Why a Home Is More Than Just a House
Welcome to my very first blog post! I’m so excited to be starting this new chapter and sharing a more personal side of NZL Studio with you. This space will be a place where I talk about the heart behind my work, the technical process that goes into each painting, and the stories that inspire what I create. I’m thrilled to have you here as part of this journey.
A home is more than a structure—it’s the little things that make it feel alive. It’s the wreath on the front door in winter, the flowers planted along the walkway each spring, the bikes leaning by the porch, or the twinkle lights hung up for the holidays. These details may seem small, but they tell the story of the people who live there. That’s what I aim to capture in each painting—the feeling of home.
Some of my clients commission portraits of childhood homes they’re saying goodbye to. Others want to remember the place they first lived as a couple, or celebrate a brand new chapter in a new home. And many are gifted to loved ones as a way to say, “This place mattered.”
Lately, I’ve also had the joy of working with real estate professionals who use house portraits as their go-to closing gift. Instead of something generic or easily forgotten, they’re giving their clients something personal. These portraits have become a way for realtors to stand out and leave a lasting impression, long after the keys are handed over.
It always touches me to hear how these pieces are received—how they bring back memories, spark conversations, or become part of a family gallery wall. A painting can seem like a small thing, but when it’s full of meaning, it becomes so much more.
Whether it’s the house your kids grew up in, the one you just bought, or the one you’ve been dreaming of—I’d be honored to paint it for you.
And I’d love to hear from you too: What would you love to see here on the blog? Painting tips? Client stories? Favorite materials? Let me know—I’d love to hear what you’re curious about!
Thanks for reading, and thank you for being here at the very beginning of this new adventure.
