7 Unexpected Lessons I've Learned From Courtney Adamo

Personal insights on home, family, and friends

Recently I read about letting go of friends.

There are definitely times in life when this feels right. Some friends are for a season. Or we connect because of circumstance — school, work, or where we live.

But there are some friends who make life better:

• You feel good when you spend time together.

• You leave catch-ups loving life a little more.

• They make you want to be the best version of yourself.

This has been my experience with Courtney Adamo. Some of you may know her from her blogging days at Babyccino Kids (when we first met back in the 2000s), or perhaps you discovered her on Instagram.

Maybe you haven’t yet “met”.

Let me introduce you to Courtney, and some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from a friend who I admire and have learned so much from over the years…

Enjoying time together at Courtney’s beach home Sandy Pines; Photography Lynden Foss

7 Unexpected Lessons I’ve Learned from Courtney Adamo

The first time I met Courtney Adamo was online. She reached out asking if I could be a contributor for her family lifestyle blog, Babyccino Kids. We were introduced by a mutual friend Jodie Fried of Armadillo. Initial conversations were online but then we met in Sydney on Courtney’s first trip to Australia with her young family. At the time, I was living in a tiny beachside apartment and I often reflect how much our children have grown since that time. Her boys played with my son, and her daughter Ivy was a toddler. Now they go to the same school, and we’ve enjoyed summer holidays together. Isn’t it amazing that we just don’t know where life will take us, or the paths we will cross with various people at different stages in our lives.

Courtney and I have also collaborated several times over the years for work too. It started with Babyccino Kids, but we’ve also created an online course and podcast about renovating together. We regularly chat about work, life, family and all things in-between on our weekly walks.

In celebration of her debut book, The Family Home, and 15+ years of friendship, I thought it might be fun to share some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from Courtney over the years:

1. There Is Always A Place For Good Manners

One of the first things I noticed about Courtney was her good manners. Her emails were always warm and thoughtful — a noticeable contrast to the many other emails that came my way for work.

Courtney became my first American friend, and I’ve since found many Americans to be incredibly warm in written communication, as well as in person. In contrast, the England I grew up in (up until the age of 13) was quite formal. My mum used to have to call her bosses by their surname, starting with the titles “Mr” or “Mrs”. Manners sometimes seemed more a way to exhibit social mores, rather than as a way to express genuine connection.

To this day, Courtney always makes an effort to connect with her neighbours whenever we pass them on our walks — both in our local town, and near her beach house. It’s such a simple act, but one that creates a sense of belonging. It always reminds me that how we show up in the smallest interactions often says the most.

2. Don’t Be Ruled By Fear

The first time I interviewed Courtney for my podcast I titled the episode “Courtney Adamo on Being Fearless” because this is how I have always seen her, in her soft yet considered way.

Let me explain. When Courtney was living in London, she quickly grew a significant following on social media, and amassed a large dose of influence. Yet, she chose to walk away from what many would have held onto for safety and security. Instead, she and her husband Michael sold their much-loved home, travelled the world, and embraced uncertainty, in the belief that it would all work out in the end.

Isn’t this something we all need to remind ourselves of at times? We will work it out. And it might just be even better than we ever imagined.

3. Be Open To The Unexpected

It’s one thing to take the leap, and step into a life unknown. But it’s another to do so with open arms.

Courtney and Michael have a wonderful way of meeting and connecting deeply with people from all walks of life. They regularly host social gatherings at their homes, and have a mix of age groups, professions, interests…

And their life is richer for it — it has opened doors, fostered deep friendships, and enhanced their lives in many unexpected ways.

4. Don’t Wait for “Someday” To Live Well

Courtney is known for her tidy and thoughtful home. Instead of letting tasks pile up, she gets on with them.

And I can see how it serves her well. It means friends can pop in at any time, she can host dinners easily, and rent out her home, without months of preparation.

The lesson? Don’t wait for “someday” to enjoy the home you’re in. Small simple choices really do add up.

5. Family Matters

I’m sure we all agree on this one. But Courtney really lives it. Family is a huge part of her life. She grew up in a large family. She is close to her parents and siblings, as well as extended family members. She makes long trips across the Pacific Ocean to stay with her family for weeks at a time. Her own family with Michael, and their five children is equally close.

While families can be complicated, I’ve always admired people who can maintain close bonds. This is something that I try to foster within my own family too.

6. Don’t Be Afraid of Hard Conversations

Many of us need to get better at having hard conversations, especially women. I am guilty of this.

Courtney is someone who can express her feelings openly and honestly — even if it’s to someone who has said something unkind or untrue.

And she is better off for the experience. It’s not about being confrontational — it’s about being clear, and moving forward without resentment.

If I’m tempted to avoid a difficult conversation, I remind myself of this lesson.

7. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

For many years I wrote a blog called Daily Imprint interviewing people I admired in the creative arts — from artists to ceramicists, photographers, designers, and more. One of the most common responses to the advice they would give others was: Don’t sweat the small stuff.

While I’ve never heard Courtney say this. I believe she lives it.

While we have laughed together often about our respective perfectionist tendencies, there are many times when I can see that it holds me back. Courtney doesn’t get stuck in the details. Energy is better spent living, connecting, and creating memories.

The Takeaway: Cherish Friends Who Make You Feel Good

Life can be challenging. But when you’ve got someone in your community who can help you see the light, the world can feel a little better.

It can take time to find these types of friendships.

They require effort, and nurturing. But they are worth it.

YOUR THOUGHTS?
What’s a lesson you’ve learned from a friend that has stayed with you?
I’d love to hear — share in the comments below. I read every single one.

THIS CREATIVE LIFE IS 100% FREE
You can show your support—big or small—with these simple acts:
Tap the heart, leave a comment, share with a friend, or explore my books to go deeper.

If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy…

7 Surprising Lessons I Learned from Leanne Ford

---

Going Live! Join Courtney Adamo and myself on a Live Q&A here on Substack.
Date: Tuesday 23rd September
Time: 11am AEST / Sydney
World Time Converter

Staying: If you’d like to enjoy your own summer holiday in Courtney’s beach house, you can book a stay here. Highly recommended!

Reading: The post that sparked this one is here. Is relationship minimalism a thing by Shira Gill.

Drinking: I have found a replacement for my second coffee of the day that has started to sneak into my routine: matcha! Yes, I am finally converting. A naturopath recommended I add a scoop of collagen powder, which is a great idea too.

---

1. STYLE WITH CONFIDENCE: Finally, discover a way to know and understand your personal style to create interiors with confidence. | Learn More

2. GROW YOUR CREATIVE BUSINESS: Access the strategies, systems and support you need to grow smarter, not harder alongside other like-minded creative business owners. | Join Now

3. CUSTOMISED STRATEGY: If you’re ready to start or scale your creative business, access a customised mentorship experience to make meaningful progress on your goals. | Apply Here

---

Discover my best-selling books filled with insights and inspiration to design a home & life you love. Buy This is Home, Still, Style and Home By The Sea today. ​Signed copies available here.

---