy yet minimal. It's sort of an American version of a Scandinavian farmhouse, and I think I finally figured it out. I know I've found the feeling when I never want to leave. 

Decorating for Winter

Happy New Year friends! It has been months since I last blogged here. I have been spending a lot of time over on Instagram where I share daily. I need to add the IG link to my blog, but I need to figure out how to do that. If you want to find me there, look for @thelongawaitedhome. 

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice in the Kitchen

I love spending time in my kitchen in the fall.  After a summer of spending long days outdoors, mostly grilling or eating out, I can't wait to start cooking comfort foods again.

Decorating for Fall with Neutrals

The pre-fall weather has been incredibly warm and sunny in New Hampshire. It is a lovely gift considering so many parts are the country are experiencing extreme and devastating weather right now. We take it while we can, knowing there is a long winter ahead of us. Today I'm showing you all our living room decorated for fall.

Teeny Tiny Laundry Room Solutions

Konmari Laundry Room

This is our very small laundry room which is the only downstairs bathroom, so it also serves as our guest restroom. 

Ikea Ektorp Sectional Sofa Update - Lofallet Beige

We have had the Ikea Ektorp sectional sofa for at least 5 years now.  So far I have not grown tired of it and still love the way it looks,  It has held up great under very heavy use and a lot of dog activity as well.  

The Ever-Changing Family Room

Here is our family room as it currently looks.  

This is a truly versatile room.  

It is easy and inexpensive to change 

with the holidays or seasons,

 and yes, 

I am that girl. 

 The one who changes 

with the holidays and the seasons.

Spring/Summer

Brimfield Fair - The Saga of the Perfect Crate

On Saturday, I spent the day at Brimfield Fair in Massachusetts. I went alone, and was probably one of the only loners there. I was on a budget, brought cash, and I was hoping to find a good deal on one of the few items I was in search of. One thing I soon realized, there are not too many bargains at Brimfield Fair. The prices seemed to be consistent with most of the antique shops in my area. I do a lot of browsing at antique shops, but do most of my shopping at yard  sales and such, and love to find something similar to an expensive antique store find for a few dollars. 

White Chippy Rusty Stool

My search for a chair-side table is finally  over. If you know me at all, you know that I can look for the perfect piece forever. Once I have an idea in my mind, I won't settle for something else, and I can be very patient. I have gone well over a year in search of a hutch for a space in my kitchen. My biggest obstacle - price. I won't pay a lot for almost anything. So I search Craigslist, go to yard sales, Goodwill, and keep my eye out on the side of the road. 

Ikea Ektorp Footstool (ottoman) Blekinge White

or

What should you never do with a white Ikea ottoman?

(answer - "put your feet up")

Summer Home Tour 2015

Some folks are calling this summer, but tonight I am enjoying the wood stove for the second time this June. School ends in 2 days and I'm looking forward to the lazy, hazy days ahead. The heavy blankets and sweater pillows are stored away safely until the fall. The house is lightened up for the summer. Welcome to the Long Awaited Home's Summer Tour 2015.

White and Wood Family Room

I have made some subtle changes to the family room.  It is now a completely neutral room.  I just love the white and wood combination.