There’s a brand new look for the Wifely Steps Home. Welcome to my newly designed nook!
2014 ended on a gentler, calmer, more serene note. It was a year of transition for me, as I tapped into a part of my life that was significantly more nurturing, loving and peaceful. With that, things changed for me — from relationships, the kind of work that I do, my approach to work, the books I read, most importantly, how I learned to love myself more. It’s amazing how there were so many nurturing insights from last year.
I knew I wanted the gentle changes to reflect in my online home — my blog. So welcome to my newly designed, newly decorated home! Feel free to walk barefoot. Grab a knitted throw from the living room. Let’s sit on the wooden steps of this new home (or on the porch hammock) as we sip on our cups of tea.
How the Journey Began
My blog redesign journey started with tapping my fellow Blissmaker, Rhiza Oyos. Rhiza exudes this gentle, loving vibe that I really admire. She blogs about her family, love and dreams at Chasing Dreams. I was aware of her recent work and loved her feminine, minimalist touch to each blog design.
I loved working with Rhiza. She got the vibe I wanted for my new blog design right away, and I was happy about that. One of my favorite parts of the the blog design process was creating a Blog Inspiration board on Pinterest. On this board, I pinned images that captured the mood and tone I wanted for the new design — from the color palette (morning beach hues), the textures (knits, sand, light wood), to the energy (quiet, calming).
From there, Rhiza developed her own Inspiration board. This would then anchor how the blog redesign would look. I was super happy with how this turned out!
It was a lovely process all throughout. Rhiza was such a blessing. She was open to my suggestions (Heehee, I can get a little OC!) and gave her point of view on what would make the blog work better.
One of my favorite parts is the header! I LOVE stripes, but I didn’t make this pattern part of my design brief. Stripes can get really too formal or overly nautical, so I didn’t make it a mandatory. That’s why when Rhiza came back to me with this header, I was so happy. I got the stripes I love and it was presented in a gentle, relaxed way. Ocean waves come to mind and it anchors the whole blog beautifully.
It was a joy working with Rhiza. I highly recommend her for your blog design needs.
This is my little beach home. Come look around. Read the Manifesto, the updated About page. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter too! I hope you enjoy your stay.
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy. 41 Comments on A New Look for Wifely Steps
1Pingbacks & Trackbacks on A New Look for Wifely Steps
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[…] It’s partly a technical process, but mostly it’s an adventure. A journey, as Toni would say. You have all of these inspiration and ideas to guide you, but sometimes you don’t really […]
Ma. Teresa Grech Q. Racal
February 17, 2015 at 3:56 pm (8 years ago)I love the new look….. It feels homey… Ganda!!!!
Ma. Teresa Grech Q. Racal´s last blog post ..1st Summer Activity: McDonald’s Kiddie Crew
Toni
February 17, 2015 at 4:05 pm (8 years ago)Thank you!
Love that you feel how homey it is. <3
ibyang
February 17, 2015 at 4:06 pm (8 years ago)congrats on the new look of your site. it’s lovely!
Toni
February 17, 2015 at 4:07 pm (8 years ago)Thank you Ibyang!
So happy you dropped by!
van
February 17, 2015 at 5:11 pm (8 years ago)Ang Ganda Toni!as in. Gusto ko na rin tuloy mag makeover with Riz
Toni
February 17, 2015 at 5:49 pm (8 years ago)Hi Van! Thank you. Go!
She’s such a joy to work with. I’m sure the two of you will produce something lovely!
Riz
February 17, 2015 at 5:49 pm (8 years ago)Ohhh myyy, my heart leaped, just like it did when I was reading your answers on the design questionnaire. This new way of expressing yourself, Toni, it really touches deep into the heart! It adds more depth and meaning to the design, haha na-feel ko lang daw talaga na I’m walking barefoot on your home’s wooden steps! Thank you for this opportunity, Toni! I felt like a fangirl when you messaged me to work on your design. Now excuse me because your post makes me want to grab a mug of coffee.
Riz´s last blog post ..Pursuit Manila, February Gathering
Toni
February 17, 2015 at 6:05 pm (8 years ago)Hi Riz! Thank you so much for the partnership. I really enjoyed the whole process. I loved how we connected and that we just ‘got’ each other. Here’s to more collaborations in the future. Thank you for making my home incredibly cozy, just the way I pictured it. Thank you, thank you! This is, for me, really home sweet home.
Mary Joy
February 17, 2015 at 6:23 pm (8 years ago)Ang ganda naman! so fresh and relaxing ang look ng blog mo! =)
Mary Joy´s last blog post ..Salamat po!!!
Toni
February 18, 2015 at 8:05 am (8 years ago)Thanks Mary Joy!
Sana nga ay ma-relax ka habang nagbabasa dito!
ceemee
February 17, 2015 at 6:40 pm (8 years ago)So beautiful and relaxing! Coffee by the beach is so tempting!
ceemee´s last blog post ..Valentine’s Day {2015}, Cymplified!
Toni
February 18, 2015 at 8:05 am (8 years ago)Wine by night would be tempting too.
Thanks for dropping by, ceemee!
Tess
February 17, 2015 at 7:54 pm (8 years ago)Whoa!!! I love your blog’s new look, Toni! Awesome! Makes me want to make “tambay” here all day! More power! You inspire me.
Toni
February 18, 2015 at 8:06 am (8 years ago)Thank you, Tess! Come and make tambay here all day! I’ll make sure we have enough coffee and food to fuel us and our chikahan.
michelle
February 17, 2015 at 8:21 pm (8 years ago)What a nice blog/website. I had my blog “refurbished and redesigned” also by Riz and I loved working with her. She is blessed with so much talent and creativity.
Toni
February 18, 2015 at 8:07 am (8 years ago)She is a blessing, isn’t she! Thank you for dropping by, Michelle. Come back again soon!
Aggie
February 18, 2015 at 11:30 am (8 years ago)Huwwwaaaaaaaawww — your site colors and design just make me want to sigh and literally, grab a cuppa and read
Great job Riz!!!!!
Aggie´s last blog post ..34 Things
Toni
February 18, 2015 at 11:44 am (8 years ago)Riz is awesome. Thanks Aggie! Happy you visited
Ginger P. Arboleda
February 18, 2015 at 4:29 pm (8 years ago)Oh my, toni girl!
I love your new site design … hay! Ayan na naman ako! i want to change my design again! 
haha! #inspired
Ginger P. Arboleda´s last blog post ..Blogging and Branding
Toni
February 19, 2015 at 12:09 am (8 years ago)#gogogo
Thanks Mommy Ginger!
Topaz Horizon
February 18, 2015 at 5:22 pm (8 years ago)I’m feeling so calm and relaxed just being here =)
Topaz Horizon´s last blog post ..Topaz Reads #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso
Toni
February 19, 2015 at 12:09 am (8 years ago)That’s the vibe I was going for — calm and relaxed. Thanks Frances!
Connie
February 18, 2015 at 5:50 pm (8 years ago)The blog looks great, Toni!
Connie´s last blog post ..Filio Bistro, Antipolo
Toni
February 19, 2015 at 12:09 am (8 years ago)Yahoo! Thanks Connie!
Chrissy
February 18, 2015 at 5:59 pm (8 years ago)Just looking at the header makes me feel like I’m on vacation 😀 I love it Toni
Toni
February 19, 2015 at 12:09 am (8 years ago)Yes! So true. Thanks Chrissy!
It makes me feel like I’m on vacation too!
Dang
February 18, 2015 at 6:16 pm (8 years ago)Beautiful! Keep on sharing your heart! Love the new look! ☕️
Toni
February 19, 2015 at 12:08 am (8 years ago)Such sweet words. Thank you so much, Dang!
Fleur
February 18, 2015 at 6:35 pm (8 years ago)So nice!!! Ang refreshing!!! Congratulations on your blog’s new look!!! =)
Toni
February 19, 2015 at 12:08 am (8 years ago)Yey! Thanks Mommy Fleur!
Faye
February 18, 2015 at 10:03 pm (8 years ago)I love the new look, Toni! So relaxing! Exactly how each of the entries in here make me feel everytime I read them.
Toni
February 19, 2015 at 12:08 am (8 years ago)Awww, thanks Faye! Chill na chill lang ‘no? Let’s relax and make chika over coffee or tea
sheng
February 19, 2015 at 7:21 am (8 years ago)Congratulations on the new look of your blog. How I wish I could re-design my blog too.
sheng´s last blog post ..A Visit to the Big City – The Mind Museum Trip
Toni
February 19, 2015 at 10:53 am (8 years ago)Go for it, Sheng! Thank you for the kind words.
Abby
February 19, 2015 at 10:01 am (8 years ago)Nice design, toni
so calm, peaceful… aaaah!
Toni
February 19, 2015 at 10:53 am (8 years ago)Thanks Abby!
Ayn
February 19, 2015 at 10:12 am (8 years ago)… Very nice Toni! Ganda! It’s so neat and relaxing! …
Toni
February 19, 2015 at 10:53 am (8 years ago)Thanks Mama Ayn! <3
Tina@TrulyRichMom.com
February 23, 2015 at 12:47 am (8 years ago)HOMAYGULAY! I haven’t been able to read all my fave blogs lately so I was blown away when I was finally able to catch up on posts — like yours! HOMAYGULAY! Super nice! Love, love, love! I’m SO inspired now to get started on that blog rebranding/redesign (yep, the one that’s over a year overdue! Hehe!) Congrats, Toni! More blessings to come!
Tina@TrulyRichMom.com´s last blog post ..Live Lent in Love {A List of Lenten Resources for Families}
Toni
February 23, 2015 at 12:14 pm (8 years ago)Hi Tina! Thank you, thank you! Miss chatting with you, especially our burning-the-midnight-oil meetings.
Looking forward to your blog redesign soon! 😉