A Yorkshire Terrier/Dachshund mix rescue named Eleanor Roosevelt is a playful pup that embodies warmth and happiness and is the inspiration behind this décor blogger’s cozy home.
Heidi Samia, a mom, wife and content creator, impressed us several years ago as a Top 3 finalist in our yearly Brand Ambassador search and she continues to inspire us, writing content for her social media platforms and website as Eleanor Rose Home, which she named after her family’s beloved rescue dachshund. We wanted to learn more about Heidi and how she curates her home, so we asked her some related questions. Her interesting and inspiring responses are below.
CB: Can you tell us a bit about your home and community?
Heidi: Our home is located on the South Coast of Massachusetts, about 20 minutes west of historic Plymouth, Massachusetts. We love the location of our home because we live on 2.5 acres surrounded by conservation land in a small country town but are still centrally located between Boston and Cape Cod. We have the ocean to our East and the beautiful Berkshire Mountains to the West.
I think one of the reasons I love our home is its blend of comfort and style. Each room was designed with a balance of functionality and aesthetics, making it a place you want to come home to at the end of the day. The living room, with its plush sofa and built-in bookshelves, is a favorite spot for us to gather and unwind. The kitchen is the heart of our home, where we enjoy cooking and sharing meals together.
CB: How did your interest in home décor begin and develop?
Heidi: I feel like I was born with a love for home décor because it’s something I’ve always been passionate about. As a child, I was constantly rearranging the furniture in my bedroom and decorating my room based on the season or upcoming holidays. My mom shared this enthusiasm and frequently updated the décor in our home, often with the help of my dad, who had a passion for woodworking.
Growing up in such a creative environment, I think my interest in home décor just naturally blossomed. I remember spending weekends visiting furniture and home décor shops with my family, searching for pieces that would add character to our home. My parents allowed me to experiment with different styles and color palettes in my own bedroom, which was a wonderful way to express myself creatively.
As I got older and eventually had my own family, my passion for home décor continued to grow. I found happiness and joy in creating a warm, cozy and inviting space for my family. I realized how a well-designed space could not only enhance our daily lives but encourage a sense of comfort and togetherness.
CB: What or who inspires your décor?
Heidi: The driving factors when it comes to my décor inspiration are nostalgia and coziness. These elements are at the heart of every design decision I make.
- Nostalgia: I am inspired by memories from my childhood. These memories influence my design style, driving me to create spaces that feel familiar and comforting. I love incorporating vintage pieces, family heirlooms and items that evoke a sense of history.
- Cozy atmosphere: Creating a cozy atmosphere is essential in my décor philosophy. I believe that a home should be a sanctuary, a place where you can unwind and feel at peace. The goal is to create a home that wraps you in a sense of comfort and peacefulness.
- Personal touches: Personal touches are crucial to making a space feel like home. I draw inspiration from family traditions and shared experiences. Handmade crafts, family photos and personalized décor pieces add a unique layer to our home. These personal elements not only enhance the coziness of the space but also make it uniquely our own.
- Natural elements: Nature is another source of inspiration that ties into creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere. Natural materials like wood, stone and plants bring a touch of the outdoors inside, adding warmth and a sense of calm.
- Seasonal changes: I love updating our decor with the changing seasons, just like my mom used to do. This not only keeps our home fresh and dynamic but also adds to the cozy, nostalgic feel. Seasonal décor allows for creativity and variety, whether it’s adding warm, rich tones and soft fabrics in the winter or light, airy touches in the summer. Each season brings a new opportunity to make our home feel inviting and reflective of the time of year.
CB: Neutral décor seems here to stay. What tips do you have for making it interesting?
Heidi: Through the years, I’ve learned seven principles that work well for me:
- Layer textures: Incorporating various textures is key to adding depth and interest to a neutral space.
- Play up patterns: Patterns add visual interest without overwhelming a neutral palette. I love the timeless look of a botanical block print or gingham right now.
- Incorporate natural elements: Bringing nature indoors can make a neutral space feel more vibrant and alive.
- Add statement pieces: A few carefully chosen statement pieces can make a significant impact in a neutral space. Like artwork, large mirrors, chandeliers, etc.
- Use accent colors: While the color scheme remains neutral, introducing accent colors can bring vibrancy to the space. Choose one or two accent colors and use them sparingly: Add colorful throw pillows or blankets. Use accent colors in smaller items like books, candles or trays.
- Create a focal point: Having a focal point in the room draws attention and adds interest. This could be a mantel or bookshelf; a statement piece of furniture like a sofa or bed; or a feature wall with wallpaper.
- Mix modern and vintage: Combining modern and vintage elements creates a rich, layered look.
Heidi’s Easy Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe
There is something undeniably comforting about the aroma of apple butter filling our home on a crisp autumn day! Apple butter is a timeless treat that brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen and warm buttered toast.
INGREDIENTS
- 6 cups unsweetened applesauce homemade or store bought
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, apple cider vinegar and pinch of salt into the crockpot. Stir everything together until the sugars and spices are evenly distributed throughout the applesauce.
- Set your crockpot to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 6-8 hours. Stir occasionally, until the applesauce turns a caramel color.
- About 30 minutes before your apple butter is ready, add a teaspoon of vanilla.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the apple butter mixture until smooth.
- Place lid back on slow cooker, leaving it slightly ajar to allow enough room for steam to escape. Cook on low for another 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, and has become deep brown in color.
- Once your apple butter has reached the perfect consistency, turn off the crockpot and let it cool.
- If canning, ladle hot apple butter into hot, sanitized jars, and process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjusting for your altitude). If not canning, allow apple butter to cool for a few hours, then place in clean jars and refrigerate.
Host a Potluck Party
Learn how to host a group gathering that’s effortless and enjoyable.
- Clearly communicate the potluck theme, date, time and
location to your guests in the invitations. Provide guidance on the type of dish to bring, dietary considerations and whether they need to bring serving utensils. - Use a sheet for guests to sign up and indicate what dish they’ll bring. This helps avoid duplicates and ensures a balanced menu.
- As the host, consider preparing a couple of staple dishes to ensure a well-rounded meal and fill in any gaps that might arise in the menu.
- Have extra containers and Ziplock bags available for guests to take home leftovers. This reduces waste and ensures that everyone can enjoy the delicious dishes again.
- Enlist the help of a few friends or family members to assist with setup, replenishing food and keeping the area clean. That way you can focus on enjoying the party.
- Always have a backup plan in case of bad weather. This could involve reserving a covered area or having a tent on standby.
- Ensure food safety by keeping perishable items in coolers with ice packs, especially in warmer weather. Have hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations available.
See more of Heidi’s home and creative projects at eleanorrosehome.com, instagram.com/eleanorrosehome and facebook.com/eleanorrosehome811.
