The Forever Home Series

Chapter One: Breaking Ground (Almost)

There are moments in a long-dreamed project where everything suddenly feels real — and this past week was one of those moments for us.

After years of planning, sketching, reworking ideas, and imagining what life here might look like, our land was officially leveled last week. Standing out there and seeing the space cleared and prepared felt surreal. For so long this home has lived in conversations, drawings, and daydreams… and now it’s physically ready for the next step: foundation.

It finally feels like our forever home is beginning to take shape.

A Big Step Forward Behind the Scenes

We also signed our official contract with our builder — a milestone that feels both exciting and grounding. With that complete, we’re now moving into the final step with the bank after receiving approval for our construction loan.

Anyone who has built a home knows how many moving parts exist behind the scenes, and reaching this stage feels like crossing a major checkpoint. There’s still paperwork, timelines, and coordination ahead, but we are closer than we’ve ever been.

The Reality of Building: The Hiccups

And because no build story is complete without at least one “are you kidding me?” moment… we hit another small pause.

While reviewing our plans more closely, we realized a wall needed to be pushed out five feet to make the space function the way we truly want it to. That discovery has temporarily paused us while updated final plans are completed.

If I’m being honest, this has probably been the most frustrating part of the entire process so far — finding things we wish had been talked through during the very first round of planning. At that time, we didn’t yet have our builder involved, and having that practical construction perspective sooner would have helped us work through some logistical details upfront.

No shade toward our drafter — this may not even fully fall within his role — but it has definitely been a learning experience. Building a home teaches patience in ways you don’t expect.

Deep breaths. Forward motion. One step at a time.

Designing in the Waiting Season

While we wait for finalized plans, I’ve fully leaned into something that has brought me so much unexpected joy: designing every inch of this home.

I’ve been using an app on my iPad that allows me to plug in exact dimensions and experiment with layouts room by room. Honestly, I could do this for hours. Seeing spaces come together visually helps me understand how our home will actually live and function day to day.

I’ve shared a few design questions on Facebook — especially about our walk-in pantry — and the feedback has been incredible. So many thoughtful ideas I never would have considered on my own.

I’m constantly trying to find the balance between not over-sharing online and also embracing the connection that comes from inviting people into the process. Because truthfully, I love the engagement. This community has already shaped this home in ways I didn’t expect, and that makes the journey feel shared instead of overwhelming.

What “Coastal Organic” Means to Me

As each room begins to take shape, I keep coming back to the vision guiding this entire home: Coastal Organic.

For me, that doesn’t mean beach décor or obvious nautical themes. It’s more about a feeling:

light-filled spaces that breathe
natural textures layered softly together
warm woods paired with airy neutrals
subtle nods to our Pacific Northwest surroundings
comfort over perfection
beauty that feels lived-in and welcoming

I want every room to feel connected — thoughtful without feeling overly styled, calm without feeling empty, and functional enough for real life on the ranch with kids, muddy boots, and busy days.

The goal isn’t trendiness.
It’s timeless comfort.

As the vision started to come together, I began imagining how each space would carry its own feeling while still telling one cohesive story throughout the home.

Where the Home Begins: The Entryway & Dining Room

This space will be the very first glimpse into our home — where everyday comings and goings meet slow family dinners and gathered conversations.

I wanted the entryway and dining area to feel immediately calm and welcoming, almost like a gentle transition from the outside world into something softer. Natural light, warm wood tones, and simple textures quietly introduce the Coastal Organic feel without trying too hard.

The dining table sits intentionally near the front of the home because I love the idea that gathering is one of the first things you experience when you walk in. It’s a reminder that this house isn’t just about beautiful spaces — it’s about connection, shared meals, and the rhythms of everyday life.

My hope is that this room always feels open, peaceful, and lived in — whether it’s hosting holidays, quick weeknight dinners, or kids dropping backpacks by the door after a long day.

Because sometimes the most meaningful design choice is simply creating a space that says, you’re home.

The Heart of the Home: The Living Room

If the entry welcomes you in, the living room is where life gathers.

This space sits at the center of the home — open, warm, and designed to feel comfortable in every season. From the beginning, I wanted it to feel light and airy without ever feeling cold or formal. Soft textures, layered neutrals, natural wood tones, and a stone fireplace quietly anchor the room and create a sense of calm.

The goal here isn’t perfection — it’s comfort. A place where kids pile onto the couch, conversations linger long after dinner, and winter evenings naturally settle around the fire.

More than anything, this space reflects what I hope our home becomes: lived-in, welcoming, and deeply connected to the landscape just outside our windows.

Because the most beautiful rooms aren’t the ones that look styled — they’re the ones that invite you to stay awhile.

A Quiet Corner: The Reading Room

One of the spaces I’m most excited about is a small room just off the kitchen that we’ve started calling the Reading Room — or maybe the library (I still go back and forth).

This space is meant to feel like a quiet exhale within the home. Not formal. Not overly designed. Just calm, cozy, and intentional.

I imagine morning coffee with a book, kids doing homework nearby while dinner cooks, or sneaking away for a few quiet minutes at the end of a long day. Design-wise, this room really captures what Coastal Organic means to me — layered neutrals, warm wood built-ins, soft natural light, and spaces that feel peaceful without trying too hard.

If the rest of the house is where life happens loudly, this will be where life happens softly.

And honestly… I think every home needs a space like that.

A Glimpse of the Vision

Below is a small mood board capturing the textures, tones, and feeling guiding every design decision throughout the home — a preview of the Coastal Organic atmosphere we hope to carry into every space.

Where We Are Right Now

So here’s the current snapshot of our build:

✔️ Land leveled and ready for foundation
✔️ Builder contract signed
✔️ Loan approved and moving to final bank steps
⏸️ Waiting briefly on updated final house plans
🎨 Fully immersed in design and dreaming mode

Progress isn’t always linear, but it is happening.

I’d Love Your Thoughts

One of my favorite parts of sharing this journey has been hearing your ideas along the way. So I’d love to know:

What space in a home matters most to you?
Is it the kitchen where everyone gathers, a quiet reading corner, a cozy bedroom, or something totally unexpected?

Your perspectives have already shaped this home more than you know.

Closing Thoughts

As we move closer to breaking ground, I keep reminding myself that this home isn’t just being built with lumber and plans — it’s being shaped by conversations, lessons learned, community input, and a whole lot of patience.

Every adjustment and every idea shared along the way becomes part of the story. And if this process has taught me anything so far, it’s that the most meaningful spaces aren’t rushed — they’re thoughtfully grown over time.

Thank you for following along and being part of this chapter with us.

Emma 🤍

The Forever Home Series - Chapter One: Breaking Ground (Almost)