Photos by Lyndsay Hannah Photography
“We are a hosting household,” notes bestselling poet Kate Baer. “Our family culture is, ‘Let’s invite people over!’” She resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with her spouse, four children, three cats, and a dog named Maybe (as in “maybe we’ll get a dog”). Here, Kate muses on marriage, parenthood, and writing, and mentions the toy her children are still disputing over…
LIBRARY
Wall paint color: Benjamin Moore. Ceiling fixture: Home Depot. Rug: West Elm via Facebook Marketplace (“12 years ago!”), similar. Entry table: Facebook Marketplace.
On discovering a dream home: My friend’s mom inhabited this residence for numerous years and in fact raised her own four kids here. I never envisioned it would become my home! Yet in 2021, we acquired it from the family and have been gradually making it our own.
Bookcase paint color: Benjamin Moore. Table, chairs, and rug: hand-me-downs from relatives.
On newly cherished books: I was awestruck by The Correspondent, a heartfelt, magnificent novel by Virginia Evans. Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino was utterly breathtaking. And I devoured Heart the Lover so swiftly, it went up my nose and out my eyeballs.
Flower photo: Jamie Beck. Sofa: Poly & Bark. Stool: Home Goods, similar.
On a cherished artwork: The Jamie Beck photograph on the left is my most valued art piece. She sent it to me because she said it reminded her of the cover of my debut book.
On board games: There are plenty of jokes about how folks avoid playing games, but I actually believe they do. You’re not obligated to play games the entire time you’re socializing! Spoons is a blast for adults while kids watch a movie. Other favored games in our home are Fishbowl, Mafia, and Codenames.
LIVING ROOM
Paint: Benjamin Moore. Sofa: Interiors Home, similar.
On a very elegant piano: The piano was part of the house. It belonged to my friend’s grandmother, Lucille, so we named the piano Lucille in her honor. I feel like Elton John when I play it. Some of my kids take lessons, and it’s my hope for all of them to learn at least one song.
Print: Etsy. Chair: Interiors Home, similar.
On quietly adding plants: I struggle to choose decor, so I just add plants everywhere. They bring vitality and charm to a space. I discreetly gather them and hope my husband, Austin, won’t be upset since he’s the one who maintains them all.
On the best spot in the house: The kids gather around this chair to do their homework. I adore reading here in the evening. Everyone argues over that chair, but it’s mine.
KITCHEN
Table: crafted by Austin, Kate’s husband. Chairs: “My parents got them off the roadside for $40 ten years ago.”
On the pleasure of hosting: Bringing people together and fostering community is something I diligently strive for. We’ve thrown fall festivals and hosted movie nights in the basement. We invite people every Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. There’s a misconception that you need a flawless home to host. But I was doing this when our family of six dwelled in 1,200 square feet. When I’m invited somewhere, I don’t worry about the kitchen backsplash or the meal. Being welcomed into someone’s home is a gift.
On old stools: They’re incredibly squeaky as they’re around 30 years old, but it’s so easy to sweep beneath them. More people need stools like these.
On rural living: After dinner, my husband and I attempt to leave our phones and walk our dog in neighbors’ fields. On warm days, we’ll bring chairs to the front yard hill and gaze over the valley. Even if sitting quietly, it’s nice to be together.
On unique keepsakes: We take an annual family trip to Florida, where we enjoy searching for shark teeth. I procured a large shadow box which my husband used to glue them in. He also added one sneaky shell. We challenge visiting kids, ‘There’s one item that’s not a shark tooth.’ It takes them ages to locate it.
On playlists: Each night, I play the same dinner playlist. It has French café vibes and is very low key. The music signals it’s time to come to the table. I have a Saturday morning playlist for when we tackle chores to enjoy the rest of the weekend. I own a writing playlist and one to pump myself up before a night out. Every routine has a playlist — they’re such a pleasant signal of where we are in our day.
STAIRS
On a debated print: My friend’s mom, the previous owner, selected the leopard print runner. Everyone said she was crazy and would regret it, but she didn’t. We’ve updated many things since acquiring the house, so this carpet is a lovely reminder of who lived here before us.
On the family cats: One day, a cat appeared on our property. My youngest, in first grade, named him Hot Dog. We got George and Kimberly a year ago. My dearest cat had passed away, and we wished to add some new friends to our lives.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bed and bedside tables: Warbler Woodworks.
On a haven: I always desired a bedroom that feels like resting on a cloud, and I find deep peace in this room. We kept it minimalist and predominantly white, which contrasts with the rest of the house.
Chair: Facebook Marketplace.
On a cherished tradition: When I began dating someone, it felt quite casual, so I put him in my phone as Boyfriend. On our wedding day, one of my friends wanted to change it to Husband, but I insisted, ‘Oh, don’t do that!’ There’s something about Boyfriend—it just feels a bit sexier and cuter. I’ll never change it.
OFFICE (BEDROOM CLOSET)
On balancing work: I left my MFA program upon pregnancy. My husband was in med school, and realistically, we couldn’t pursue both simultaneously. Since only one path clearly generates income, it was simple to decide which to prioritize considering finances and family. Nevertheless, I wrote when I could.
On self-determination: I tell young writers: “No one else cares if you write a book or not. You must care. No one’s going to force you to write. It’s your responsibility to do that.”
On personal space: In our previous house, every inch was occupied, allowing no room for an office or a desk even in a corner. I wrote my first and much of the second book at a nearby Panera Bread. The staff was very kind. During the pandemic, I wrote in their parking lot, using WiFi and turning the car heater on and off.
BATHROOM
On raising four children: I’ve realized that having four kids requires you to be both highly organized and very relaxed. With so many, you must let things go but also focus on what’s crucial. So, the house might be messy, but everyone is fed.
On toys: I don’t purchase toys anymore, and yet they’re all around. I’m baffled about their origins. I’m clueless as to how they keep appearing in the house.
BASEMENT
On an impressive gift: My daughter received aerial silks last Christmas, and my kids argue over them more than anything else. My daughter performs tricks, while the boys swing and collide. The kits are easy to find online, but anchoring them securely to the ceiling is tricky.
On timeless toys: My youngest is in first grade, and my eldest in ninth. Few things bring all the kids together, but Legos are one. I try to have family sessions a couple of times a week, whether dinner, cards, or Lego-building.
Thanks a lot, Kate! Congratulations on How About Now.
P.S. Kate’s beauty regimen, a humorous evening with Kate and Joanna, and Kate’s rules for her forties on Big Salad.
(Photos by Lyndsay Hannah Photography for Cup of Jo.)
**Kate Baer’s Inviting Home: An Abode for Children and Pets**
Nestled in a lively neighborhood, Kate Baer’s home is a testimony to warmth, affection, and inclusiveness. Renowned for her expressive poetry and thoughtful musings on contemporary life, Baer’s creative flair extends to crafting a domestic environment that serves as both a refuge and a playground for her kids and pets.
**An Intentional Design for Family Life**
Kate Baer’s residence is a lesson in intentional design, where each element fulfills a dual purpose of practicality and comfort. The open-plan living space is the nucleus of the house, where sunlight streams through large windows, creating a luminous and breezy area ideal for family reunions. The furniture is thoughtfully chosen to be stylish and durable, suitable for both children’s and pets’ energetic activities.
**Areas for Discovery and Growth**
Appreciating the significance of encouraging curiosity, Baer has designed areas stimulating exploration and creativity. The children’s rooms are lively, containing books, arts and crafts materials, and toys that ignite imaginative play. Each room is tailored to reflect her children’s distinct interests, from a book nook embellished with fairy lights to a crafting corner filled with vibrant materials.
**Features for Pets**
Pets are essential members of the Baer family, with their demands being equally prioritized. The backyard is a pet haven with a secure fence, generous space for running, and shaded areas for relaxation. Indoors, pet-friendly fabrics and easy-to-clean surfaces maintain the home’s pristine condition despite the inevitable clutter from furry friends. Special details, like a snug pet bed in the living room and a feeding station in the kitchen, ensure pets feel as much a part of the family as any member.
**Eco-Friendly Living and Connecting with Nature**
Baer is equally committed to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly materials and practices in her home. From energy-conserving appliances to a comprehensive recycling system, the household operates with environmental mindfulness. The garden is a collective family endeavor where children gain nature awareness by planting and nurturing vegetables and flowers, fostering a connection to the earth and an appreciation for food origins.
**Forging Memories and Customs**
Central to Kate Baer’s home is the forging of memories and customs. Be it a weekly family game night, baking activities in the kitchen, or peaceful evenings spent reading together, the home provides a setting for moments securing family bonds. Baer underscores the significance of these rituals in providing stability and happiness for her children, creating a sense of belonging and safety.
**Summary**
Kate Baer’s home surpasses being a mere physical space; it embodies her principles and family love. By emphasizing comfort, creativity, and inclusivity, she has formed a haven where kids and pets thrive. Her home stands as an inspiring example for others aiming to balance modern life’s demands with the timeless pleasures of family and companionship.
