Home Again: Travel, Inspiration, and New Projects
My husband and I arrived home last night after almost two weeks on the road. We spent that time traveling through Alberta and Saskatchewan for our annual recruiting and alumni trip connected with the camp we both work with. As always, the trip was rich with conversation, hospitality, and catching up with so many people from our camp community. It was energizing, but there’s nothing quite like walking back into your own house and sinking into the familiar rhythm of home.
After I tossed my suitcase onto the bed, I settled into my favorite chair with the intention of doing a little online browsing and gathering inspiration for home projects. Traveling in different hotels and guest rooms makes me especially appreciative of my own space—soft lighting, familiar textures, and the small comforts I don’t notice until they’re gone. While relaxing, I found a few design ideas and tutorials that made me smile and sparked new creative plans for the house.
I came across a light, bright living room refresh that really lifted my spirits. The clean, airy palette and soft layers of texture felt welcoming and calm—exactly what I want for a living room that will host friends, family, and quieter afternoons. There is something timeless about white furniture paired with natural elements, though I admit I wondered how practical keeping everything pristine would be with an active household. Still, that balance of style and comfort is the kind of inspiration I love to adapt to our own practical needs.
Another idea that caught my eye was a big, chunky pom-pom garland. A few months ago I made a mini pom-pom garland and enjoyed how a simple handmade accent can brighten a room. This larger, more textured version feels playful and modern; it would add an instant focal point over a mantel, across a gallery wall, or above a dresser. I especially loved the styling with a mint-colored dresser—until recently I didn’t think mint was my color, but I’m finding myself warming to softer pastels and unexpected accents that bring personality to a space.
While I relaxed in that chair I made a small, impulsive purchase: my first paid font from an online marketplace. The typeface, a script called Isabella, felt perfect for an upcoming project my son asked me to make. He’s organizing a fundraiser and wants a painted sign to help promote the event. The Isabella script has a sweet, handmade feel that will translate beautifully to paint on wood, and I already have a few layout ideas for combining the font with simple decorative flourishes.
Design decisions like choosing a font or a color scheme are small moments of joy for me. They allow me to experiment and create without pressure, and they often lead to larger projects that refresh our home environment. My son’s fundraiser sign will be a simple, honest project—wood, paint, and a warm script to invite people in. It’s a reminder that design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about purpose and community, too.
Now that I’m back, there’s the practical: emptying suitcases, doing laundry, and catching up on the little tasks that pile up when you’re away. I’ll also carve out time this weekend to sketch ideas for the sign and gather materials for a DIY pom-pom garland experiment. I find that mixing travel-inspired energy with quiet time at home makes for the best creative seasons.
Before I sign off, I want to say how grateful I am for the conversations and reunions we experienced on the trip. Visiting with alumni and prospective campers reminded me of why we do this work and how meaningful those relationships are. And at the end of a long journey, nothing beats the comfort of home—the familiar chair, the quiet corners, and the projects waiting to be brought to life.
Wishing you a restful weekend and plenty of inspiration for your own home projects.
Rita Joy
