A true ‘housie’ at heart, Krista of The Happy Housie has a passion for homemaking. Ever since she was young, she has been fascinated with redecorating her family’s dream home. And while other girls her age would spend hours reading sassy magazines, Krista would instead busy herself with her IKEA catalogue and house plan books.
According to Krista, a ‘housie’ is someone who has a genuine love for houses. He or she finds joy in seeing and creating different home designs much like how a foodie finds satisfaction in tasting a wide array of delicacies.
Through her blog, Krista is able to share her love for homes and the different ways to improve spaces. In her exclusive interview with Balsam Hill, she recounts how her own mother’s involvement in the construction of the second story of their family home motivated her to take on her own projects.
BH: What is your favorite part about being a mother? What is the most rewarding and most challenging aspect of it?
Krista: The best thing about motherhood is simply the incredible love that you have for your children and the joy that you get from seeing them learn and develop as little human beings. It is pretty amazing to see the process of life unfold before your eyes on a daily basis and gives your life a whole new purpose and meaning that you didn’t even know you were missing until you experience it.
BH: How has motherhood changed your style and design aesthetics?
Krista: The greatest impact that motherhood has had on my style and design aesthetic is in the choices of products and materials. I look for things that are hard-wearing and of good quality so that they can stand up to the demands of children and be easily cleaned when the inevitable messes occur. Otherwise I choose old thrifted pieces that I can fix up, knowing that if they get damaged or ruined then it won’t matter as much!
BH: How has your mother inspired your decorating style? Would you mind sharing some decorating advice she’s given you with us?
Krista: My mother studied art in college and has always appreciated color and beauty in things. She took on tremendous DIY projects when we were growing up – she was actively involved in the construction of an entire new second storey that we added to our home. Through this she taught me not to be afraid to tackle challenges and projects and to jump right in and do things yourself. DIY projects are not simply part of a man’s world!
BH: What advice has your mother given you that you would also like to give to your children?
Krista: Life’s not fair. When we were little kids and would whine about wanting something that someone else had (though we had plenty of our own!) she told us that life is not fair and not everything is the same for all people. You need to accept and be content with who you are and what you have and not compare yourself to others. We are blessed to have what we have.
BH: Is there an activity you do now that still reminds you of something you did with your mother as a child?
Krista: Gardening and sewing. My mother taught me much of what I know about both of those things.
BH: Do you have any springtime traditions you would like to pass on to your children and grandchildren?
Krista: This spring I would like to grow some vegetables from seed in our garden boxes and my boys are really excited to learn and be a part of this. They love eating vegetables as it is and I can only imagine how much they will love eating the ones that they help to grow!
BH: How do you and your family prepare your home for spring? Is there a specific piece of decor you put out that signifies spring has arrived?
Krista: I think that bringing in fresh flowers is one of the best and most beautiful ways that we like to bring spring into our home. Nothing says spring like a fresh bouquet of tulips or peonies.
BH: What’s your idea of a perfect Mother’s Day celebration?
Krista: A perfect Mother’s Day celebration would be having lunch at a lovely restaurant on a warm sunny day on their outdoor patio. Afterwards we would visit a beach or a park for some fun family fun together outdoors.
