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Sarah Young's avatar

We've experienced 8 different homes since our eldest child was born 9 years ago, more rentals than not, and across three different countries (none are North America). I LOVE this post.

A few of my thoughts:

- I would rather occupy more space than less, but the furniture requirements are different - we literally purchased entire additional lounge suite for one house, due to the scale of the living areas. What works in one house, (sofa-bed for guests), doesn't necessarily translate to the next. (Also; moving "house/making home" is expensive - financially and energy-wise).

- how much light is in & around a home changes the tone for me immensely. Noise also, though to a lesser extent.

- a view makes SUCH a difference! I'm a nature-girl, so being able to see hills or ocean or green spaces serves my soul. This is also an invitation outdoors, especially for kiddos. This doesn't have to mean million-dollar resort style outlook, but consider the difference between a cement block fence or seeing into someone else's home is very different to a beautiful garden bed, or a sliver of the park up the street.

- how much cleaning/maintenance is required is a consideration for me as a Mama: not entirely size related, some of this is layout, storage, age of home and use of spaces. (# bathrooms, I'm looking at you, 2 is my happy balance, 3 is one too many for my taste).

- I love nooks - to be able to be "close" but not exposed, is a precious gift for my personality.

- I was always a believer that you can host no matter where you live...and intellectually I hold this to be true, but we have experienced one or two "homes" that didn't let us live as ourselves in a healthy way. This significantly limited our hosting in those seasons - why invite people to a space you don't really want to be in and that doesn't serve the purpose of spending time together (sharing something special, beautiful, peaceful, intimate, fun and/or memorable). So thankful to be in a home right now that is a joy to share with others - space, flow and beauty.

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Chelsea's avatar

You have talked a lot in different blog posts and substack posts about your love of hosting. If you’re ever looking for content, I would love to know how you do it in an economical way. I know money is important to you.

Also, your piano/library space is exactly what I’m hoping to do when we invest in a new piano next year!!

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