A home is a mirror of one’s personality, memories, and experiences, embodying the essence of who we are and the stories we carry.

For over 20 years, the kids and I lived in many houses, some temporarily owned but most rented. Although each house served as the backdrop for homework, holidays. happiness and heartaches, few of them reflected who were were, most were neutral and hid our joie de vivre or some might say quirkiness. Being in the Army and moving frequently meant that I focused on order on the edge of chaos, consistency in hours or periods of uncertainty and quality time when the quantity was often limited but I rarely focused on turning our short-term houses into sanctuaries, comfortable museums with exhibits of us.

We often reminisce about the house with the “jungle yard” and “fort” for playing laser tag, or the one on Knoll Road with the mailbox that our friend hit more than once when leaving or the 3rd floor apartment in California when the “rainbow” park near by but our favorite memories aren’t tied to a house but rather our experiences.

Since retiring from the military, I have become more deliberate in creating spaces, comfortable and lived in rooms with colors, textures and pieces that represent my life fully lived, travels here and abroad and my own brand of quirkiness that prefers everything a little unbalanced.

Though clean lines, monochromatic styles are not for me, don’t be afraid to create your space. Make your home the sanctuary you need but my advice is to live in it, life is not a showroom. When changing a room or even “decorating” a new one, think of its use, how much time you will spend in it and how you want to feel in that space. Think of your favorite memories, a place where you have been at peace or even an object that you love and build around it.

Ignoring the TV, it is football season. It is also winter in West Virginia and winter months are often gray and cold but this space was created to transcend climate and provide the feeling of warmer, relaxing days maybe on the Mediterranean or perhaps in the Keys. I will be incorporating a pop of contrasting color with window treatments and perhaps a new chair in the future.

Many of the pieces I have purchased throughout the years are vintage, some found in antique stores or thrifting. My rule for buying something decorative is always “where do I see it in a room” and if there is no answer, it stays in the shop.

I prefer plants in any space where I spend longer periods of time, there are good for the air and even better for my spirit.

This is my home office with some seasonal flair. The center piece is a photo of my favorite street in Charleston, on a dark, rainy night. I spend many hours in my office and chose to surround myself with colors and textures that stimulate my mind.

There is no right or wrong in creating a space, only a blank canvas upon which you paint your masterpiece, perhaps it is bold and dramatic or impressionistic and muted, but it should never be blank and without expression.

Encourage your unique expression and let your home tell your story. Whether bold or subtle, chaotic or orderly, every detail reflects who you are. I invite you to share your personal style and the stories behind your space—your creativity can inspire others to craft their own sanctuary. Let us celebrate the diversity of design and the beauty of individual expression. I will share mine.