Angie's Pacific Northwest Sanctuary:

Crafting Coziness with Heritage and Thrift

Meet Angie: A creative spirit with roots in tradition.

As a Southern California native now embracing life in the Pacific Northwest, Angie's world is filled with home-cooked meals, quality time with her fiancé and dog, and a passion for uncovering hidden gems in thrift stores.

Her Instagram, @ang.arana, showcases her journey as a daughter, fiancé, dog mom, and content creator, weaving together her love for home design and personal heritage.

Mastering simplistic warmth and welcome

Angie describes her room in three succinct words: "Cozy, minimalist, inviting." Her space is a harmonious blend of simplicity and warmth, inviting one to unwind and feel at home.

Sentimental touches and creative solutions

The heart of Angie's room is a vase from ShopJitana, sourced from Mexico, resonating deeply with her family's heritage. "This vase is not just a decorative item; it's a cherished link to my heritage," Angie shares, expressing the profound connection she feels with her roots through this piece.

The vase’s presence in her room is a daily reminder of her family's journey and the enduring strength and love that flows through her history.

Facing design challenges, Angie embraced a budget-friendly approach, finding joy in thrift store discoveries and DIY projects. "Thrift stores became my treasure troves," she recalls, highlighting her success in finding unique, affordable pieces that aligned with her vision.

A simple DIY project, like refinishing her nightstands, significantly transformed her space, proving that creativity and resourcefulness are key to effective home styling.

Embracing mindful rest

When it comes to rest and winding down, Angie finds solace in setting aside technology, reading her Bible, and engaging in prayer.
"By setting my phone down, I create a physical and mental boundary," she explains. This practice allows her to connect with her faith,
find inner peace, and release the stresses of the day.

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Personal Musings

Q: Describe the aesthetic of your room in three words. 

A: Cozy, minimalist, inviting 

Q: Which objects have sentimental value?

A: This vase in my room that is from ShopJitana is sourced from Mexico and holds a special place in my heart, as it serves as a cherished connection to my family's heritage and the sacrifices made by my grandparents. This vase not only adds aesthetic beauty to my room, but also symbolizes a rich history that I hold dear.

From the beautiful shape and intricate design that went into creating it, the vase embodies the essence of Mexican culture. It's a tangible piece of art that reflects the creativity and vibrancy of the country where my family originates.

What makes this vase even more sentimental is the story behind it. My grandparents migrated to the United States from Mexico, seeking better opportunities and a brighter future for their children and grandchildren, including me. Having this vase in my room is a reminder of the strength and love that flows through my family's history, and it serves as a source of inspiration and gratitude. It's not just a decorative item; it's a cherished link to my heritage and a testament to the enduring bonds of family and the pursuit of a brighter future.

Q: How do you approach rest and winding down? 

A: Over time, I've discovered that one of the most effective ways to approach rest and winding down is by setting aside my phone, reading my Bible, and engaging in prayer. By setting my phone down, I create a physical and mental boundary that allows me to escape the constant barrage of notifications and information.The Bible is a source of guidance, comfort, and inspiration. Through reading, I find strength, wisdom, and a connection to something greater than myself. It's a reminder that, amidst the chaos of daily life, there is a deeper, enduring truth to be discovered. Lastly prayer allows me to pause, acknowledge my feelings, and release any burdens I may be carrying. It's a practice of surrender, letting go of the need to control everything and trusting in a higher purpose.

Q: Advice for someone who wants to make their bedroom cozier.

A: When it comes to creating a cozier bedroom, two simple yet effective things that helped me create the cozy room I envisioned was adding textures and decluttering. For me, adding blankets and pillows is like giving it a warm and comforting hug. I think it’s a great way to make your bedroom feel more inviting. The moment I decluttered my room and found a home for every item in my bedroom was the moment I felt like I could breathe and have a breath of fresh air. By making small changes, you can really transform your room and create that cozy bedroom you’ve dreamt of having.

Q: What are some design challenges you’ve faced and how did you overcome them? 

A: One of the most significant design challenges I faced while transforming my room was the perception that price would be a major obstacle. Initially, I believed that creating a cozy and inviting space would require a substantial budget. However, I quickly realized that with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, I could achieve remarkable results without breaking the bank.

To overcome this challenge, the number one thing I did was adopt a budget friendly approach. It was my mission to find second hand items at thrift stores, facebook marketplace, as well as work on some small DIY projects. Thrift stores became my treasure troves, where I discovered unique and affordable furniture pieces, decor items, and textiles that perfectly matched the aesthetic I envisioned for my room.

Additionally, I took on a simple DIY project, refinishing my nightstands which transformed the whole look creating the cozy room I had envisioned. These small, budget-friendly endeavors not only added a personal touch to my room but also allowed me to create custom pieces that fit my vision.

In the end, my room transformation was a testament to the idea that a limited budget doesn't have to limit your design possibilities. By embracing thriftiness and undertaking manageable DIY projects, I not only achieved a cozy and inviting space but also gained a deeper appreciation for the creative process of home design.

Q: Any closing statements to wrap things up.

A: In conclusion, my bedroom is more than just a space; it's a reflection of my personality and the things I hold dear. With its cozy textures, sentimental decor, and the magic of decluttering, it has become my sanctuary—a place where I can truly be myself, relax, and recharge.

I hope you've found inspiration in the ideas shared here to create your own cozy and inviting retreat. Whether it's adding throw blankets, incorporating sentimental pieces, decluttering your space, small changes can have a big impact on your room's ambiance.

Now, it's your turn to infuse your bedroom with your personality and style, making it a space you'll look forward to spending time in. Happy decorating and cozying up your space!

Angie's recipe for coziness at home

Angie believes that coziness in a bedroom can be achieved through simple yet impactful changes. "Adding blankets and pillows is like giving your room a warm hug," she suggests, emphasizing the importance of textures in creating a welcoming space.

Equally crucial is the act of decluttering, which she finds liberating and transformative.

"My bedroom is more than just a space; it's a reflection of my personality."

She hopes her journey inspires others to find their unique style, creating a sanctuary that resonates with personal taste and comfort. Whether it’s through incorporating meaningful decor, adding cozy textures, or simply decluttering, Angie encourages everyone to craft a space that brings joy and tranquility.

Angie Arana

Believer | Latina | Creator