Heart & Home: Samantha Samson

We are back this month with another Heart & Home! To view all the homes in this series, click here.

Today’s home is full of surprises.  Colors, patterns, and accessories are combined in ways you would never think of…but that is what makes Samantha Samson’s home so unique and so memorable.  This stay-at-home mom of two can decorate a room, plan a party, and whip up dinner faster than I’ve ever seen, yet each and every detail has been carefully thought out and planned for.  She is down-to-earth, loves to have fun, and is constantly an inspiration to those around her. She’s the friend you have around when you are just stuck and need an idea hashed out. She’s the mom who loves to let her kids play in the dirt and explore without fear.  And she’s the designer and creator of this beautiful Prairieville home. I know you will be inspired by today’s tour, and I hope it encourages you to try the unexpected in your own home.

Q: Tell us a little about you and your sweet family.

I’m a wife to my wonderful husband Jesse. We have been married for 5 years and have two children, Nordy and Jolene. We started our family pretty early in our marriage but wouldn’t have it any other way. After dating for six months, then engaged and married six months later, I became pregnant six months after that. I guess you could say we like the fast lane, which is a good thing when chasing after two little ones. Nordy is going to be four this year, and he is a one of a kind. He loves being outside, making friends, and he has a big personality. Jolene is turning two this year and is our little princess. She is sweet, loving and determined to keep up with her older brother.

Q: What do you love about living in Baton Rouge, and what made you decide to settle in Prairieville?

My husband and I were both born and raised in Baton Rouge. When we were first married, we lived in the Mid City area and loved it. The food, the culture, and riding our bikes to local bars and restaurants. A closeness to our families, now more important to us than ever before, makes Baton Rouge a great place for us to call Home. When we started to look into buying a house of our own, we wanted to find a place that was a little quieter, had a good school system for our kids, but was still close to our families. After looking around, Prairieville seemed like the place for us. Jesse wanted to move to the country, and I wanted to stay close to the city. Once Jesse got a job working closer to New Orleans, that sealed the deal for us.  We have been here for a little over a year and so far we are in love!

Q: What is a typical day like for you?

We’ve been blessed with good sleepers. When the kids wake up, we start the day with breakfast and some good ole cartoons. We like to take it slow in the mornings but its not long before the kids and I are ready to get up and go. We are out the door for the usual dash to the grocery store or the occasional play date at the park (sometimes both). I like to set up at least a couple of play dates a week for my kids to get some social interaction. This has always been very important to me. Then we try to make it back for an afternoon nap, which has become a foreign concept to my three year old lately, but it’s always worth a try. When the kids are sleeping, the chores begin. The kids sleep for a couple of hours and then its time to play outside, play with our toys, or maybe a craft from time to time. Everything after this is in preparation for Daddy to come home. I start with picking up the house and then preparing a meal. When he arrives, we all sit down at the table and eat together. Then its bath time, reading books, and off to bed.

Q: What do you love most about being a stay-at-home mom?

When Jesse and I first got married, we talked about what we would do when we had kids. If they would go to day care, or if I would stay home. We discussed the things that we would miss if we both had a career, the milestones that we wouldn’t get to experience, and we decided that we would do whatever it took to make sure this wouldn’t happen. This doesn’t work for everyone, but it was something very close to our hearts. Being able to be there for my kids when they need me has been nothing short of a blessing. It hasn’t been easy, but one day it will come to an end and it will all be worth it.

Q: Where does the inspiration for the design of your home come from?

I have always liked to mix the new with the old. It’s a vintage but modern look. I like a bold, cozy atmosphere littered with family heirlooms and DIY projects. I love to find new life in an old piece. One person’s trash is another’s treasure.

Q: How has your style changed since having kids?

I have done away with a lot of the little accessories I used to have around. Those little accessories mixed with the many toys spread across every room tends to end up looking like clutter rather than tasteful décor. And like most moms, the accessories I did keep around are not within reach of little hands.

Q: What advice do you give to the mom who may be nervous to try bold colors in her home but secretly wants to?

It’s important to use bold colors carefully. The key is not to over do it. When working with neutral furniture don’t be afraid to use bold colors on the walls. Then, choosing bold colored accessories for your furniture will help to tie the room together. Such as throw pillows, rugs, and blankets. Just the opposite applies for bold furniture. Pick a neutral color for your walls, and accessorize with neutral throws.

Q: What is your biggest tip for making design decisions without stressing so much?

Yes, the decision-making can be difficult. Stick to one room at a time. Don’t try to start with nothing and don’t impulse buy. Get online and do your research. Print out the things you like, cut pictures out of magazines, and take mental notes of the things you see in someone else’s home. Once you have all your ideas, sit down and paint the entire picture of exactly what you want. But remember, YOU CAN ALWAYS CHANGE IT!

 Q: What do you want your kids to always remember about their home?

I would like my kids to look back and remember that they had a space of their own that was custom to them. Something that set them apart from one another and made them feel special. I want them to remember it as a comfortable and happy place.

Q: Finally, what is the greatest lesson you have learned since beoming  a mom?

Let’s see. There are so many things I have learned. My children have changed my life in the best ways and have taught me so much. With that being said, I think I would have to say patience. At times I have to stop and remind myself that they are just kids. I must take things slow and let some things go. It is my job to guide them through life and be as understanding as I can be.

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Samantha, thank you for letting us tour your beautiful, whimsical, and unforgettable home.  I just love what she says about kids having a space that makes them feel special.  You are definitely doing a great job at that! And, moms, what do you think about using bold colors? Is it an easy choice for you or do you tend to lean toward a more neutral look? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

 Family photo courtesy of Erin Guedry Photography.