Everything in its Place

That does not mean perfection.

We often have this version of perfection that is curated by social media posts and media. Those are beautiful to look at in picture but real life is a bit more raw and full of stories. While I kids were growing up we owned a Camry. It had some pretty significant bumps and dings by the ends of it life. But I remember every story behind those scuffs. The dent on the back from when we were lifting a kayaking off the roof for one of our water adventures in Drayton Harbor. The bigger dent from when our daughter was learning to back out of our very tricky garage and her instructor “her dad” gave her incomplete directions for correcting her turn. This all added to the story and the Camry wore them well. I like to think of that in our living spaces too. It is not about making it show room ready but creating a space where stories can be made.

One style does not work for all.

Even if there is one style getting all of the attention. Make your space a reflection of you and your family. This one is for me. Let me tell you. My house has a definite style, but I can easily be swayed when I go to a store and see all of the new fun things. I have caught myself many times adding things to my cart that would look great in someone else’s house. It has saved money and brain space by recognizing that my space has a purpose and not all new pretty things meet that purpose. Embrace your story. Appreciate it and pass so the person whose house it does tell the story for can enjoy it,

I have always leaned toward using bold colors. The first time I was allowed to pick and paint my own room as a teenager it was bubblegum pink. As my husband and I have built and designed our homes each house had its own color palette, but we are not known for shying away from colors. My sister asked me to help decorate her house and the first thing I suggested was to paint her walls. She stopped me and reminded me that she likes white walls. I get it now! I love color, but can appreciate those that prefer more subdued even white.