Living room with dark gray walls, decorated with framed artwork, a vintage blue-gray sideboard, a plaid armchair, a glass-top coffee table with books and decorative items, and floral arrangements. There are wall sconces, a mirror, and a round decorative plate on the wall.
A smiling woman outdoors with trees and grass in the background during daytime.

Hi, I’m Maria Lorena

Welcome to our little corner by the preserve. I’m a wife and mom of two, dedicated to the art of homemaking. We’re on a journey to breathe character into our builder-grade space, one DIY and design choice at a time. I believe a home should be as functional as it is beautiful, and I’m here to share the honest reality of that transformation—from the dusty projects to the final, cozy details. So glad you’re here, fellow homebody.

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A table set for Valentine's day using light green and peach colors.

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View fullsize Our homes are more than just four walls and curated corners. They are the places where our values take root. I want my children to grow up knowing that kindness isn't an afterthought but it’s the foundation. ​In this house, we choose love. We
View fullsize The moment it turns cold in Florida my mind turns to Spring!🌿 Obsessed with the Studio McGee x Target 2026 Spring Collection and its incredible focus on a vintage, collected aesthetic. These affordable finds are giving all the feels of a well-travel
View fullsize ​Every January, we’re flooded with “In vs. Out” lists. But after a decade of DIYs, I’ve learned the hard way: chasing trends is the fastest way to make a home feel dated. ​In 2026, I’m officially opting out. Here is my
View fullsize Does anyone else get a literal shot of serotonin walking into a clean, fresh kitchen? ✨☕️ ​Let’s be real: life happens. The dishes pile up, the dust bunnies move in, and suddenly that sanctuary feeling starts to fade. But a deep clean doesn't
View fullsize New year, new calendar page, and a whole lot of plans for this builder-grade beauty. ✨ If you’ve been around House by the Preserve for a while, you know I believe a home isn’t built overnight—it’s a living space that evolves
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View fullsize The final bell has rung! 🔔✨ Today was the kids' last day of school, and we are officially on Christmas break. The house is cozy, the stockings are hung, and I am so ready for slow mornings and holiday magic with my favorite people. Let the cocoa sip
View fullsize It’s finally live! 🎄✨ Grab your coffee (or let’s be real, a glass of wine) and come take a tour of our 2025 Christmas Home!  This year, I fully embraced the "Moody Traditional" vibe. As the kids get older, I wanted the ho