June 22, 2020

Hello MTV, and welcome to my crib!!
Every time I open our front door, I have to laugh because I still want to say that. My friends and I used to joke about it all the time… and somehow, this is my home now?! It truly feels like a dream.
More importantly, I don’t take a second of it for granted. I pray over this home daily, sometimes multiple times a day, because I know what a gift it is. And today, I’m so excited to finally share one of the most requested spaces in our Home Tour Series: our great room.
Right when you walk in, you’ll notice we don’t really have a traditional foyer. Instead, we created a cozy corner moment and honestly, I think it makes the home feel even more inviting.
We worked with Dallas Millwork on our custom exterior doors and Doorworks for the interior doors. They’re chunky, heavy, so beautiful, and incredibly soundproof. I LOVE them. And because of that, the entire entry sets the tone for the warm, welcoming feel we carried throughout the house.


If I had to describe my decor style, I’d say: Neutral / Farmhouse / Cowboy which has to be a real thing, right?!
I’ve been loving pieces that feel collected and lived-in. For example, a distressed floor mirror adds instant character, while our cowhide rug brings in that western edge I’m obsessed with lately.


The reclaimed mantel is one of my absolute favorite features. We sourced it from Appalachian Antique Hardwoods in the mountains of North Carolina, and it’s a statement at 9 feet wide.
We used “Alabaster” by Sherwin-Williams throughout the entire interior and exterior of our home, which keeps everything feeling light, bright, and cohesive. For even more paint color inspo, check out my Best Sherwin-Williams Paint Colors for Your Home blog!
And fun fact… the “artwork” beside the fireplace is actually a TV! It’s a Frame-style TV that transforms into art when it’s off, which makes it blend beautifully into the space.


One of the biggest design features in this room is the ceiling. Our vaulted ceilings reach 23 feet at the peak, which instantly makes the space feel grander.
We used white shiplap from Metrie across the entire ceiling and painted it Alabaster to match the walls. Then, we added stained wood beams for contrast. As a result, the room feels airy, open, and still warm.
And of course, the windows… they’re HUGE. Our Pella windows flood the space with natural light, which was so important to us because we wanted to bring the outdoors in as much as possible.
Even with all that natural light, I knew I wanted statement lighting. So, we sourced fixtures from Circa Lighting (a dream of mine!).
We used two Roark 50” Modular Ring Chandeliers in aged iron, along with a 60” Maverick ceiling fan. Together, they add both function and a little bit of drama.


Now let’s talk furniture… because this might be my favorite part.
My Aunt Cindy (a total design genius!) helped create most of the pieces in this room through Simply Amish. We mixed styles and used Norwalk upholstery to get exactly the look we wanted. However, I had one non-negotiable: it had to be kid- and pet-friendly.
So instead, we chose performance fabrics (similar to Sunbrella) which means they’re durable, easy to clean, and honestly a mom’s dream. You can even use bleach on them if needed!
We ended up using Simply Amish pieces throughout our home, from the dining room to the master bedroom, and I truly couldn’t love them more. Everything is handcrafted in the Heartland of America, which makes each piece feel extra special.


Ultimately, this great room is where life happens.
It’s where we gather as a family. It’s where we celebrated our first Christmas here. And one day, it’s where our babies will grow up making memories with their friends.
It’s also where we sip our morning coffee, watch the sunlight pour in, and take a moment to feel grateful for it all. And that’s what makes this space so meaningful.
If you have any questions, I’d love to hear them! I tried to include as many details as possible, but if I missed something, drop it in the comments.
Furniture – Simply Amish
Designer – Cindy Shockey
Lighting – Circa
Shiplap – Metrie
Flooring – Hallmark Flooring
Mantle – Appalachian Antique Hardwoods
Paint – Sherwin-Williams
Fireplace – Stone Center of Carolina
Ceiling Beams – Caribou Creek Log Homes
Windows – Pella Windows
Contractor – Clifton Hicks
I’ve rounded up all my home content in one easy spot. Click HERE for the fulllll list of my home blogs OR you can check out a couple of my series below! Ya never know when our next big project will be.. (Neither does my husband and I prefer it that way..😉)



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