Life looks a whole lot different these days, and with that change comes a new sense of freedom and excitement. After years of sharing decisions, space, and resources, I’m finally stepping into something completely my own—building and designing my forever home. It’s a fresh start, a new adventure, and honestly, a little surreal. Every choice, from the layout to the smallest design details, is mine to make. For the first time, I get to create a home that feels exactly like me.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I had a lot of say in how my homes were designed and decorated before. But when you’re part of a large family, decisions are never just about what you want. Everything had to go through some kind of committee decision, and larger family gatherings were always factored in. There were other voices to consider, other needs to meet, and resources to share. Kody had his opinions, of course, and beyond that, everything had to fit within the broader dynamic of the family. Compromise was just part of the deal.
But now? It’s completely different. Every single decision—big or small—is truly mine. I don’t have to justify my choices or make sure they fit someone else’s vision. I can build a space that reflects exactly what I want, how I live, and what makes me feel at home. And let me tell you—that’s both exhilarating and a little overwhelming.
It feels almost odd to have so much freedom. Choosing a color scheme, picking a countertop layout—I kept catching myself wanting to run decisions by someone else. Out of habit, I even called Maddie and asked her if a choice I was making was okay. She just laughed and said, “Mom, this is your house. Do you like it?” Her only advice? “Just make sure everything on the exterior has the same undertone—cool or warm—or it’ll look funky to you.” And that was it. No drawn-out discussions. No vetoes. No “I don’t like that brick” or “This room won’t fit the entire family” or “This will echo too much at large gatherings.”
For the first time, I felt the quiet settle in my soul.
But with that quiet comes a new challenge—figuring out exactly what my personal style is after all these years.
I’ve always gravitated toward Southwest-inspired design—warm desert hues, bold geometric patterns, rustic textures. That’s what’s always felt like home to me. But now, I’m building in a coastal county in North Carolina, where the natural aesthetic leans more toward breezy neutrals, soft blues, and relaxed beachy elements.
So now I find myself asking—do I embrace my new surroundings and lean into the coastal feel? Or do I stay true to what I’ve always loved, even if it feels a little out of place? I think a home should reflect who you are, not just where you are, but I also want my space to feel connected to its environment.
So, that’s my next step—figuring out how to blend me into this place. Finding ways to merge the warm, earthy tones I love with the light, airy feel of the coast. Maybe it’s natural wood tones mixed with sandy neutrals. Maybe it’s bringing in some bold Southwest patterns in a way that still complements the space. I don’t know yet—but I do know that, for the first time, I get to figure it out without worrying about anyone else’s opinion.
And I can’t wait to see this home take shape—brick by brick, choice by choice, completely mine.
