Bedroom Tour + My Journey “Home”

In this virtual Bedroom Tour, I show you a peek into my room! All of the furniture and decor is Vegan & Sustainably Sourced.
This post is produced in collaboration with Room & Board.

Maybe it’s just me, but for some strange reason I thought that moving across the country was going to be an absolute breeze, would in no way affect my work, and I’d be settled in no time.

Boy, was I wrong! 

In the last 3 years of my life, I have moved twice. First from Pittsburgh (where I went to undergrad) to Miami, and then from Miami (where I attended graduate school) to the Pacific Northwest.

My move from Pittsburgh to Miami was pretty rushed, as I only had a week or so in between my college graduation and the start of my graduate school classes. It wasn’t very “hard” on me, as I was mostly just transferring a bunch of shitty college furniture from one location to the next, and then immediately throwing myself into classes. I didn’t really have time to take a breath, so I didn’t even allow myself to feel any discomfort.

My move from Miami to Vancouver, WA was different for many reasons. First of all, I dropped out of graduate school and decided to take From My Bowl on as a full-time job. This was one of the hardest (and best) decisions that I have made in my life and very emotionally challenging. I didn’t love Miami (hence the move), but I do love the fact that I was able to learn more about myself, start my brand, and step outside of my comfort zone in the Magic City.

Once I started working for myself, I realized that I could live pretty much anywhere I wanted to. I have always loved and felt drawn to the Pacific Northwest, so making the choice to relocate across the country felt natural. I packed my bags, said goodbye to the sweltering South Florida heat, and off I went to the mountains and rain 😉

Hudson Nightstand // Hudson Bed with Storage Drawers

I absolutely love it here. I feel the most “at home” and at peace with myself than I have in my entire life. I love the trees, the mountains, the fresh air, and the people.  Plus about a million other things!

That being said, moving here was very emotionally taxing for me. I am a TOTAL homebody (any other Cancer INFJs out there?) and really cherish my alone time. My cross-country transplant was extended due to other circumstances, and I was without all of my familiar belongings for over a month. Once we did move in, I still didn’t have very many things, as I sold all of my furniture before moving. I slept on a mattress in the middle of an empty room for an additional month, with the only decor being a few scattered cardboard boxes.

Obviously this is not the end of the world, and many people have things much, much worse. But this still affected me negatively, and I noticed myself gradually feeling more anxious, insecure, and moody. I did not have a familiar “safe space” to retreat to and recharge, and this took a toll on my coping strategies. Isn’t it crazy to think that something as small as bedroom furniture and a few picture frames can make such a difference?

That being said, I feel incredibly blessed to be collaborating with Room & Board on this blog post. Not only does Room & Board produce beautiful, high-quality, and modern furniture that is built to last, but they also do it in a pretty awesome way. They are committed to sustainably sourcing their materials, and work with family-owned companies to produce over 90% of their furniture within the States.

I truly love all of the Room & Board pieces that I have in my room, and know I will be using them (in some fashion) for the rest of my life! Their timeless and classic pieces kind of help to make me feel like a “grown-up” now – which, I suppose I am, as I work for myself and am financially independent.

Float Wall Shelves // Hudson Dresser // Soho Full-Length Mirror

The other thing I love most about my room is that it’s an eclectic mix of….pretty much my entire life. I’ve always been a “pack rat” and have saved mementos from all stages of my life.

Old artwork, succulents from Miami, and photos remind me of the places I have been. On the other hand, new furniture, plant friends, and other miscellaneous tchotchkes remind me of this “fresh start” and opportunity for growth that I have in my new home.

Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but hey — I’m a very intentional and sentimental person. I don’t like to own things for the sake of owning them, but rather prefer that all of my belongings serve a purpose and have a meaning. Decorating my bedroom was also a fun project for me, as I love to get crafty. I actually made the body pillow on my bed out of a table runner that I found at HomeGoods, and even turned a stick I found on my favorite trail here into a jewelry hanger!

Since I finished decorating my room, I feel so much more “at home” and centered in my everyday life. I love waking up in the mornings to my beautiful space, and definitely don’t take it for granted.

Hudson Nightstand // Hudson Bed with Storage Drawers // Lane Floor Lamp