that are authentic to you, and your house becomes your story!
~ Erin Flett~
I chose this statement because I absolutely agree with Erin!
What “story” would your house tell about you?
When it comes to creating a “home”, I believe we express ourselves by choosing items that bring back fond memories, or will create new memories, items that both represent and remind us of who we are, where we’re from and where we’ve been, that are “authentic” to you, and you alone. For myself, I want my home to be a welcoming place to others, a respite from a hectic world, and a safe haven for my children.
The very act of gathering cherished and curated items, the “things” that tell our “story”, is what transforms an empty shell of a house into a “home”.
A few years ago, I remember walking into a neighbor’s house during the Christmas season. The formal dining room was “Christmas Holiday Hosting” ready, each festive item “en trend”, with every detail perfectly paired and matching. I noticed that everything was “new”, and it actually looked like it was straight out of the showroom. I complimented the homeowner, sincerely, on her lovely room.
Walking away, I had to giggle a little, inside, when I thought, “what would she think of my old stuff”?
We each have different likes and dislikes, different tastes and preferences, our own versions of what “comfort” should look like and feel like.
My tastes?
Actually, what I “like”, is always changing and always growing… Out of necessity, I feel that the seasons of my life dictated my preferences, choosing practicality and security when I was young, preferring function over form and fashion, for a growing family, followed now, by the ease of relaxed pleasure and the freedom of self-expression.
Are you a “sentimental” decorator?
I tend to be very sentimental, and I also have a huge appreciation for handmade items derived out of need. I now mix new upholstered pieces (for comfort), with old pine furniture, and my kitchen wares, utilitarian-purposed items that were once staples in homes years ago, are now currently residing in the kitchen drawers, if not used for decor.
The “authenticity” of our homes, the expression of our lives, may or may not appeal to anyone else, and that’s okay!
My home IS my story.
Your home is YOUR story.
Opening the door, you’ll see my collected and cherished goods, having no “showroom” appeal, no en-trend status, but together, the items reflect where I’m from, who I was and have been, and the woman I am today.
(Not my photo, but a great example of how I want my current house to look like, it just takes time. The old tables, slipcovered chairs, floral block- print pillows and stoneware are a few of my favorites.)
What does your home say about you?
This year, what will you add or subtract from your decor?
I have a few plans for this “current” house, though my current partner doesn’t agree with all of it, preferring to buy a newly built house, instead of investing time or money into our home. I don’t mind moving to a new location, though a brand-new build doesn’t appeal to me. Where’s the story? Where’s the character?
Rest assured my friend, no matter where I may land, you will find me in a state of “creating home”.
Knowing who you are and what you like, isn't always easy.
For example, it took me a full year to choose my dining room wallpaper! For a client, it takes about 2-3 weeks or less, plus I’m on their schedule. I choose carefully, it’s easier for me, maybe you as well, to know what I do NOT like or want, and that’s at least a start!
This is the “thing” I want you to know,
Nobody does “you” better than you do.
Be authentic to yourself and enjoy the process!
Your home will thank you!
(and don’t giggle out loud when leaving someone’s home:) )
Be blessed,
xx,
Hello Beth,
Meeting with an estate auction house owner in Portland, Or to help us deal w/my sister-in-law’s home was such an eye opener! What you say couldn’t be more true! Our homes are our stories. Hers is full of old, beautiful carved sideboards, gorgeous dining set, b’room suite of gorgeous, darkly stained cherry dressers, chests of drawers with gorgeous oval attached mirror and inset turned legs on the front. Everything just says craftsmen who cared – quality – beauty. However, to the general public he said it’s just “brown” furniture and everyone wants “mid-century”. It was stunning to learn that nothing was really considered of great value in today’s market, not even the beautiful Persian rugs. It broke my heart but I get it. And, I look at my beautiful Guy Chaddock cream distressed ladder back dining chairs with my dark stained cherry table and other pieces that are made by true craftsmen, have lasted for decades but are making me wonder how I would “update” my surroundings without throwing the babies out with the bathwater…! Hmmm – not easy….but I will keep your words of wisdom in mind. Thank you.
Deina, Oh, how I love estate sales, auctions that include the homes, all of it! Basically, I think I may be a bit “nosy”!
We haven’t found a house, a cottage, or a direction in which to move, but in the meantime, I’m hanging on to
the pieces I’ve inherited. They are at home with me, and I with them.
Thank you friend, for sharing, I appreciate hearing from you.