“Home is where we express our passions and our unique creative vision. We should seek and celebrate the poetry of every day at home.” – Alexandra Stoddard
Everything matters in our homes. From the comfort of cozy chairs to the color of our kitchen towels and everything in between – it all matters. However, it is not about perfection.
To me, an ideal home is about comfort. One that meets the emotional needs of ourselves and of our families. While I love beauty, appreciate quality and fine workmanship, I am not a perfectionist. We can create a beautiful and comfortable home without striving for perfection. There is no perfect human, house, or garden. When we strive for a perfect home we lose our way, and are robbed of joy. What we create is an uncomfortable atmosphere. Home, our refuge, is the very last place anyone should be uncomfortable.
Additionally, through the years I have seen too much of the mentality, ‘saving the best for company.’ Or, when a home is perfect one will host holiday dinners and entertain friends. Personally, I believe both of these lines of thinking are wrong. They take away from the joy each day brings. Each day is a gift and should be celebrated, not reserved for special occasions.
A beautiful home is created when we surround ourselves with the things we love. Truly, our homes are our stories. They should tell a great deal about us. Where we’ve been, what we’ve done and who we are. So, don’t hide those beautiful old vintage books or tuck away your stack of lovely monogrammed napkins. Display, enjoy and use them. And, place those gorgeous silver spoons where you can enjoy taking one to stir your morning coffee or tea. You will smile every time you pass them, realizing you have created beauty in your home, by displaying things meaningful to you. When we put forth the conscious effort to make our daily lives more beautiful, we are on our way toward living a more beautiful life.
Decorating a home is something which should continue throughout a lifetime. We grow and change as individuals, children grow and leave home and therefore our homes should change as well. A beautiful home evolves through time. Creating a beautiful home can be one of our greatest achievements. The process should enrich, delight, and bring us great satisfaction.
Eleanor McMillen Brown, a pioneer in the field of interior design and founder of the legendary design firm McMillen Inc., lived to be 100 years old. Her famous words, “without the private world of retreat man becomes virtually an unbalanced creature,” are true. And, that is the very reason we should strive to make our homes as special as possible and enjoy them to the hilt. It is the little things, unique only to us, which gives our homes their distinct personality and makes them so enjoyable as our “world of retreat.”
Chill the Champagne, Love, and Enjoy Your Beautiful Home.
Thanks for visiting and have a great week !
Au Revoir,
Sandra
Photos: Traditional Home, At Home in Arkansas/ all photos Pinterest
Sandra, I love seeing you in my inbox! My sweet mom taught me to always use the best I had for everyday, our family deserves the best! Thank you for your thoughtful and well-written posts! Let’s enjoy the beauty everyday!
Pam: Thanks so much for visiting and your kind words.
When we were young we had dear friends, he was a Navy jet pilot and was tragically killed. When I was helping his wife move and pack their home, we came to her wedding china. She said to me, “Bob never enjoyed a meal on these.” I never forgot that. So, we really do need to celebrate every day and enjoy our best !
I love seeing your comments, Pam. They mean a great deal to me.
To all of Sandra’s followers, Just think about this: “Being married to her, I benefit everyday from her insightfulness, attention to detail, and her vision for a beautiful home and garden.”
Ah, thank you !
Our home is our haven… something’s haven’t changed… there are still toys beside the “formal” living room couch! Lol…I’m happy to use my good things, everyday. I agree with the concept nothing is perfect! Good article, Sandra! Love you…
Sandra, this is such a wonderful, meaningful post. It’s something I so firmly believe in. Our homes are our haven, our refuge, and all who enter there should feel comfortable. Using the most beautiful things only adds to our lives, I try to add grace notes of beauty to every day. Thank you.
Lidy: Thank you so much for your kind words and visiting today. I am so happy you enjoyed the post.
I love the sentiment behind this post Sandra. It’s fun to imagine the history behind a scuffed up and beaten piece of old furniture-no perfect pieces for me! I put out my mom’s old china for company or for everyday, mixing in pieces that don’t match because there isn’t a full set. I believe in using cloth napkins for every single meal. If we save these things for special occasions it may be too late. Thank you mom for the great lessons you taught me.
Patti: I am happy you enjoyed the post and I too, enjoy mixing china patterns. It gives such charm and personality.
Thanks for visiting and enjoy the last days of summer.
A great post and you are so right!!! I have always loved that kitchen that you featured. Here’s to using our great crystal every day!
Shirley: Thanks for your kind words and for visiting. Wishing you lovely, end of summer days !