I once built a home that radiated sophistication where every detail was carefully chosen to represent luxury. Plush sofas, handwoven rugs, matte-finished cabinets, silver-plated cutlery with modern feel kitchen, bold yet refined look of dining area with collection of children’s photos decorating the walls, and big windows inviting natural lights. Every detail, from the soft texture to minimalist decor, reflected a taste of elegance and sophistication.
Nearly a decade later, I built a home once again—this time not defined by expensive decor, but by meaning and authenticity with my children by my side. The glow of a lamp while reading book before sleeping, familiar softness of a favorite blanket on a cold evening, the sound of laughter echoing the living room, old favorite book left open on a couch, clink of dishes while taking turns to clean the kitchen after dinner, the aroma of freshly brewed tea in the kitchen and a chit chat over a cup of tea, scent of freshly folded laundry on the side of bed, late night conversation across pillows, the cozy clutter that tells stories of teenage years only you understand, half finished legos on the coffee table, rebellious yet light-hearted ‘YOLO’ disagreements, dramatic threats with classic lectures over a messy room, wake up call from morning light filtering through thin curtains, coffee table that holds years of stories, random sticky notes on the fridge with reminders, quick fix meals on late Saturday nights, comforting rituals of cooking favorite dishes on Sunday afternoon that is not a chore instead a love language. Unwinding on weekends with dim lights, cozy blankets, and late night snacks with back-to-back episodes, when laughter, nail-biting suspense and shared reactions made screen time into making memories. Some long nights that are filled with intellectual conversation-discussing dreams, ideas and purpose of life. The other times, it’s all about silly jokes and fits of laughter over nothing at all. Even the days when there are no plans and no rush, the stillness of quiet comfort of being at home.
A space that allows you to slow down, breathe and celebrate being yourself. Despite being imperfect in so many ways, living in the moments where the heart feels most at home. The peace that does not come with perfection but with presence; the presence of the feeling that with this space and with these people, we are exactly where we are meant to be.
