Victorian Porch

I lived in Southern California for a decade. I missed the four seasons and the feeling of rebirth that the changes brought. I yearned for the smells of a good thunderstorm, the equinox from hot summer to fall days and nights. I missed seasons so much that it hurt.

When I laid eyes on 724, I first noticed how the house is situated amongst the other homes on the block; the second was the front porch. I knew that if this house became ours, this porch would be the perfect front-row seat to the midwest seasons I so deeply missed—because what better place to watch thunderstorms and people?

The wave I receive from another mom as she passes me in her evening commutes while escorting her kids from one place to another is priceless. Or, the impromptu conversation with a wise neighbor that I leave feeling inspired—people are fascinating and if you take the time to listen, you learn…that we aren’t all that different. That shared wave and smile—the conversation—these are the things that make us feel connected and whole—these are important things.

Sitting on the front porch allows me to say hello to everyone, the regulars that walk their dogs and all the kids that live on the block, each eagerly inquiring about the whereabouts of one of my own children—all keeping tabs on each other like a secret society. This is the sense of belonging that everyone needs—these are the things that warm my heart—this is what it’s all about. 

From the soothing hue of my Farrow & Ball green smoke-painted ceiling to my exquisite victorian spindles, the rustic pot my mom gave me holding a beautiful white hydrangea, the pair of twin fiddle leaf fig trees, the bistro table, the comfortable furniture, and lastly, the new rug, I’m ready for summertime.

Click here to see the porch transformation from dilapidated to beautiful.

Or HERE for even more photos!

XO,

Jaclyn