Over the past two years, our homes have become multipurpose spaces. They’ve had to serve as classrooms in ways they never did before March 2020 — as offices, gyms, and beyond. Because of our homes’ new roles, it’s understandable that home might not feel as relaxing as it once did.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, we reached out to some of our favorite moms for their take on their home, the importance of carving out spaces dedicated to unwinding, and tips on creating sanctuaries within your own space. If anyone deserves to relax at home, it’s mom.
Keep reading to learn more about the mom, design blogger/product stylist behind Kismet House, Erin Conway.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself, for those who don't know you.
A: I'm Erin Conway, a stay-at-home Mom turned work from home Mom. When our son was four years old, and I was deep in the throes of autism therapy while my husband was often trapped on shift with the fire department; so I decided to start sharing pictures of our decorated rental home on social media. It was a way to connect to the outside world that I felt so far removed from. I had often been complimented on my home's interiors by family and friends alike, design has always been a creative outlet for me since I was a kid, so when I found design accounts on IG, I decided to try my hand at one in 2016. That same Summer of 2016, we purchased a fixer-upper. That home provided us with even more content as we started documenting the renovation process on my Instagram. Soon, the account grew, and the hobby I used as an outlet became a job that provided income, creativity, and fulfillment. We then added another little human to our family, our daughter, in 2017.
Q: How long have you been a mom?
A: I have two kids, Finnegan and Tallula. Finnegan made me a Mom in 2011, and being a Mother has genuinely made me the woman I am today. I love being a Mom. I am a businesswoman and have a job that I love, but being a Mom is by far my favorite role. I love being there for every school drop-off, baseball game, preschool graduation, and tuck-in. I am so grateful to do what I love for work and have the ability to do those things each day as a Mom. I know not everyone is so fortunate.
Q: When the pandemic started, our homes had to turn into classrooms, offices, gyms, etc., overnight. Because of that shift, has your view of your home changed?
A: When the pandemic started and home became everything- school, office, park, etc., it really highlighted the areas we needed to work on and also magnified the limitations of our home.
Q: Because of our homes' new roles, did you make any significant changes to yours?
A: The pandemic showed us we needed an outdoor living space, so we immediately landscaped the backyard. A safe play space for the kids was essential – for all of our sanity. We also updated the bathrooms. The very poor condition they were in became glaring when we were all using them all day. We truly finished the home during those pandemic days, and then we sold it. Go figure.
Nicole Table Lamp | @kismet_house
Q: What was the most challenging part of staying at home?
A: The most challenging part of staying at home was keeping our kids entertained. The world was shut down, understandably so, but our then 8-year-old had a really hard time coping with the new normal at first. He was used to parks, movies, road trips, and beach days. Our 2-year-old was none the wiser, so she wasn't as impacted, but we knew what she was missing, and that was hard. For me personally, it was hard finding ways (and time) to create the pretty vignettes my IG audience had come to expect when the reality was everything was chaos.
Q: Was there a specific room in your home that you gravitated toward during lockdown?
A: We gravitated towards the family room for sure.
Q: What about that space do you find relaxing?
A: The family room had large windows overlooking the yard. We could see the kids play outside with ease. We felt a sense of nature indoors because of all the windows and light, so the gloomy days were less gloomy. Also, my little office was in that space, so I could work while the kids played or watched a movie.
Q: What does self-care look like for you? Do you make it a priority in your schedule?
A: Self-care for me is taking the time to get to my workout class and bike rides. I like to walk to my workout and walk home. I have my phone for safety but have the ringer off. The class is outside whenever the weather permits, and it's all women of all ages and non-competitive. It’s just a way to move our bodies and be outdoors. I also love my bike rides. I kept saying to my husband how much I loved riding a bike as a kid, and for Christmas, he surprised me with a bike. I LOVE cruising around the neighborhood alone, wind in my hair. It's super therapeutic and makes me feel young. Making space for something you genuinely enjoy doing that has no other benefit to doing it other than making you happy is important.
Q: How can other moms create sanctuaries in their own homes?
A: I feel like the bedroom is a great space to create a respite. Soothing colors. Invest in quality bedding. Keep it tidy. Make it a place you truly look forward to closing the door on and being in at the end of the day. I prefer to keep kids' photos out of the bedroom, nothing wrong with having them either! I just like the bedroom to be a place for my husband and me to exist as two adults in love and not just a Mom and Dad. Every other space is that.
Nicole Table Lamp | @kismet_house
Q: What is something unexpected that the pandemic has taught you?
A: The most unexpected thing about the pandemic was how resilient and brave my kids were. Their worlds were turned upside down, and they rose to the occasion. They happily wore masks and took precautions. We found ways to have fun, and they were such great sports. They were proud to participate in caring for the greater good. Still, even now, with mask mandates lifted, basically everywhere, we gave our son the option to no longer wear his to school, and he said: "I'm going to keep it on. Tallula can't get the vaccine yet, and I want to protect her if I can". I knew I was raising good humans, but that kind of goodness is inside of him, all on its own, and it has nothing to do with me. I'm just really proud of my kids.
Q: Looking ahead, what are some new design elements that you want to add to your home?
A: Well, as I mentioned briefly, we sold our last home. The one we got through the pandemic in and purchased another fixer-upper. So, the next steps for this home are countless. Lighting is a big one, but it needs a lot! It's going to be a fun ride. We have created a few comfortable zones in the chaos, which has been a life saver, but we are excited to see what this home will ultimately become. As far as trends, I will likely be partaking in the wallpaper comeback tour of 2022.