Turning a New Space into a Home: A Journey of Love and Bagels
How to Transform a House into a Welcoming and Cozy Home
Making a house feel like a home
Three weeks ago, my husband and I bid farewell to our suburban house and embarked on a thrilling adventure in Manhattan. Now, don’t get me wrong, the transition has been smooth, and we’ve had our fair share of delicious bagels. However, amidst this excitement, a perplexing question lingers: How do we transform this new space into a bona fide home?
Let me clarify one thing—I absolutely adore our new apartment. The floors are impeccable, boasting a herringbone pattern that doesn’t creak like my old 1926 hallway. There are even these nifty little outlets tucked away inside cabinets, ensuring our printers and blenders revel secretly behind closed doors.
And oh, let’s not forget the kitchen drawers! They’re finally wide enough for me to organize my spices like a seasoned chef. But perhaps the pièce de résistance is the view from our kitchen window. I can gaze fondly upon the apartment of my childhood best friend, reminiscing about the mischief we got up to together.
However, we mustn’t forget that our previous house was our sanctuary for two whole decades—the entire lifespan of our beloved daughters, who are now 19 and 21. That house witnessed every milestone, from blowing out birthday candles to countless cherished memories. The corners of each room held the stories of our lives, intertwined with the nostalgia of childhood teddy bears now tucked away as “treasures” in a storage unit. As Mary Oliver once mused, “You know how it is: things collect.” And she wasn’t just referring to stuff.
Of course, I didn’t expect our new apartment to instantly exude that warm familiarity. It takes time, which is why I’m determined to hasten the process. Alas, my daughters are away at college until Thanksgiving, delaying the beginning of “Operation Make New Memories.” But fear not, I’ve discovered a magical solution: cooking. (Surprising, right?)
Whether it’s crafting a quiche for visiting friends, baking challah for my dad, or simply conjuring a delectable dinner for my husband and me, the transformative power of cooking is undeniable. It’s like watching sparkles dance out of the pots and pans, twirling down the apartment hallway. Coincidentally, I find myself craving old favorites, like Bean Burritos and Shrimp with Feta. The very first dinner I made in our new oven was my family’s beloved mustardy baked chicken—an all-time favorite that had earned the illustrious title of “a meal we’ve loved to death.”
Allow me to share the recipe with you:
Baked Chicken with Herbs and Dijon Mustard
From A Bird in the Hand, by Diana Henry
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- Chopped leaves from 6 sprigs of tarragon (or dill or chives or basil)
- 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 8 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs (boneless works too!)
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Mash the Dijon mustard with the tarragon and softened butter until combined.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan or baking dish, and brush or spoon the mustard mixture onto the chicken.
- Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
- Roast in the oven for 35 minutes until the chicken develops a lovely golden color.
- Serve immediately, drizzling the cooking juices over the chicken. Pair it with boiled new potatoes and a refreshing green salad.
Speaking of comforting things, behold this genius invention: a photo door inside a kitchen cabinet. It’s essentially a replica of my old kitchen bulletin board, complete with artwork that once graced my daughter’s second-grade backpack. Some things are simply too precious to let go of.
So dear readers, do share your wisdom with me. How did you make your house feel like a home? Are there any secret tips and tricks up your sleeve? I’m all ears.
P.S. Don’t miss out on the magic of “coming home dinners” and discover cozy corners from fellow readers. It’s a delightful journey of warmth and inspiration.
Note: This article is based on the original content from Cup of Jo, written by Jenny Rosenstrach.
