I heard from reader Manfung Cheung yesterday who runs Dutch design blog Inrichting Huis in Rotterdam because he wanted to share with you the renovations that he and his partner Lydia La recently completed in their city apartment. They decided to buy their first home -- a two level flat in an old mansion that desperately needed renovation and their personal touch.

You can see all of their before photos here, which I think is a great way to begin this post -- to see where they started because oftentimes we approach a big project and it can seem daunting and we wonder if it is really worth the effort or not.  Manfung and Lydia prove that a little elbow grease goes a long, long way. These photos are of their beautiful new space which is light and bright -- a requirement for some who want to avoid winter blues and even depression in cities that are known to be rainy and gray, as Rotterdam doesn't have the best weather -- it's not Hawaii!

Manfung knows that it is vital to live in a home that fully supports you and allows for personal growth -- he calls it a, "necessary foundation for happiness and success in life". Large amounts of money and tons of space are not required to be happy -- that is a bonus -- the only requirements to make a house YOUR home is to find inspiration, connect to resources, get creative, tap into your personal style and be motivated enough to get up and do something about it! Kick your own butt! ha ha!

What a great house - thank you Manfung for writing in and sharing your space with us, especially before the weekend as many jump on DIY projects over the weekend -- your home inspired me to work on my own tomorrow after I go to the flea market. I particularly love your collections, your wood floors, that darling mini blue SMEG and the Never Grow Up poster.

So tell me, when you start a renovation project, or even a decorating project, what are some of your fears? What often stands in your way? If you have any projects that you're putting off, why? Perhaps together we can inspire one another to get a move on like Manfung did. Maybe even Manfung can help you with some of your dilemmas, so please comment below.

(images: inrichting huis)