Bringing creativity home

Our homeowner adventure begins

Early this morning, at 9am, I made my way down the stairs of our condo building to meet with the people who sold us our new suite. We’d been renting a different suite in the same building for the past four years, and were lucky enough to successfully place an offer on an almost identical suite four floors up from our own. 

This is my first home purchase and Athena’s second. Frankly, I never thought I’d be in a position to own my own home. But in the past few years a lot of pieces have fallen into place that made this possible for us. I am so grateful to have been able to work towards this, and for the people who have helped us achieve this milestone. 

I didn’t anticipate that it would be so emotional for me to pick up the keys. Psychologically, owning feels different from renting. Maybe it’s just a trick of the mind, but I see value in being able to take responsibility for the care and upkeep of a space we can call ours. It’s an act that says: yes. You are worth this. Go forth and make it home.

Once we had determined that we wanted to purchase property, we had debated between owning a house and buying a condo downtown. Both have their benefits and shortcomings. A house that we could afford wouldn’t be in the city itself, which would limit our mobility — especially Athena’s. I love that in our neighbourhood we can walk out the door and are within five minute walking distance from three excellent food establishments. I love that we have access to a river park and commercial area. I love that I am a 30 minute walk from my place of employment. Most importantly, I love that Athena isn’t cooped up in the condo but has access to transport and amenities whether or not I am home. That kind of independence is priceless.

I also value being part of an in-built community. Not that I am all that close to our neighbours, but I like that when I climb in the elevator I see familiar faces. I appreciate the building security and that we have a property management company to oversee repairs and tasks like snow clearing. 

I appreciate that we can drill holes in the wall, retile the kitchen and bathroom, and buy furniture to make this place truly reflect who we are. Right now we are debating the costs and benefits of a full grain versus top grain leather couch. I’m learning so many new things. We have a blank canvas to play with. And that’s just it. This is play. It is a creativity project that will keep us occupied for years to come. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

We plan to approach this project in stages. Step one is to make the space as accessible as possible for Athena, while keeping it functional for my own six foot one inch frame. This will mean redoing the master bedroom’s ensuite bathroom, as well as the kitchen, first. Once that’s in order, everything else can follow. We also plan on building in as much shelving as possible for the many books and creative supplies that have accumulated so quickly for us. 

We have engaged the help of an accessibility contractor and interior designer, to help us reimagine the suite in a way that makes sense. I admit it all feels pretty intimidating right now and I, for one, can’t wait to see what it will actually look like. There’s only so much thought experimenting one can do. I am also learning to be flexible knowing that the best laid plans don’t always work out. We are not seeking perfection. What we are looking for is a home that we can feel proud of where we can create memories for the years that remain.

This is a whole new chapter for both of us. I’m sure the novelty will wear off at some point. But right now as we push away from the metaphorical shore paddling forth together, I feel myself breathing in the air of adventure, uncertainty, fear and excitement. I know a lot of work lies ahead, but tonight I just want to breathe in the fresh air.

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Stefan is Tilted Windmills’ clinical counsellor, generative coach and a self-described wounded healer. If you’re seeking support, consider booking a free 30-minute consultation.

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