When Hallmark Channel’s Joy and Jingle wines came out at Christmas time, l placed a curbside pickup order at Total Wine and More faster than you can say gingerbread. I just knew that if I drank the wine-Kool-Aid I’d become as career-driven, goal-oriented, and passionate as the Hallmark heroines that grace all eighty-some new movies they release every year. I think it’s working.

The new varieties this year, Love and Blush, made their way to me via Hallmark Channel Wines (thank you, Heather!). I’m always surprised by how extremely different rosés can taste, and this one is on the icier side. One of my favorite things is describing wine, and although it can sound goofy at times, stick with me: this rosé is heavy on wild blackberries and strawberries with notes of fern and dried citrus with a lively acidic finish. It’s a crisp one, and you won’t drain your glass without noticing it—Blush sticks with you. Just like Hallmark Channel’s movies, this wine is full of memories.

Although I’ve done some rearranging and made a few updates since these photos were shot—a TV in my bedroom, keyboard for piano practice in the living room, and a microwave that’s saved me a lot of time—my home is still just that: home. I never want my space to feel unapproachable or unrealistic. I have cords hanging behind my desk and not enough space to store my clothes. Perfection is not what I’m after, but a welcoming, lived-in feel.

At the same time, I’m still working with pieces that I’ve grown tired of. The $5 dining table I found at Goodwill and covered in marble laminate paper has seen its best days come and go. A new coffee table has been on my wishlist for a year now. And the things I cannot change—abysmal light fixtures, 1970s ceramic tiled countertops in the kitchen, and a chipping bathroom mirror have all been the banes of my existence over the last year and a half that I’ve called our little Wallingford walk-up home.

But that won’t stop me from sharing the things I love about this place! Our brand new floors (including marbled tile in the bathroom) and window-covered walls keep the space light and bright. I’ve drawn inspiration from both Scandinavian and southwestern design and brought in textiles and color palettes that create an interesting mix of the cozy, hygge life and a more free-spirited house in the desert.

I brought in a chevron jute area rug and rust orange pillow (similar) for some ranch-inspired flair, along with a fringed suede pillow and vintage fabric record bin. I was unsure about the jewel-tone, blue curtains at first—I wanted a muted navy—but I think they’re just perfect, and help warm up the space. The neutral plaids, furs, throws and soft grey couch add an easy minimalism and coziness that is commonly found in Scandinavian design, and I’m quite satisfied with how the mix of everything comes together.

My bedroom is my sanctuary. Anyone here from years ago that remembers my signature #marshmallowbed? Once I moved into our first Seattle apartment, I was ready for a change, especially since white is so hard to keep clean. I love the mess of textures and patterns that I came up with, especially the Jersey Comforter I found at Urban Outfitters. It’s the perfect weight to use year-round, although I usually layer on throws from West Elm and Urban Outfitters in the winter. The grid-print sheets are also from Urban Outfitters (similar on sale) while the pillows are all from Target. I painted both of the dressers and updated the hardware so that they would be coordinating, but not matching. I’m not big on doing DIY projects (nor am I that talented at them), but when you want something done, sometimes you’ve just got to do it yourself.

That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned living mostly on my own for the last…nine years, now? I have a tool kit and I know what (almost) every piece inside does. I can hang things and put together furniture. I can spackle holes and fix squeaky hinges. And most importantly, I can create a space that I’m happy to come home to at the end of the day, and that’s a life skill I can take along with me no matter where I end up.

Photography by Michele Equitz

Read more about my home on House Method. And feel free to ask questions in the comments about where I got anything!

Thanks to Cavit Collection for sponsoring this post.

Photography by Michele Equitz

After I turned twenty-one, it took me a few years to really get into and understand wine. These days, I live and die with rose in the summer and red wine in the winter, and white wine fits in pretty much any time I feel like it. Although I veer toward warm, cozy reds in the colder months, I’ve figured out the perfect scenario for a glass of crisp, refreshing white wine in the winter: as an afternoon pick-me-up in the midst of a busy day. Usually, my busy days consist of me running all over town running errands. There’s nothing like heading home, peeling off your toasty layers, and pouring yourself a glass of cool white.

Cavit Collection is commonly known as America’s #1 Italian wine, and it doesn’t disappoint, especially for its price point. Grown in the beautiful region of Trentino, which is to the east of where I visited in Lake Como, the vineyards look like a dream and a wine that comes from such a beautiful place tastes, of course, like a dream. If you’re over 21, click over to their website and read all the delicious details on this particular pour. From zesty citrus to delicate green apple, this wine has it all.

Setting up an afternoon happy hour is as easy as a sliced baguette, your favorite crackers, a couple kinds of cheese and some extras like olives or dried fruit. Finishing off with Cavit Pinot Grigio makes the whole experience a true feast for the senses! Happy 2019, and here’s to Cavit.

Dress the Part:

Everlane sweater  | AGOLDE denim  | Arno Cooperative boots  | Mejuri beaded and diamond rings

Serve the Part:

Wine glasses  | Wine cooler  | Cheese tray  |  Coffee table