If you would’ve told me years ago that I’d be sitting here writing a blog post for something called TheNottinghome, I probably would’ve laughed and asked, “Wait… my what?” But here we are. And the fact that you’re here with me means more to me than I can ever explain. Whether you just stumbled in or you’ve been following along since the beginning, thank you. Truly. This dream of mine only exists because of the people who show up, cheer me on, support this journey, and make this tiny corner of the internet feel like a community instead of just a page. This little “small business” of mine has grown into something I can’t imagine life without… and that is entirely because of you.
So let’s rewind for a minute, because every story has a beginning. For TheNottinghome, it really started back in 2017 when we bought our very first farmhouse and dove headfirst into a massive renovation. And when I say massive… I mean massive. Think dust everywhere, design boards covering every surface, endless conversations about paint colors and layouts, and staying up way too late scrolling inspiration and dreaming of what it could be. (I’ll add pictures here because trust me… you’ll want to see this transformation 😌)
That season sparked something in me. Yes, I actually enjoy the chaos and excitement of remodeling — the planning, the demo days, the “wow we’re really doing this” moments. After that first big farmhouse project, we moved to another charming little Michigan town and tackled a renovation that truly took TheNottinghome to the next level. That home gained so much love, connection, and excitement from all of you, and it was such a special chapter in our journey. Then life led us even further — straight down south — and our hearts have never been so full. This move has been everything we prayed it would be for our family.
But what I discovered I loved even more through all of these seasons was what happens after the walls are built and the floors are laid. The decorating. The styling. The layering in warmth and story and character until a house truly feels like home. That feeling when a space finally clicks and you look around and think, “This feels like us.” That’s where my heart lives.
Along the way, I kind of became known as the girl hunting for high-end looks… without always paying high-end prices. I’m constantly scouring the internet for designer dupes, budget-friendly finds, and beautiful pieces that don’t require a second mortgage. But I’m also a big believer that sometimes those special splurges are worth it — the pieces that create that wow moment in a room, that anchor a space, that tell a story. So around here, you’ll always see both. The steals and the splurges, because I truly believe real homes deserve a little of each.
Life shifted a lot after that first home. Back when we lived in Michigan, I had a full-time job. Then we moved, and for a while, I felt like a piece of me went missing. Not in a sad way, just in that “I know I’m meant to be doing something creative, something fulfilling, something that lights me up” kind of way. That’s when I really leaned into TheNottinghome — not just as an Instagram account, but as a business, a brand, and a space with purpose. I decided to stop treating it like a hobby and truly show up.
So what will you find here? Honestly… a little bit of everything I love. I’ve never been able to choose just one lane, and I don’t plan to start now. This blog will be a smorgasbord of life — favorite must-try recipes, pieces of our family story, health and organic living, home design, renovations, decorating and styling, and my favorite finds that deserve more than just a quick caption. I wanted a place where I could share in a deeper way, tell the full story, and invite you in a little closer.
More than anything, my heart for TheNottinghome is to inspire you to create a home you love. Not a perfect home. Not a Pinterest-performance home. A meaningful one. A warm one. A home that feels like you. I hope when you’re here, you feel encouraged, cozy, inspired, and a little more connected.
Thank you — truly — for being here, for reading this, for supporting this dream, and for being part of this journey. You are a huge part of this story now, and I cannot wait to share everything ahead with you. I’ll be here weekly with new posts, new inspiration, and a whole lot of heart, and I hope you’ll subscribe and come visit with me here each week.
Allie
