Morgan Spenla: Creating a Home in the Military

Remember last week when I told you I was going to be featuring a FAB-U-LOUS guest blogger this week?? Well, you can relax now because the time has arrived!

I'm so excited to introduce you all to the ever-so talented, design-savvy and former military spouse, Morgan Spenla!

Morgan, her very handy husband Kevin, and their sweet little girl, Olivia

I first met Morgan in college and got to know her a bit better during a spring break community service trip we took to Nicaragua. After college, we even worked together for a period of time at the same consulting firm.

Now, Morgan spends her day creating magic on her blog, Pepper Design Blog (PDB), and is also the marketing director for a motion control company. On PDB, you can follow Morgan and her adorable family as they remodel their 1930s San Diego bungalow. Morgan also gives awesome tips and insight into handmade projects, DIY ideas, home design & entertaining, wardrobe styleboards and "mommy" tips.

The Spenla's "kitchen" before...

And after!!! Can you spot the differences?? ; )

If you have yet to experience the creative awesomeness that is PDB, I highly suggest you check it out. I have spent numerous hours "ooohing" and "awwwing" over all of her great projects.

So when I decided to do a post about tips on creating a "home" with a military lifestyle, Morgan was the obvious choice for an interview. Enjoy!!

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Whitney, thanks so much for having me! I am honored to be here to share a few of my favorite tips on creating a happy, comfy home. I'm no expert in this field but I do love and appreciate the challenge of building a warm and welcoming environment for my family, for it is within those four walls that you thrive together!

W: Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions Morgan, despite your never-a-free moment lifestyle! Here we go: right after a move, it takes time to unpack and really make the place you're living in a "home." Whether it's because things are still in boxes, you're waiting for your goods to arrive or you just haven't had time to hang up pictures. What are some quick and easy ways to make your place feel like a home?

M: Creating a home out of a new house or apartment can make transitioning to a new location easier. For me, it's the little things like an organized kitchen, a spot to put your mail or a comfy bedroom respite that helps to take the edge off of the stress of relocating.

My best solution is to designate one room as the box zone. If you can spare the space, use this room to store all unpacked boxes so that as you work and tackle decorating and unpacking, there are never stacks and stacks of boxes in the corner of each and every room. Each room feels fresh, clean and organized because it's your space - not the scene of a moving party every night. When you have a free moment, tackle one box or ten.

My other suggestion is to decorate in layers. Be conscientious of furniture placement first, then larger accessories such as rugs (which make such a cozy impact!) and lighting, finally add your family keepsakes and decor. Don't rush the process! Embrace the adventure and enjoy.

Top: Olivia's nursery before, Bottom: Olivia's nursery currently - such a transformation!

W: What are your recommendations for creating a "home" and personal style on a budget?

M: It's all about the thrill of the hunt. Regardless of budget, I think that one of the reasons we find decorating so enjoyable is because our creative side gets to takeover for a bit.

Create image boards with what your ideal space would look like using magazines, blogs and online sources like Pinterest. Build a budget for yourself and a timeline of when you'd like to find such pieces, this can help to spread out the shock of the cost of creating a space and will keep you focused on the most important purchases.

W: In your opinion, what makes a home comfortable and inviting?

M: A home can mean so many things to different people but for me it's all about warmth and coziness, which is why I'm a big fan of area rugs on wooden floors (Overstock.com), an abundance of throw pillows (I make almost all of my own for a fraction of the price) and blanket throws or tapestries.These elements bring in comfort, and likewise allow you to invest in more modern furniture and accessories.

The Spenla's living room and accent pieces

W:  When it comes to home decor and furniture, are there any items you think you should splurge on vs. save? What items do you think you can and should get for less money?

M: I am in favor of investing in good, quality furniture. That doesn't have to mean expensive (sometimes the very best are Craigslist or flea market finds) but a comfy couch, bed, dining room chairs - these are pieces that you will be forever grateful for. Find the savings in Etsy art, throw pillows and affordable framing for family photos.I also love to play with fabrics, using a favorite designer pattern in a small amount and then incorporating discount fabric store versions to help offset the cost (eBay can be helpful with finding well known fabrics at a great price in small quantities).

Left: A DIY fabric garland Morgan made, Right: The garland hanging over the buffet in their dining room

W:  With moving frequently, spouses will almost always be living in a place that is very different from their last home - the place may be larger or smaller, and the rooms/layout will have changed. Do you have any advice for shopping for home decor or furniture that would work in a variety of spaces?

M: Allow your style to be a little eclectic in your purchases, mixing and matching various genres, finishes and styles as you see fit. The flexibility will help you adapt to new spaces as you move a side table from the living room of one home to the bedroom of another. A dining table might actually make the perfect office desk in one space or a giant mirror might serve equally well above your mantel as it did on the wall of an old guestroom. Finally, give yourself the freedom to switch out big pieces as necessary. Whenever I buy a larger piece I always consider the resale value in the cost - you can usually sell something for 1/3-1/2 the original price on Craigslist if you have the time and energy and if you've maintained the piece (or even put a little love into it!). 

The darling table settings and dessert buffet Morgan created

W: Where are some of your favorite places or websites to shop for furniture and home decor?

M: Craigslist and I are best friends (just be smart about shopping in a new city - don't travel alone), with thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales coming in at a close second! Etsy and eBay are wonderful. If you're searching for new, try daily deal sites like Joss & Main or One Kings Lane. Wayfair is a wonderful resource for reviews of many of the products you'll find on these sites (it's nice to hear some feedback before a purchase) and Overstock is a plethora of deals if you're willing to sort through virtual stacks. Even trendy stores such as Urban Outfitters and West Elm offer killer mark downs! Have an image board with a vision for the space as well as a realistic budget written out is helpful in pulling the trigger on purchases at any of the above.

Thanks so much Morgan for stopping by and sharing some awesome home tips with us! For more tips and inspiration, be sure to check out Morgan's blog here.