Chapter 11: The Epiphany

 

Creating a Secondhand Home

In two weeks, my husband and I will have lived in our house for two years. What a ride these past two years have been. Milestones, deaths, celebrations, losing jobs, and starting businesses—a lot can happen in 730 days. There were many unexpected events; some were amazing, and others I would have rather never experienced. Still I would not take any of them back. Each experience has led me to where I am today.

Through it all, we have been making this house our home. It feels funny to say that, knowing we plan on moving states in a few years, but what I mean is more of a feeling than a permanent location. It’s about creating the feeling of home.

We originally moved into our previous house to take care of my grandmother when she was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It was a quick decline, but I will never regret the memories (both the good and the bad). The time I spent with her is time I will never get back. My time with her came to an abrupt end, we had to rush to move into our current house. It wasn’t our first choice, but it’s where we landed. I won't bore you with all the details of that chapter, so I’ll keep it moving.

My grandmother passed away last October. It’s only now that I’m realizing how much she truly impacted me. She was an English teacher; she was kind, she was beautiful, she was musical, she was crafty, she was creative, and she was thrifty. I didn’t realize how much I turned out like her until lately. I’ve been missing her, only to realize she has been here with me all along—in the things I do, in the way I dress, and in my crazy, eclectic taste.

As my husband and I work to fill our house with furniture that is useful, we’ve been making our home cozy and inviting with thrifted treasures. Our most recent addition was a buffet for the dining room to hide kitchen appliances (our kitchen is tiny!). I was so excited to get rid of a piece that wasn’t serving its purpose. When we swapped it out, it opened up a whole new wall—a blank canvas. My heart jumped for joy. Another space to create? I have a back-stock of paintings and art just waiting for wall space to open up.

As I decorated the dining room and reorganized the space, I had a moment of clarity. I realized… I am recreating my grandmother’s house. My husband has known all along, but I’m just now having the realization! How have I not seen this until now? Each little thrifted find, even if it isn't a direct hand-me-down from her, reminds me of her. It’s the way her walls felt. It’s the feeling you get when you walk in the door—like a warm hug, a cozy afternoon on the couch with your favorite blanket, or a house smelling like something fresh-baked on a rainy day.

This is the best way for me to describe the feeling of a secondhand home. Pieces don’t match, but they have character. They have warmth. And if you’re lucky, you get to hear the story of how they came to be or the road they traveled.

We lose so much of that warmth with fast-fashion trends—and home decor is no exception. I want a life of charm; a slow, cozy, curated home. I looked around the other day and realized I’m already creating it.

This style isn't for everyone. But I hope everyone is able to fill and create a space that feels like them. Curating a life worth living.

Stay Chic,

Gabriella Dolce The 2nd Story