Embracing Authenticity: A Glimpse into My Eclectic Home Featured on Glitter Guide

Hello, wonderful friends and fellow home decor enthusiasts!

I hope this beautiful Wednesday finds you well and inspired. My heart is truly overflowing with gratitude after the incredible outpouring of love and support you all showed for my recent feature on Glitter Guide. Waking up to a flurry of emails, texts, and social media tags was such a delightful surprise, especially since I had no idea when the feature would go live. Being on the West Coast meant many of you saw it before I did – a truly humbling experience! I’ve been a long-time admirer and dedicated follower of Glitter Guide, particularly their insightful “Style At Home” series, so to be included among the inspiring homes they showcase is an immense honor I still can’t quite believe.

The Hesitation: Why I Almost Said No to the Spotlight

To be completely transparent, agreeing to this feature was a decision I truly wrestled with. In fact, I came very close to politely declining the invitation. When I was first approached, my initial reaction was pure surprise, quickly followed by a wave of apprehension. I genuinely didn’t believe my home would seamlessly fit into Glitter Guide’s beautifully curated aesthetic. My personal style is, by nature, eclectic and often unconventional – qualities I didn’t readily associate with the polished, often aspirational interiors typically gracing their pages. This created a significant sense of nervousness.

Beyond stylistic concerns, there was the undeniable reality of our home’s current state. As many of you know, we are still very much in the early stages of bringing our vision to life. Literally every single room felt incomplete, a perpetual work-in-progress. I distinctly remember the kitchen having visible holes in the walls at the time of the inquiry, and my immediate thought was, “You want to bring a camera where?! Uh-uh, no thanks!” The idea of exposing our imperfect, evolving space felt daunting.

Embracing the “Real” Home: A Shift in Perspective

However, after much contemplation, a powerful realization dawned on me: this unfinished, raw state is precisely what our home looks like right now. It’s certainly rough around the edges, a mosaic of ongoing projects and future dreams, but above all, it’s undeniably real. In a world increasingly saturated with seemingly perfect, immaculately styled homes on social media, I felt a deep pull to celebrate authenticity. I decided it was crucial for me to champion this genuine, lived-in reality, rather than waiting for some elusive state of perfection. Our homes are a journey, not a static destination, and there’s immense beauty in every stage of that evolution.

Behind the Scenes: Pre-Shoot Panic and the Power of Friendship

I won’t lie – despite my decision to embrace the “real,” the days leading up to the photoshoot were filled with a fair share of panic. My mind raced with all the things I didn’t have, the decorative elements I hadn’t acquired, and the sheer lack of time to get everything “perfect.” The pressure to present a visually appealing space for a prominent platform like Glitter Guide was intense. I found myself obsessing over every bare corner, every unadorned wall, and every space that felt just a little too empty.

A Lifeline from a Dear Friend

This is where the incredible generosity of friends truly shone through. Luckily, my sweet friend Brittany – yes, *that* Brittany! How lucky am I, right? – stepped in like a styling angel. She graciously offered to let me borrow some stunning rugs from her collection. This gesture was an absolute lifesaver. Those rugs weren’t just floor coverings; they were transformative pieces that instantly infused warmth, texture, and character into several of the rooms. They helped anchor the spaces, making them feel less sparse and more intentionally designed, even with all the other unfinished elements. A massive thank you, babe, for your unwavering support and impeccable taste!

This experience truly highlighted the collaborative spirit that often fuels the creative community. It’s a wonderful reminder that we don’t have to tackle everything alone, and sometimes, a little help from a friend can make all the difference, not just in styling, but in boosting confidence and alleviating stress.

Defining My Eclectic Style: A Journey of Self-Expression

My home, much like my life, is a reflection of many different stories, experiences, and evolving tastes. When I described my aesthetic as one I “wouldn’t readily associate” with Glitter Guide’s typical features, it wasn’t a critique of their style, but rather an acknowledgment of my own deeply personal and often unconventional approach to decorating. For me, “eclectic” isn’t just a trend; it’s a philosophy. It means embracing pieces from various eras, mixing high and low, combining unexpected textures, and allowing my personal narrative to dictate the design choices, rather than adhering to a single, rigid style.

Cultivating Authenticity in Every Corner

This approach allows for incredible freedom. Instead of chasing fleeting trends, I focus on what truly resonates with me – pieces that tell a story, evoke a feeling, or simply bring joy. This could be a vintage find discovered at a flea market, a modern piece of art, a plant that adds life, or a handmade item with sentimental value. The beauty of an eclectic home lies in its ability to constantly evolve and surprise, much like our lives. It’s a space that feels collected over time, rich with personality, and inherently comfortable.

For those feeling pressured to achieve a “perfect” look, I wholeheartedly encourage you to lean into your own unique taste. Your home should be a sanctuary that reflects *you*, your memories, and your aspirations, not a showroom dictated by current trends. Embrace the oddities, the imperfections, and the stories that make your space uniquely yours. It’s a journey of discovery and self-expression, and there’s no right or wrong way to get there.

The Full Tour: A Deeper Dive into Our Lived-In Space

If you’re curious to see more of our perfectly imperfect, genuinely lived-in home and read the accompanying interview where I delve deeper into my design philosophy and the realities of decorating an evolving space, the full tour is now live and waiting for you right here. I truly hope it offers inspiration and a sense of camaraderie, reminding you that beautiful homes are not always picture-perfect from day one, but rather grow and transform alongside us.

Thank you, once again, from the bottom of my heart, for all your incredible love and unwavering support. Your enthusiasm truly makes sharing these personal moments so much more meaningful. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I’m particularly mindful of all the things I’m grateful for: my home, my community, and the amazing connections I’ve made through this journey.

Have a truly wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving, friends. May your homes be filled with warmth, laughter, and authentic joy.

Until next time…

Xo-Shavonda

*All beautiful images captured by Michelle Drewes exclusively for Glitter Guide