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Reflecting on 2017: A Year of Growth, Creativity, and Unexpected Triumphs

Happy Monday and Happy New Year, friends! I know I’m a good week behind on the festive greetings, but I’m just now fully embracing the fact that it is, indeed, a brand new year. With the kids finally heading back to school from their holiday break tomorrow, and having just recovered from the “flunado” that swept through Naomi and me on New Year’s Eve, I’m happy to report that I’m back up and running. Today, I thought it would be the perfect time to pop in and share a little recap, highlighting the amazing journey that 2017 brought our way. This past year was far more than just 365 days; it was a period packed with lessons, laughter, and significant milestones that truly shaped my path forward.

2017: A Tapestry of Trials and Triumphs

Looking back, 2017 was undeniably a good year. It was interesting, challenging, and profoundly rewarding. For me, it was a year defined by both trials and triumphs, particularly concerning creative content generation, navigating new brand partnerships, fearlessly trying new things, and fostering immense personal growth. Each challenge presented an opportunity to learn, to adapt, and to evolve, while every triumph served as a powerful validation of the hard work and passion poured into this space. It was a delicate balance of pushing boundaries and finding comfort in new achievements, setting a strong foundation for the years to come.

This journey of self-discovery and professional development was rich with moments that truly stood out. From seeing our home featured on a prestigious platform to embarking on exciting collaborations and even receiving national recognition, 2017 was a testament to perseverance and the power of a supportive community. It was a year that taught me the importance of authenticity and the immense value of every single interaction, both online and off. As I delve into the specific highlights, you’ll see how each experience contributed to a year that was, in many ways, transformative.

A Spotlight Moment: Featured on Design Sponge

One of the absolute pinnacles of 2017 was undoubtedly our feature over on Design Sponge! This moment wasn’t just a personal highlight; it was a profound affirmation of the aesthetic and soul we’ve poured into our home. To have our “California family sacrifices square footage for soul” story shared on such an influential platform, known for its discerning eye and celebration of genuine design, was truly a dream come true. The feature explored how we maximized our living space, emphasizing character and personal expression over mere size, a philosophy I deeply believe in and strive to share through my creative content.

Adding another layer of excitement, our feature was then selected by Grace Bonney herself for Best of 2017! When I saw that our unique “dark and moody interior” style had resonated so strongly and made it onto Grace’s coveted list, I nearly lost my mind! It was an incredible validation of our design choices and the unique personality of our cottage bungalow. This recognition from such a respected voice in the design world truly fueled my passion and gave me an even greater sense of purpose in continuing to share our journey and creative projects with all of you. It was a powerful reminder that authentic storytelling and design can truly captivate and inspire.

Embracing New Horizons: Successful Brand Partnerships

Beyond the incredible recognition from Design Sponge, 2017 was also a year brimming with truly fun opportunities to collaborate with various brands on engaging social media content. Partnering with industry leaders like Stainmaster, State Farm, Seventh Generation, Nugget Comfort, and Daniel Wellington was an absolutely amazing experience. These collaborations not only provided exciting creative challenges but also pushed me far beyond my comfort zone.

For a long time, I had harbored a certain hesitation and even fear towards brand partnerships, uncertain of how to best integrate them authentically with my personal style and blog’s voice. However, these experiences proved to be transformative. Each brand brought a unique product or service that I genuinely believed in, allowing me to craft organic and compelling content that resonated with my audience. I learned invaluable lessons in negotiation, content strategy, and creative execution, proving to myself that I could successfully balance genuine recommendation with professional collaboration. These partnerships were instrumental in expanding my creative repertoire and affirmed the potential for sustainable growth within the blogging community, making 2017 a pivotal year for my professional development.

Nurturing Our Nest: Home Projects in the Cottage Bungalow

Here in our beloved cottage bungalow, 2017 was a year of subtle yet significant transformations. While we consciously decided to take a bit of a break from major renovation projects, dedicating this past year to a slightly more relaxed pace, we did manage to tackle a few highly anticipated updates that made a real difference in our daily lives and overall home aesthetic. Sometimes, it’s the smaller, more intentional projects that bring the most joy and impact, and that was certainly true for us this year.

A Dedicated Space: Our Son’s Room Makeover

One of the most fulfilling projects was finally dedicating some much-needed time and energy toward getting our son’s room in order. It was beyond time to focus on creating a personalized and functional space for him, a place where he could grow, play, and feel truly at home. I’m incredibly glad we prioritized this project. We worked diligently to design a room that reflected his personality while also providing practical storage and a serene atmosphere. The initial transformation was just the beginning, and we’ve actually continued to refine and add to his space since then. I’m excited to share those upcoming updates with you all very soon, showcasing the evolution of a truly special sanctuary within our home.

A Splash of Color: Our Kitchen Refresh

Beyond his room, we also embarked on a little kitchen refresh that made a dramatic impact without requiring a full overhaul. Our biggest step in this area was repainting the cabinets a beautiful, vibrant green. This decision brought a fresh, organic feel to the heart of our home, instantly modernizing the space while maintaining its cozy cottage charm. The new color completely transformed the kitchen’s ambiance, proving that sometimes, a simple coat of paint can be the most powerful design tool. It was a project that perfectly aligned with our goal of impactful yet manageable updates, breathing new life into a frequently used area.

Thoughtful Furniture Investments

We also made a few really happy and strategic furniture investments throughout the year. These weren’t impulsive buys, but carefully considered additions that enhanced both the comfort and aesthetic of our home. From a new, inviting sofa that became the hub for family gatherings to unique accent pieces that added character and texture, each purchase was chosen to contribute to our evolving cottage bungalow style. These pieces were more than just furniture; they were investments in creating spaces that truly feel like us – comfortable, stylish, and full of life.

An Anniversary Escape: Exploring Catalina Island

Amidst all the projects and collaborations, we also took time for ourselves. For our anniversary, we explored the beautiful Catalina Island. This escape was a much-needed breath of fresh air, offering a chance to reconnect and create lasting memories. From wandering through charming towns to enjoying the serene coastal views, the island provided the perfect backdrop for celebration and relaxation. It was a wonderful reminder of the importance of stepping away from the daily routine, experiencing new places, and cherishing precious moments with loved ones. These experiences, though separate from our home and work projects, are integral to maintaining balance and fueling creativity.

The Ultimate Validation: Winning a Domino Design Blog Award

Perhaps the biggest triumph and most unexpected highlight from 2017 was being nominated and subsequently winning in the first-ever Domino Design Blog Awards! This moment was an absolute dream come true and arrived at precisely the right time. There had been a period where I found myself questioning whether I even wanted to continue blogging at all, grappling with creative fatigue and uncertainty about the future of this space. Literally, a week after seriously contemplating taking a break, I received an email about being nominated for this prestigious award.

The nomination itself felt like a profound sign, a gentle nudge from the universe encouraging me to keep going. Winning the award was an exhilarating experience, a powerful validation of the years of hard work, dedication, and passion poured into building this blog and fostering a wonderful community. It affirmed that my unique perspective and creative content resonated with a wider audience and with respected industry professionals. I’m definitely taking that as a clear sign that I need to stick around for a bit yet, continuing to share, inspire, and grow alongside all of you. This incredible honor revitalized my spirit and recommitted me to the exciting journey of design blogging.

Looking Forward: Lessons Learned and Exciting Plans for 2018

Honestly, 2017 was a year of profound reflection and introspection. It was a period dedicated to trying new things, rigorously evaluating what truly works for me and what doesn’t, both personally and professionally. It was about strategically deciding where to channel my energy and where to wisely pull back, ensuring that my efforts were aligned with my core values and long-term vision. This discernment was crucial for sustainable growth and maintaining creative integrity. Moreover, it was a year of discovering and nurturing incredible friendships, cultivating deeper relationships within the blogging community and beyond, which has been an unexpected and treasured gift. These connections are the backbone of this journey, providing support, inspiration, and camaraderie.

I am incredibly excited about what all of these reflections and experiences mean as we embark on another brand new year. The lessons learned in 2017 – about resilience, authenticity, and the power of connection – are shaping my intentions for 2018. I have some pretty exciting things already in the works, projects that I’ve been passionately developing and can’t wait to share with all of you. These upcoming ventures promise to bring fresh content, innovative ideas, and even more opportunities to engage and inspire. Wishing everyone a truly wonderful and joyous 2018, filled with new possibilities, creative endeavors, and personal fulfillment. Let’s do this, together!

Until next time, friends… thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.