Home is the one place where it’s okay to be about me, and my family.
It’s okay to decorate in a way that embraces me when I settle into it come day’s end. Or when I wake up to the early dawn. That’s the very thing that makes it home.
I like watching HGTV’s home decorating shows, or Samantha Browne of the Travel Channel as she traipses into Old-World resorts and castles or B&B’s that speak tradition and family and beauty and warmth. Then apply some of what I’ve seen — on a large scale — in a small way.
Several years ago, with my husband away on a business trip, I bought a couple gallons of very dark sage green wall paint. And painted our off-white bedroom.
I thought the room, while not huge, could handle the dark walls since there were two double-hung windows, one on each of two walls, and we had off-white draperies.
Wes doesn’t like dark rooms. Closes them in, he says. He also doesn’t like painted woodwork. Must let the grain show, he says.
I painted the trim an almost white, just the tiniest hint of green. (Which I had to mix — Sherwin Williams didn’t have my white.
)
I thought it would work. And I was right. Wes came home weary after five days travel, walked into the bedroom, and said WOW!
He loves it — still. But does he continue to question me when I choose colors or tackle a decorating job at home? Oh yeah…
Rick Warren opens his book The Purpose-Driven Life by telling me it’s not about me. Okay. That’s true in the great scheme of things, and even in general.
But at home, it is okay. It’s about me… and my family.
What are the spaces in your world that are okay to be about you? Please share.
My daughter prefers tea. So we have that too………..
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Barb,
Your story reminds me of one time when my husband was out of town and my best friend was visiting. We rearranged furniture and redecorated two rooms. When he got home he had to take a second look to see if he was in the right house. But, like your husband, he liked it too.
Oh what fun we can have in our own homes.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Making Every Post Count
Oh what a fun way to spend time with a friend. Did you reciprocate? I love those shows that do only redesign — nothing new, just newly placed.
When I rearrange, I’m sure to leave the light on. For both of us!
I’m reading your latest guest-blogger, soon as I make fresh coffee. It’s time. (Printed out the post.) I love your blog!
Your room feels like a garden room, like summer saved up. And oh, I am totally with your husband on this one – I don’t like dark colours either, and would still question no matter what
I Love your room…especially that comfy chair to sink into with a good book!
Terro’s last blog post..This Didn’t Happen According to the News
This is one of my favorites of many of your writings. I know your home so well…..it’s all about your family and you. You’ve managed to include everyone, even the grandchildren, in it’s ambience and warmth. Nobody has ever done it better, dear sister. Whoever walks into your home feels its arms wrap around them.
Our bedroom feels like “summer saved-up” you say, Sonya. How beautifully phrased! I’m keeping it… thank you.
I don’t like dreary. But dark only makes the lights brighter in this case. Much like in a painting. Provides contrasts. But okay — you and Wes will just have to wait for the finished canvas. Hahaha!
Oh Terro — you and I are of the same mind. My eyes seek and find the comfy spots for snuggling into with a good book. Of course, I must have a small table nearby to hold the coffee warmer.
You paint? Rooms I mean? Well, would you like to visit Fort Wayne? And bring your paintbrush?
A beautiful room. I am in a house with no painted woodwork, and I like it. I’m surprised a house got this old and no one ever decided to paint the woodwork!
I haven’t done much to make my house homey, but oh I used to. I would like to get some of that ambition back. The biggest thing I’ve worked to make mine since moving here was my garden. I loved my garden, and soon I can do it all over again
Anita
Sliloh’s last blog post..I’m So Psychic
As you said earlier, small steps, a few at a time. Sometimes one at a time.
Gardening is a beautiful thing! All I grow now is a few herbs — we did have a nice veggie garden when the girls were at home. We all worked it. We all ate. Yum…… Now we buy organic whenever we can.
Hope you take more pics this year, Anita… share that way.
Haha— if I get your way I’ll bring my two-step ladder, brushes and rollers.