Small Homekeeping Shifts, Timeless Impact

In this, my 16th year sharing reflections alongside interiors inspiration on Hello Lovely, “small homekeeping shifts” hardly makes sexy copy. Yet beyond engaging headlines fetching clicks from design doomscrollers? It’s just me on a creative journey at home. Sharing simple small shifts to add fullness to the everyday…slower, smaller, subtle (and even safe!) gestures to calm anxious minds…lovely little dreams and schemes to ease overwhelmed nervous systems.

Serene breakfast room with window seat, round dining table, Belgian linen slipcovered arm chairs, and vintage Flower Market sign.
Hello Lovely Studio – Small Homekeeping Shifts

This post contains affiliate links which I hope you will use since they won’t cost you a penny extra yet may earn this blog a small commission.

Small Homekeeping Shifts & Timeless Impact

Let’s start with my obvious bias about simplicity. It is neither unsophisticated nor mindless. There’s a quiet elegance about it when things feel more natural than contrived.

At this very moment, I’m in a MORE SANCTUARY, PLEASE mode. It is uncommon for me to get a second wind in January, but it’s here.

My white shaker style kitchen with Viatera Minuet counters, carrera subway backsplash, white oak hardwood flooring and farm sink - Hello Lovely Studio. #viatera #minuet

A longing for more simplicity and lightness.

My thoughts are heavy too often; it takes intention to return to center.

Belgian linen Copenhagen egg chair and a steel accent table in my serene living room painted BM White Sand - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely

A decade ago, I might be inclined to swim laps with an energy surge. Today? Goodness gracious. Autoimmune illness ran away with half of my hair in 2024. Pulling a swim cap over fragile strands hanging on for dear life? Hahaha. Maybe next year when I’m bald and lower maintenance. I allow these thoughts to surface then allow them to gently swim away.

Vintage German grainsack (A Beautiful Mess Home) used as table runner in my modern French dining room - Hello Lovely.

But work around the house qualifies as exercise too! How might I calm down a cluttery kitchen, dispense with the unnecessary, donate excess, and incorporate the new?

New?

Ooh la la luxury with this Melitta Vision 12-cup coffee maker with 180 degree swivel dashboard! Love how the white and copper complement my modern French kitchen. #coffeemakers #kitchenelectronics #coffeelovers
In our pantry with calacatta gold marble subway tile backsplash and inexpensive laminate countertop, my coffee maker looks like a million bucks – tap image for buying info

Lovely AND Luxe, Please

Isn’t this hardworking kitchen essential gorgeous?

Ooh la la luxury with this Melitta Vision 12-cup coffee maker with 180 degree swivel dashboard! Love how the white and copper complement my modern French kitchen. #coffeemakers #kitchenelectronics #coffeelovers
Melitta Vision 12-Cup Coffee Maker – tap image for buying info

Coffee is a heavenly something my restricted diet allows, so I was more than happy to take this lovely white Melitta Vision 12-Cup Coffee Maker for a test-drive.

Ooh la la luxury with this Melitta Vision 12-cup coffee maker with 180 degree swivel dashboard! Love how the white and copper complement my modern French kitchen. #coffeemakers #kitchenelectronics #coffeelovers
IT SWIVELS! Melitta Vision 12-Cup Coffee Maker – tap image for buying info

With its charming copper accents and irresistible 180 degree swivel dashboard, ooh la la, what a joy to wake up to. 🙂

Funny coffee quote by Michele of Hello Lovely Studio. #coffeequotes #coffeehumor #homebodies

It’s also a realistic homekeeping shift. Bring light to a dim lonely corner (like the one in my kitchen’s walk-in pantry) with beauty, simplicity, and function.

Start From Spaciousness: Address ONE CORNER

Peaceful outdoor bench and boxwood in a French country courtyard with pea gravel created diy style by Hello Lovely Studio.
Small Homekeeping Tweaks

When you feel ready to address your needs and desires for home, instead of starting from a place of scarcity or dread, consider the alternative.

Spare and simple European country and Belgian style and European country mood in an entry with a walnut stained alder front door - Hello Lovely.
That dropleaf table was $25 and is not in our dining room at the Georgian (we sanded the finish off).

I don’t mean simply count your blessings and be glad there’s a roof over your head.

My serene white kitchen with modern farmhouse, classic, and French country style - Hello Lovely Studio.
The RH bar stools came from RH Outlet for a song…each has a slightly different wood stain but we didn’t care. In case you are considering white quartz for your kitchen…see this.

Rather, don’t allow insecurities about your home’s potential shrink your creativity. I assure you a more sanctuary-like space is possible despite your:

bank account, health, square footage, mood disturbances, limited capacity for hope, and creative stuck-ness.

I have earned graduate degrees in all of these areas of messy struggle. 🙂

You’re in good company. If your emotional bandwidth is shaky, remember that’s okay too. We can drop out of our minds into our hearts where the best stuff…an infinite source of loveliness flows.

Let this be your reminder to tend to your inner landscape. Nap. Meditate. Slow your breathing and sink into quiet to experience spaciousness and rest.

Carrara marble topped bathroom vanity with Kohler Purist faucet in renovated bath by Hello Lovely
Small Homekeeping Tweaks

Psst. Am I even credentialed to speak this boldly about nervous system regulation? I have a master’s in counseling, but it is my lived experience of hurting and healing that equips me. A lifetime of failures, control issues, suffering, and getting it wrong will do that.

Self-compassion and slow living quote about rest and recovery from Michele of Hello Lovely Studio. #selfcompassion

Low Cost & Timeless Tweaks

Sometimes it makes sense to tread lightly and address a little corner as I did in that lonely corner of the pantry. But it can also be energizing to begin with a whole room that perplexes you. If it’s already unsavory, perhaps the odds are in your favor that it will improve…hahahaha.

Prettier Possibilities With PAINT

Set the mood with a color story. Need a reminder how paint is an inexpensive start for dramatic change? Dig in my archives for paint colors and moods to sample.

Ultimate Guide to Best White Paint Colors! Hello Lovely.
See this story for choosing the best white paint colors.

It is Still Perfectly Legal to CLEAN LIKE A FREAK

Does house cleaning work qualify as decorating, spiritual practice, and mental healthcare? On planet Michele, we proclaim OUI, OUI, kittycats. Get yer freak on organizing those drawers. Vacuum, scrub, polish, and launder those linens. The world begins to sparkle again.

Classic white carrera marble bathroom renovated by Hello Lovely with freestanding his and hers vanities.
The marble look tiles in this bath cost less than $2 per square foot – Small Homekeeping Tweaks

Suddenly we notice what was hidden. A furniture arrangement needs a tweak. The dresser top is no longer a collection of dusty clutter. Lost rings, prescriptions, and reading glasses are recovered.

Three legged teak stool in renovated classic white bathroom with clawfoot tub and original painting by Michele of Hello Lovely Studio.
My maid’s tub in this bath was such an amazing $150 find – old and in pristine condition

Interiors Influencer for a Day

Take it from me, you wouldn’t want to be an influencer more than a day. (Although for years now, anyone using social media is a micro-influencer!) But it may help to walk around your home and snap photos from different perspectives.

Hello Lovely's diy renovated living room with Benjamin Moore OC-151 white, catwalk, and Belgian linen furniture.
The staircase railings weren’t my favorite, but once I sanded the dark finish off the hand rail, they bothered me less.

Scanning a room from a doorway is a different experience than viewing a photo of the room on a screen.

Hello Lovely's diy renovated French Nordic bedroom with Stikwood Hamptons wall and Belgian linen.
Don’t pass up a teak wood stool – they work everywhere – Small Homekeeping Tweaks
Propeller Arm Maritime Table Clock
In case you need a pop of metallic on your bedside table…Howard Miller Table Clock

Gain fresh perspective by scrutinizing images snapped. Note what pleases or offends your eye.

Hello Lovely's diy renovated bedroom with French country charm, white oak wood floor, Stikwood Hamptons statement wall and white linens.

For example, you may realize you dislike the scale of a particular object or recognize you should swap the accent tables in the room.

Hello Lovely's diy new build bath with fireclay console sink by DXV and Thibaut Lizette wallpaper.
I found the Venetian mirror at a JC Penny outlet almost 20 years ago for $40

You may notice “holes” in certain areas and suddenly realize AHA, that painting you inherited and love can be hung there!.

Knotty alder doors added to Hello Lovely's diy whole house renovation - BM OC-151 white paint on walls and trim.
Rustic Knotty Alder Doors: HERE
Aveda Shampure Soy Wax Candle 275G/9.7Oz
Aveda Shampure Candle…the scent? Complex and irresistibly reminiscent of Paris.

What seems off kilter? What reads too formal or fussy? Are the window treatments working?

Hello Lovely's spare and modern French studio with white piano (BM White Dove) and indoor swing. Walls are BM White Sand. Trim is BM Dove Wing.
That Louis chair was a cast-off from my mom, and now it’s in our primary bath

Shop my home

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
Antique Brass Floor Lamp
Helmsley Bronze Door Hardware
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Laurel Wreath Mirror
San Jose Handleset for Front Door
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Silver End Table
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Knotty Alder Interior Door
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Alabaster 30″ Lamp
Louis Ghost Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Linen Dining Chair
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
PARIS Framed Print
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
Tulip Style Modern Round Dining Table
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Holborn Lantern Pendant
Tray Side Table
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Bridge Kitchen Faucet (Stainless)
Jute Area Rug
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
Venetian Etched Mirror (24″ x 36″)
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Polished Carrara Subway Tile
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Antiqued Sunburst Mirror
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Round Marble Side Table
Linen Slipcover Dining Chair
Wicker Patio Chair
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
French farmhouse tablescape with charcuterie and weathered white harvest table - Hello Lovely Studio.

More reflections and tweaks await in part 2. Thank you for opening your spirit to these musings and for reading with tenderness. I love having you here.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Follow:

4 Comments

  1. Sarah
    January 14, 2025 / 2:20 pm

    Dear Michelle,
    I love the depth of warmth and love in this post. It felt to me, like a big hug!
    Thank you for doing what you do.
    Looking forward to part 2!
    Sarah

    • Michele
      Author
      January 15, 2025 / 3:10 pm

      Awwww – I’m so glad to hear this! Happy Wednesday, Sarah. (How how how is it already Wednesday? And also, is it Wednesday? Hahahahaha – I’m still in that weird post-holiday stupor.)

  2. Sharon
    January 15, 2025 / 5:18 am

    I’ve followed you for years but not sure if I have ever commented before…I’m lazy that way😉just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your thoughtful posts…I hope this is a year of better health…

    • Michele
      Author
      January 15, 2025 / 3:09 pm

      I love hearing from you and am so touched – thank you kindly. xox

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing