It’s the little things that turn a house into a home. It’s the warm feeling you get when you walk in the door because you immediately remember all the memories shared in this particular place; everything has a story behind it.

I went home to Iowa, where I grew up, this past weekend and was deeply inspired. I walked around my childhood home and noticed how it was decorated; not trendy and modern but full of memories and “stuff”. (This is not to say that my home is not fashion-forward, because it is! My parents have done a fabulous job of keeping up with all the latest color trends and furniture styles.) Although my home has kept up with the latest trends, it never seems to lose it’s cozy feel.

Something that caught my eye was the artwork that hung in a picture collage on one of the basement walls. This artwork was done by my siblings and I at very young ages but it meant something special to my mom so she displayed it. The artwork is surrounded by thick white matting in black modern frames which gives it appeal to the rest of the room; the perfect way to present something meaningful without looking cluttered or tacky. Framing photographs is the norm but I find it just as precious to frame childhood art, love letters, notes, etc. Framing love letters is something I am a huge fan of! Currently on my night stand, next to my bed, I have an email written to me by my fiance when we first started dating. I treasure this and love to read it frequently as a loving reminder.

This idea of framing meaningful art, letters, notes, etc. goes a long way and can add a touch of warmth to any home!

This first picture is the framed “love email” I have next to my bed (how 21st Century! ha!):

This picture is an example of how to frame children’s art:

Lastly, another example of a framed love letter: