Four Things That Make Me Feel Instantly at Home

Coming home can be such a beautiful thing. We all have those places that just feel right and welcome us in. For me, that place is my house, well, and basically any bookstore I walk into.

I know I am “home” when I get that peaceful feeling of sanctuary. I feel like I am wrapped up in love sourced from this place I have created. 

You know that feeling? It’s the whoosh of relief when you kick off the shoes that you swore were comfortable eight hours ago. It is the comforting smell of a crock pot steaming. The one simmering with a fantastic meal because the past you took time to make the future you dinner. Coming home is the simple cheer that instantly fills your space just by turning on your favorite episode of Modern Family. You know, the one that you can absolutely quote word for word. 

We all have those special ties that make a place a home. Here are four things that make me instantly feel at home. 

1. My Dogs are Waiting to Greet Me

   My three lovely pups are always so happy when I get home, and I’m so happy to see them too. I know this is not a new concept for any dog owner. That is one of the best parts of having a sweet dog that’s filled with love to give. A dog is always ready to cozy up and make you feel welcome. And home is one of my favorite ways to share my love with them in a tangible way. I can create little spaces that are comfortable and accessible to my pets because it is their home too. You may not be able to have a conversation with your dog or be able to understand what every whine or sigh means, but home is something you have in common. You and your fur babies are able to share the lovely tangible experience of home. 

   

2. The Lamp in My Kitchen is Glowing

   No matter the time of day or weather outside, the lamp warms the space. It is like a beacon to come in and stay. I love to leave my lamps on because whenever I come home, the house feels alive and like it was waiting for me. I could turn on the lamp when I get home, but it just hits differently when you come in, and your house is already lit and warm. It feels like everything is ready for your return. 

3. My Vintage Table Sits Ready for Dinner, Breakfast, a Puzzle, or just Some Writing Time 

This beautiful wood table is one of my favorite thrifted treasures. I found it at one of my favorite thrift stores that is about 10 minutes from my house. I usually go every weekend and walk around to see what's new. My husband and I were making our usual trip through the store when we saw this stunning dining table that had elegant spindle legs and hideaway leaves that pull out. It was love at first sight; we both rushed to inspect it further. The store manager (who may also be my sister-in-law) came over and told us that she thought of us when it was donated. We checked out immediately and let her know we would be back later to donate the table that was currently sitting in our dining room. This table isn’t massive, but despite the small surface, I know I can always fit one more around the table. 

4. My Blue Ridge Pottery Plates that Usher in Memories of My Hometown

   Even from across the country, my hometown holds a place in my house. I have multiple walls with a display of plates artfully arranged. They are all Blue Ridge Pottery originals. Delicately hand-painted in Erwin, Tennessee, circa 1916, these plates are a direct connection to the small town I grew up in. I love finding these vintage pieces in antique stores 3,000 miles away from where I grew up and where they were carefully created over a hundred years ago.

   
   

   

   
   

   I have an heirloom set in storage at my mom's house back in Tennessee, but my passion for collecting actually started when I first moved to the Pacific Northwest. About a year after moving, I ran across a set of five plates in a thrift store. I immediately grabbed the top

   plate and ran my fingers across the back where I knew the stamp of authenticity lay. I didn’t know the name of the pattern, but I had seen it on display in homes and stores growing up. I felt like I was in my hometown and couldn’t wait to take them home and display them. After that, I keep an eye out and have picked up pieces each time I run across them. No matter where I find the plate, I know it’s a piece of home that has found me. 

There are many ways to feel the comfort of home. Each home is made special in different ways, and no one expression of home is better than another. Home is something that feels different for everyone, and that is what makes it beautiful.

Love, Amanda