I often say our current house isn’t our “forever home,” and that sparks a lot of questions: why invest in a place you won’t stay in forever, and what would a forever home need that this one doesn’t? For starters, we’re fortunate that renovating fits with my work and passions—I genuinely love projects and wouldn’t be satisfied buying a completely finished house. Even if we only plan to stay a few years, shaping a space to reflect who we are is important to me.
We bought this house knowing we’d likely live here for around five years to get our foot into the real estate market instead of continuing to rent. Living here for more than two years has clarified what I want (and don’t want) in our next house. Those lessons have helped me refine a vision for our forever home—what it would feel like, how it would function, and the kinds of details I crave.
via Taylor and Taylor
Beyond layout and architecture, my style preferences have evolved. I have countless saved images and folders of homes that reflect what I picture for our forever home—Redfin favorites, inspiration boards, and the like. It’s a fun topic for me, and since I get asked about it often, I wanted to share the dream list and the practical priorities behind it.
What does “Forever” mean?
For me, a forever home is the one we’ll live in from when our kids start school until we retire. I grew up in the same house my parents still live in, so the idea of putting down long-term roots feels familiar and comforting. Our longer-term plan is to eventually retire to Palm Springs and have a separate family-friendly home there, but I hope the next house we buy will serve as our primary, long-term family home—where we grow, create memories, and build stability.
The Size of Our Dream Forever Home
Living in our current three-bedroom, two-bath house taught me that layout matters more than square footage. Despite decent square footage for LA, poor flow makes the house feel smaller. Ideally, our forever home would have four bedrooms—a master, two kids’ bedrooms, and a guest room—plus a detached guest house or converted garage to serve as an office and longer-stay guest space. I’d also love an additional living area—a den or family room—that can double as a playroom.
via Domino
The Layout of Our Dream Forever Home
Layout is non-negotiable for me. These are the top priorities I’ll be looking for when house hunting:
- An entry foyer: I dislike a front door that opens straight into the living room. A proper entry creates a transition zone, keeps clutter off main furniture, and makes the house feel more private and intentional.
- Living spaces that open to the yard: Our current living room sits at the front, separate from the backyard. In a place with year-round outdoor weather, a strong indoor-outdoor connection is essential for daily life and entertaining.
- A detached garage or guest unit: A converted garage or separate guest space that can function as an office and comfortable guest quarters.
Some playful extras I’d love:
- A Christmas tree window: A cozy niche built for a tree would be so festive and special.
- A “fort” space: A small nook or awkward closet transformed into a child’s hideaway—that kind of whimsy is priceless.
The Bones and Architecture
Although my tastes shift, two things have been constant since childhood: the wedding dress I imagined and the style of the house I wanted. I’ve always loved 1920s Spanish-style homes—the original details, character, and craftsmanship speak to me. Our current 1930s house has delightful quirks—curved walls, original floors, unique arches—and I appreciate that history. I could never be fully satisfied in a brand-new build that feels lacking in story and texture.
via My Domaine
Architectural details at the top of my wish list include:
- 1920s Spanish style with a terra-cotta roof
- Original arches, unique doorways and windows
- Hardwood floors with character
- French doors
- Exposed beams
- A fireplace
via Red X Real Estate
The Day I Found My Actual Dream Home
One memorable day years ago, while Jeff worked in real estate and we were touring houses for fun, I walked into a Spanish-style house that felt like my dream come to life. It wasn’t in the ideal location and it was pricier than we could justify, but its bones—the French doors, built-in seating, stairs, and arches—were exactly what I love. Ever since, I compare other houses to that one and say, “It’s not Deronda,” the street it was on. The bright, airy feel and thoughtful details have stuck with me.
via Red X Real Estate
via Leslee Mitchell
My “Forever” Style
I haven’t pinned a single-word label on my style, but I’m drawn to what my friend called “storied” design—rooms that look like they’ve been collected over years, full of memories and layered pieces. In our current home I had to furnish quickly after moving from a one-bedroom loft, which made it hard to build that gradual, collected feeling. For the next house I want that sense of history: white walls punctuated by bold color, lots of art, Moroccan rugs, zellige tile, and a more lived-in, less over-curated vibe.
via Architectural Digest
I look forward to a home that can evolve: bringing in favorite pieces from our current home, blending in things I’ve collected but haven’t had room for yet, and continuing to add meaningful objects over time.
Dream Decor Features
The recurring theme in my saved images is built-ins. Built-in seating, shelves, bunks—details that feel permanent and cozy make spaces feel unique and practical. Other decor dreams include:
- A banquet seating area: Cozy built-in banquettes that invite gatherings and feel timeless.
- Built-in bunk beds: A dedicated bunk room or built-in bunks that spark childhood magic.
- A kitchen island: I’ve lived with galley kitchens for too long—an island is a must for function and gathering.
- A pantry: I’ve never had one but often imagine the convenience of a well-organized pantry.
- A brass-base sink: A striking powder room detail that feels special, even if it lacks storage.
- Outdoor built-in seating: Cozy nooks for lounging outdoors and extending living spaces beyond the walls.
- Ample wall space for art: Shelves, gallery walls, and room for kids’ art are essential; I’m always looking for more places to hang cherished pieces.
- Textured tile: Aside from zellige, I adore textured tile and would love to use it in a bathroom or two for depth and character.
via All Sorts Of
Later this month I’ll start a series about “Dream Homes,” each month imagining a different style and decorating a fictional house with curated inspiration and product ideas. I’m excited to share those mood boards and designs—there are dream homes for every aesthetic tucked into folders and boards I can’t wait to explore publicly.