I think it’s safe to say that most of us are happy to see the tail end of January and we’re optimistic that Spring is near. February is a short, but significant month…starting with Groundhog Day, then Valentine’s Day and occasionally all those leap year babies can actually celebrate on their true birth date. But when we think of this month, “love” is usually in the equation.
As we get older we may think of love differently than that magical time in our lives when it was all about high school crushes, candlelit dinners and romantic get aways. I’m not saying that’s not important…quite the contrary. Those are experiences I hope everyone has at least once in their lifetimes. You never forget that butterfly feeling…
Today I’m writing about the love we have for home, our safe place…the place where we live our lives in the way that suits us and with those we chose to welcome in.
This looks different for every one of us and isn’t that a good thing. I love visiting my friend’s homes and seeing the decor and treasures they’ve chosen.
A truly comfortable home is the mosiac of our lives…not showroom perfect. It’s rooms with personality, imperfections and all. Who you are should be reflected in your surroundings.
Once the basics (necessities like floor plans, appliances etc.) have been decided on, we can enrich (romance) our living spaces by layering textures, colours and cherished objects making them visually pleasing, and lived-in.
Romancing your home is easily accomplished.
What says romance more than flowers? Growing a picking garden doubles the pleasure, but fresh flowers are so accessible… easily added, at modest expense, to the shopping cart while at the market.
I can’t imaging a home without books…you don’t have to leave home to get sweep away in just a few paragraphs.
Lighting is all important when layering a home. A combination of overhead lights, tabletop lamps and candlelight gives flexibility for all occasions. Opening the blinds allows nature (the best light!) to shine in during the day. (What are we going to do when we can no longer find incandescent lights…harsh LED glare isn’t flattering or romantic?)
Greenery, like fresh flowers adds life to our homes. We take care of plants and they in term take care of us by filtering the air, removing pollutants. Their visual appeal is said to improve stress and elevate our moods.
Adding character through vintage/antique finds can not be overstated. Along with whimsy comes memories and history from far away places and times.
We can’t forget about music, whether we create our own playlists suitable for different occasions or if we should be so talented as to play an instrument. This brings another layer of energy to your home. Playing music while having dinner only enhances the experience or cranking Aretha up at full volume makes housekeeping less of a chore.
Scent is tricky for many. (An unscented option is beeswax candles and is there anything more romantic than their soft glow?) Although I don’t burn scented candles often in my home, to my nose there is nothing as special as the scent of Diptyque Baies (blackcurrant and rose). Like in the photo below, I always recycle the glass holder for special things.
The scent of something delicious coming from the kitchen is the best welcome home ever.
Once your family has grown and left home, what could possibly add more life, love and joy to a home than a priceless little pet! This is Charlie with her favourite toy… her hippo with it’s ears and toes chewed off!
xox Judy❤️
What an inspirational post – love your thoughts and suggestions about making our homes our own safe spaces. Charlie definitely adds her charm to your home -pets are essential in my view!!
Thank you Cathy, and I couldn’t agree with you more…pets are essential! xox Judy❤️
It’s been about 25 years since I read “Living Beautifully Together” by Alexandra Stoddard. It emphasizes your theme as to how to create an environment for yourself, your partner, your family and friends for living in the moment….feeling safe and comfortable. It may be an older book but I’m guessing the message is still relevant just as you shared. Happy Valentines Day!❤️
Hi Diane, I think I read that book too. It definitely sounds familiar. I agree that the elements for creating a safe and comfortable home never go out of style. Happy Valentines Day to you too xox Judy❤️
Judy, you have perfectly captured every element that’s important to a home! All of those elements are so important in reflecting our personalities as well as being instrumental in our emotional well-being ….which seems to be more important than ever these days! I feel so grateful and always remind myself how lucky I am to have a home where I feel safe and can “escape” to. Charlie is absolutely adorable 🥰 and I agree that our furry little companions are so important in our feelings of home, comfort and sense of well-being❤️! Hugs, Karen xo❤️
Thank you Karen, Like you, I feel fortunate to have the home I have and regret that I haven’t always shown it the love it deserves. When we see so many wondering around without a safe place to call home It reminds us of how lucky we are to be exactly where we are…safe and surrounded with our people, pets and treasures. I know how much joy Cooper brings to your life and that his presence is appreciated by all. xox Judy❤️
Lovely post Judy. I hear you about having regrets of not always caring for our homes and its decor like we may have wanted to. But no doubt, like me, when we had young children and full time careers, our priorities were our children, spouse, making a living, and future for our children. No regrets there. The upside is, we can now focus on our passions, hobbies, and travel of course.
I love seeing Charlie in your photos! It’s always the best visiting homes with pets.
P.S. I just booked our return trip to Paris, and I am giddy with delight.
How exciting Karen…I’m sure you will find some little treasures to bring home that will always take you back, sparking memories of Paris. Paris is always a good idea after all! xox Judy❤️