The walls of a home quietly tell the story of the people who live within them. Every painting, photograph, or memento is a clue—carefully chosen or lovingly placed—revealing layers of identity, memory, and longing. We buy things that speak to our aesthetic, find objects that stir something familiar or wild within us, and receive gifts that reflect how others see us or what they wish for us. Over time, these pieces form a kind of visual autobiography, mapping not just our personal taste but also our curiosities, our attachments, and even our dreams. In this way, a home becomes more than shelter—it becomes a mirror, reflecting who we are and who we hope to become.
I LOVE COOKBOOKS!
I love cookbooks—not just for the recipes, but for the stories they tell and the memories they evoke. They don’t have to be tucked away in the kitchen; mine live on the sideboard in the dining room, where they feel like part of our dinner conversation. Each cookbook feels deeply personal, reminding me of unforgettable meals at my favorite restaurants or hinting towards renowned places I hope to visit one day. Flipping through them is like traveling through time and place—back to a perfect pasta in Rome, a cozy bistro in New York, or the dream of someday dining at a Michelin-starred gem I’ve just discovered on the pages of my newest cookbook acquisition. They’re more than books—they’re inspiration, nostalgia, and aspiration all bound together.
WHATS ON THE WALLS IS A BIG DEAL!
It’s so important to hang things on your walls that you truly love—pieces that bring joy, spark memories, or carry meaning. For me, that means art collected from friends who are artists, or pieces I’ve fallen for at art fairs and gallery openings. In the front room of my home, I’ve set a rule: every work on the gallery wall must be by an artist I know personally. Each piece is not just a visual moment but a chapter in a friendship, a shared history made tangible. Even the wallpaper in the room holds deep significance. It took me years to choose, and I still love it every time I walk by. It’s a black-and-white pattern of oak tree slices—perfect for our town of Ojai, where oak trees are not only beautiful but protected and storied. Allow your walls to become more than decoration—they’re a reflection of place, connection, and the life lived within them.
GATHERING SPACE AS A PRIORITY
Gathering spaces, both inside and outside a home, are essential to how we welcome others into our lives. The ease of a space matters to me. When thoughtfully created, small conversation areas quietly beckon guests to settle in, relax, and connect. Whether it’s a cozy corner inside by the fireplace, a long table under twinkling lights of a gazebo in the backyard, or Adirondack chairs centered around the fire pit, these environments invite conversation and warmth. Intimate spaces encourage slower moments and deeper talks -the kind that linger long after the gathering ends.
How and what we surround ourselves with matters deeply. The objects, art, books, and spaces we choose aren’t just decorations—they’re reflections of who we are, where we’ve been, and what we value. They shape the atmosphere of our homes, spark connection, and ground us in beauty, memory, and meaning. When we fill our spaces with intention and love, we create environments that not only tell our story, but also welcome others into it.
OHI HOME STYLE 