This is the view I have while sitting in the rocking chair in Nora’s room.
It’s the short hallway between our bedroom and Nora’s bedroom… and it’s honestly one of my favorite places in our home.
The floors, the trim, the light streaming through our bedroom windows.
I love it all.
I love that it’s private — guests don’t often see this part of our house because it’s separate from our main living areas.
I love that it’s home to our only displayed wedding photo.
I love that it proudly features our newest family photo and growth chart.
After we finished renovating this part of our house (Summer of 2011) we set up the nursery and I specifically arranged the furniture so I could see our hallway every time I sat in the rocking chair.
Little did I know how often I would end up in that chair over the next 16 months.
Rocking, feeding, and consoling our sleepless babe.
All with this view.
One of my favorite views in our home.
Little did I know how many times my tired feet would walk our hallway in the middle of the night.
The 14 steps from our bed to Nora’s.
The cold but smooth wood floors beneath me as I paced.
Even in the dark of night, there is always enough light to reflect off the wood… and no matter how tired I am, I {almost} always think how much I love our hallway and that view.
It might seem silly to get so much joy and pleasure from our hallway… but this short hallway is already full of memories. And someday, if we ever move, I think this hallway will be the thing I miss the most. Even more than our new kitchen.
Do you have a place like this in your home?
Sandy says
I love this post. It is wonderful that you realize how special this little private space is and have maximized that. I am away from home and missing all of it but when we remodeled several years ago we replaced the stairway with a hardwood treads and last year replaced the front door with a leaded glass door. That stairway/entry hall is my favorite spot because of the way the light shines in on the hardwood and I love the sound of the kids coming upstairs when they are at home. I never expected that to bring me such joy, just wish I could find a way to sit and enjoy it but it really isn’t in a direct line of site from a comfortable place in the house.
Andrea says
That sounds lovely Sandy — we’re replacing our front door this summer, and I’m also hoping to put hardwood treads on our stairs! So many memories in a home, I’m starting to understand why it’s so difficult for people to move!
Jan says
When you guys did your floors, did you sand the floor between each coat of varnish? My husband and I are installing wood floors in most of our house and thinking about doing the stain and varnish ourselves as well since it’s so expensive to hire it done. We will rent a big sander to do the floor before we stain but didn’t know if it would be necessary to keep to do between coats.
Andrea says
Yes Jan, we sanded between coast of Poly. You can read all about our wood flooring here.
Hannah says
Hi, Andrea; I came across your blog recently while looking for organizing tips online. I am a newly married college student who loves organizing and planning, so I’ve been reading your blog lately. :0)
Just wanted to say this post was so touching, especially when you mentioned it was 14 steps to your little girl’s bedroom. :’) All of the little details–even the fact that the hallway itself is generally considered relatively “little” in importance in most homes–just mean so much to you, I can tell. It’s always wonderful to hear sweet stories from others about how they enjoy life’s little joys and blessings. Thank you for sharing this.
Kim says
Thank you for sharing such a lovely personal part of your haven.
Julie B says
I absolutely understand. My favorite part of my entire house…even with a brand new kitchen is…get this…my window sills. They are 10″ deep, with beautiful lines, moulding…and painted like a lovely picture frame or a gorgeous piece of furniture. Love my sills! And I LOVE what you have done with your place. Great job!
Jenny C. says
Andrea, I love this post! It’s so inspiring & such a great reminder to treasure daily blessings that we often gloss over or take for granted. So, thank you!
Ree Klein says
What a beautiful view into your world. Thanks for sharing, especially for those of us who never had children. It made me smile 🙂
Ree, I blog at http://www.EscapingDodge.com
Amy Wawersik says
Nice! Love the wood floor. Do you remember the brand or where the floor was purchased. The color and style are just what I have been looking for for our kitchen/dining.
Thanks
Andrea says
Thanks Amy, you can read all about our wood floors here.
Mary Dinesen says
Loved this! Could you provide the name of the wall color? I want to repaint my hallway!
Andrea says
Thanks Mary, We used Behr paint in Cottage White
Maria says
That hall is your happy place, part of your sanctuary. Mine is my pale wisteria bedroom, with white trim and black and white curtains. Everything in it used to be depressing shades of tan, and whenever I woke up to it, it discouraged me. So we painted and I put up different curtains.
Now whenever I wake up or walk into that room, peace washes over me. We’re moving soon, and I don’t think I’ll miss any of the rest of the house. But I will remember my bedroom and its peace.
Patty@homemakersdaily.com says
I know what you mean. Mine is a little different. I like to sit in the chair in the family room, with a book, and look outside. We have 6 windows and 2 glass doors in the room and a gorgeous view outside. I love looking through the windows at the beautiful scenery and watching the birds at the feeder. It is SO relaxing. Every time I walk through or pass that room I take a look outside.
Liz says
I totally get it.
When we first moved into our new house, after moving states and quitting jobs and turning our world completely upside down, I’d wake each morning to the sight of this giant tree out in the woods that had an odd angle to it. “Leany Tree”. Yes, I named it. And over the next 7 years, I charted Leany Tree’s progression from one corner of our window to …sadly, fallen.
Each morning, Leany Tree reminded me that this was the path I had chosen. It was a good path. And it was the right path for our family. No matter what sounds of chaos had actually woken me.
This summer…when the wetlands behind our house aren’t so frozen and dangerous, dh is going out to rescue a piece of Leany for me.
So yeah…I totally get home a “view” can mean a lot.
Lauren @ Rustic Honey says
Beautifully written! The simple things bring so much joy! P.S. your growth chart is adorable! I will have to “pin” this for later 🙂
Julie spady says
I love your view. I “get” it!
My baby girls are now 21 and 24.
I can still remember pacing!
Fond memories.