MASTER BEDROOM REFRESH

On a day around the last week of August when I step outside, I can feel it - a nearly imperceptible shift in the air. Something known by heart; The transition coming. Standing on the precipice of a season holding shadowy depths veiled just behind sunshine, of which my soul longs to drink. The autumnal breeze catching me, and then surrounding me. My mood settling into the richness the season will offer, a tune which buoys my creative heart. Welcome, September.

At the start of this year, I had set out with the intention of embarking on a couple of projects in our home that we have been wanting to work on for some time. One of which was a master bedroom update. While we still have a bit of a ways to go, I thought I would share with you what it is looking like today, and the updates we have made thus far. Continue reading “MASTER BEDROOM REFRESH”

SPRING HOME REFRESH

Hi there, everyone, and happy Spring! The sun outside my home has been shining for over a week, the weather is getting warmer - bringing with it the thawing of a hard, icy ground, and when I open my windows to breathe in the fresh air, I can hear birds chirping and singing away.

With all of the extra time at home right now, along with being able to tangibly see a turning of the seasons, I couldn’t help but have my thoughts and heart stirring towards change. Part of that for me, always, is freshening up my home. Though I do so quite simply, and largely with what I already have, I find moving items around the home can make an impact, and feel as though you have redecorated with just a few adjustments here and there.

I always desire for The Porch Light Cottage to be a place of peace, inspiration, and encouragement. Though I want to stay positive, I would feel remiss if I were not to acknowledge that there is a lot of uncertainty and concern in our society right now amidst the current outbreak. Continue reading “SPRING HOME REFRESH”

A HYGGE HOME

During the winter months of January and February, things can sometimes feel a little dreary. The holidays are over, and where I live we still have to endure a few bitterly cold, dark, and often gloomy months. Though it’s a new year, which can be an exciting time for fresh starts and resolutions, it’s also been coined as the most “depressing” time of the year. Understanding this, I believe that practicing mindfulness in our daily lives is of the utmost importance. I have wanted to write a post on this for quite awhile, and what better time than when people are lamenting the cold weather, and noticing those holiday feelings from the previous month fading further from their minds. Continue reading “A HYGGE HOME”

SIMPLE WINTER TABLE STYLING

Happy 2020, everyone! I hope you had an absolutely wonderful holiday season; that you were able to slow down an enjoy some moments, and that you made many memories with your loved ones. We are just over a week into a brand new decade - how wild! As we all know, a new year is a time where people across the board do some reflection on their life. Whether that is looking at the past year and taking note of what they enjoyed most and felt good about, or looking ahead to the coming one and determining new goals they want to set, experiences they want to have, or general themes to cultivate, the vast majority of people tend to search themselves for these things and get excited about the promise of a fresh start. I love the idea of being very mindful in our day-to-day, so I think it’s wonderful that the concepts of self-improvement and awareness, as well as gratefulness, are acknowledged on such a grand scale during this time of year. Continue reading “SIMPLE WINTER TABLE STYLING”

MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS HOME - PT. 2

It’s so nice to be sharing with you again so soon, friends. I find my creativity and motivation to do more writing, photography, and blog posts really comes alive leading up to the Christmas season. So, hello! As my American friends are celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend, it’s an indicator that December is right around the corner. I can’t believe beginning next week we are only a mere 25 days away. For me, it does kind of become “Christmas month”, as I am decorating, baking, listening to beloved holiday songs, and making plans for the latter part of the month in advance. My husband usually takes some extra time off work starting the week before Christmas too, so that we can soak up the season together. I am so looking forward to all of these things. We also just arrived home yesterday from a snowy mountain getaway, which definitely brings on the holiday feels.

Continue reading “MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS HOME - PT. 2”

MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS HOME - PT. 1

It’s that time of year once again - the season that so many of us look forward to all year long. I know I say it every year, but Christmas truly is my absolute favourite time. Strolling through Christmas markets hand in hand with your love, sipping a hot chocolate, observing all the hustle and bustle while bundled up to keep warm. Enjoying plentiful time with family and friends at holiday gatherings and family dinners. Watching from your windowsill as snow falls gently down, illuminated by the twinkling lights on houses up and down the street. Seasonal baking in the kitchen with a glass of mulled wine, and your favourite Christmas songs playing in the background. Watching Christmas movies while snuggled up under a cozy blanket. Giving gifts, thoughtfully wrapped up in pretty packaging. Sharing in meaningful family traditions that bring a lightness to your heart. This season is filled with an abundance of joy, and time to create memories you’ll cherish for years to come. Continue reading “MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS HOME - PT. 1”

AUTUMN AT HOME

The seasons are changing quickly here, and it causes a stirring in me. It’s always about this time of year where I find myself in eager anticipation of the holidays, yet I try my hand at steady patience - to have myself wait a little while longer, lest I overlook the joys possible during this particular stretch of autumn; The time where the days are still long enough, and warm enough, to enjoy an evening walk, breathing crisp air as the very last of the departed leaves flutter to nature’s floor. When the hours remain readily open, and we may savour the time given to us by filling them slowly and deliberately, prior to each moment brimming with activity and excitement by the very essence of the season. Where upon looking outside, we are greeted with a lovely burnt colour palette and the radiant glow of the sun, before the cold suppresses nature into latency and whiteness. It’s a time of looking ahead with elation, and a tangible lightness to my heart, before ultimately wishing time would just slow down and hold us longer in the holiday moments we cherish most. Ah yes, I think late autumn is truly full of all kinds of beauty. Continue reading “AUTUMN AT HOME”

AUTUMN LIVING ROOM

Oh autumn, my absolute favourite season overall. I know this strays a bit from the norm, but I am someone who really doesn’t feel sad to see summer leave, and to welcome the beginnings of the season changing to fall. I’m not one for super hot weather - good thing I live in Canada - so after a couple of weeks of scorching temperatures and sun, I feel overjoyed when we finally get that cooler weather front rolling in, like we have had this week. I asked my husband the forecast yesterday, and without skipping a beat he said, “It’s about 12 degrees (53 F) and overcast, so perfect for you outside.” He knows me so well! Seriously, give me all the gloomy skies and crisp autumn air. It’s absolutely perfect for lighting candles all over the house, listening to soft music, and cozying up in my reading chair with a cup of tea and fuzzy socks. This is why autumn is also my favourite season to transition to for decor Continue reading “AUTUMN LIVING ROOM”

SIMPLE SPRING HOME STYLING

Hello everyone, and happy March!
Well, it seems like the groundhog got it right this year, as where I live we continue to have so much snow, and it is still quite cold out most days. We even have another blizzard blowing through right as I sit here and write this! However, we did have some sunshine yesterday, so I am holding out hope that spring is not too far around the corner. Though I personally don’t mind the cooler temperatures, I always enjoy being able to freshen things up around our home for a new season. Spring is often where I tend to spend more time really assessing my decor, and how I want to bring our home out of those winter days, and into the newness that would mirror nature and it’s arrival of new life during this season. Continue reading “SIMPLE SPRING HOME STYLING”

A VALENTINE’S DAY BRUNCH TABLESCAPE

Hi again, friends. I hope you have all had a wonderful week so far.
It has taken me awhile to get back into the swing of things this year, but I have definitely been enjoying freshening up our home for the new season over the past couple of weeks. Though I usually feel a little sad after the holidays are over, there is just something about cleaning up and putting things away after Christmas that makes me feel so much more organized and relaxed. It also usually gives me a little boost of motivation (even if that’s often short-lived, haha) to get some projects done (just ask my husband, who has been hanging things on walls all over the house this past week or so… thanks, honey!). Do any of you feel this way, too?
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I thought it would be so fun to share some ideas with you on how you can get into the spirit of this often overlooked holiday. Continue reading “A VALENTINE’S DAY BRUNCH TABLESCAPE”