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 who we are. For myself, I want my home to be a place of “welcome” 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.
Yes, I am very sentimental, and I also have a huge appreciation for handmade items derived out of need. I now mix new upholstered pieces 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 who I’ve 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 current home. I don’t mind moving to a new location, though a brand-new home 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”, which means I need to find a place for my “old stuff”!
And only then…
Nesting will still occur!
This floral arrangement hung over my door last year, on a covered porch, yet the birds still pecked at the eggs!
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!
Be blessed,
xx,
