This goes without saying, but this past year looked different than most. I almost didn’t write this “year in review” type post, because it felt like I barely blogged at all this year. But looking back, I published 22 blog posts in 2020 - an average of almost 2 per month. I had ideas and plans for many, many more but with everything this unprecedented year brought with it — I feel good about that number.

The topics of these blog posts are a bit different than my norm. We didn’t do very much decorating or renovating, so no big reveals or before and afters. (I did make progress on some long term projects like our hallway and dining room so you can look forward to updates on those in the New Year!) We spent the vast majority of our days at home, and low key family time reigned supreme. Would you believe me if I told you that I often forget I launched my first book this year? It was such a surreal experience and because of the timing (It officially released Sept 8th) it feels like almost another lifetime. It seemed like a silly time to be talking about a DIY floral book but at the same time, getting back into crafting (like sewing clothing and making over a vintage dollhouse!) gave me so much peace through these challenging fall and winter months. I know I’ll still be unpacking and making sense of all this year held for a while to come. It was nice to take a look back at what I created here in this space over the last 12 months.

It was really interesting to see that the top 10 most popular blog posts from this year were some of my very favorite to write. It doesn’t always work out that way! Man, am I grateful to have readers who really resonate with the heart of everything I share - which is designing a home and life that you love, whatever that looks like. Thank you for being here, especially those who return year after year. You give me the motivation and encouragement to keep creating, writing and sharing in this space through all of life’s uncertainties and evolutions. Without further ado, here’s the countdown of the top 10 blog posts on Stevie Storck Design Co. this year!

#10. How to Work from Home with Kids

I wrote this one in the early and hopeful days of quarantine, but I think it’s aged pretty well. From the early days of quarantine. Working parents were thrown into an impossible situation this year and my heart goes out to each and every one of you, doing your best and trying to provide your kids with some stability in a year that feels anything but stable. The Urgent-Important Matrix I shared has been key for me in prioritizing what gets done and what doesn’t this year - because let’s face it, some things have to give. In the post, I said “It is not possible to be a Pinterest Perfect Parent and an efficient employee working from home at the same time.” For all those who felt that pressure keenly this year, whatever path you chose to take is valid and you are strong for making it through. I scaled back my hours with my interior design business a lot this year and felt a good deal of guilt for having the privilege of being able to turn down work. But I’ve decided to be generous with myself, in understanding that this is not a usual year. The choices I made to survive this year with my family’s health and my own sanity intact do not necessarily reflect my long-term goals and that’s okay. I’m not “falling behind” because progress is never linear anyway. I’m trusting that through this messy and confusing year, I am learning and becoming the person who will create whatever it is I create next.

#9. Painting the Dollhouse + 8 Simple Color Scheme Ideas for Crafting

My best friend thrifted this dollhouse for us over the summer and I’ve slowly been making it over. This whole project has been so fun! In this post I shared the pared down color scheme I chose, painting tips and a bunch of color scheme ideas to inspire your dollhouse project - or really any craft or design project! I’m overdue for an update but the wallpaper has been installed, the new roof shingles are on and I’m about to start building the kitchen cabinets.

#8. How to Plant and Care for a Kitchen Herb Garden

This one was so fun to write! Gardening has become a big hobby and outlet for me over the last couple of years. Being able to create this potted herb garden for my clients (who have THE BEST kitchen window for it, right?) was a career highlight. I had a few friends ask for tips on growing herbs indoors so I pulled together everything I’ve learned and put it into this post for you!

#7. An Inside Look at Writing Modern Faux Flower Projects

One month before it’s release date, I shared the story of writing my first book. From the initial offer to signing the contract to writing and photographing all the projects - it was a wild ride. I shared some behind the scenes tidbits, like how Sage crawled for the very first time on our third day of shooting! This was a fun and surreal one to write. It’s still hard for me to believe I’m a published author!

#6. My Book Cover Reveal

I wasn’t surprised that this one made the top 10 list! I was anxiously awaiting seeing the cover of my book for the first time myself! It was so exciting to be able to share it with all of you back in May. I am still so enamored by the beautiful images that Savannah Smith Photography created for my book. I literally couldn’t have done this book without her!

#5. Fall Family Bucket List Ideas | Kid-friendly & COVID-Safe

Call me basic, but I LOVE FALL. For me, fall starts on September 1st. By then, I am more than ready to leave the dog days of summer behind and begin celebrating with all the fun autumn activities. This year, I shared my Free Printable Autumn Bucket List along with all kinds of family-friendly activities - things to do, things to make, and days to celebrate.

#4. My Best Secondhand Furniture Shopping Tips

I created this post in partnership with the York Habitat for Humanity ReStore in October! It was so fun getting to preview the new store on the day before it’s grand opening. I shared the best tips I’ve learned from all the thrifting and secondhand shopping I’ve done over the years. On Instagram stories, I shared a tour of the store and one of you scored these amazing, matching beige West Elm couches for less than $500 total the morning of the grand opening! Once COVID cases are back down in York County, I’d love to do more posts like this.

#3. Gift Guide | Etsy Finds for the Modern Homemaker

My love affair with Etsy runs deep. Back in college, I had my own Etsy shop for printable stationery and party kits. Since then, I’ve used it as a resource for gifting handmade, one-of-a-kind items and finding all sorts of unique home decor and craft supplies. Ahead of the holidays, I pulled together a gift guide for “the modern homemaker” - basically all things that make life at home just a bit more cozy and bright.

#2. Where to Buy Affordable Art Online

Slowly over the course of this year, I’ve been collecting art for a floor to ceiling gallery wall in our pink dining room. At the time I wrote this post, I only had a few pieces hung on the wall but now the gallery wall is really coming together! Here’s a progress picture from this fall. I’ll be sharing a full update of this room very soon! Before this year, I had thrifted the majority of the art in our home but since we stayed home so much this year, I sought out online resources for digital art prints and found a few artists I love who offer affordable prints.

and the number one post was…

#1. The Case for Slow Decorating

I have to give credit to my friend & reader, Neil Cochrane for requesting a post on this topic! This is one of my favorite posts I’ve ever written. It sums up my approach to designing our own home - planning ahead, moving at whatever pace is realistic for your budget and time, not comparing your progress to others, and enjoying/being grateful for your home at every step along the way. There are a lot of positives to tackling your home design slowly and mindfully (which I share in the post!) and I find that the rooms that come together over time are the ones that feel the most unique and soulful. I don’t want my home to look like it was torn from the pages of a catalog. I want to live in a home that feels intentional, collected and meaningful and I’m happy that so many of you resonate with this too! This is something I plan to write more about in the coming year. I’m actually working on an interior design course, titled The Mindfully Collected Home! With any luck, it will be ready sometime in 2021. Stay tuned for more details!

Thank you again for reading and supporting my blog this year! Wishing you all the best as we enter into a new year together. I am feeling very hopeful for what 2021 will bring!

Happy News Years, Eve!