Making a House a Home...

Each person has a different style to add "flavor" to their home. Mine is country primitives. Why? Because the worn, grungy look reminds me of something that has been well-loved or used for many years. It's liked the cherished teddy bear that has been passed down through the family for years until stuffing is coming out of the seams and an eyeball is missing.


I love things that are dented, a little cracked, and are well-patinated. "Patinated" is a word I learned from "Antiques Roadshow". I was sure they made the word up until Mr. Webster and I met up. It's a real word. ANYHOW, I love patina and a little dirt. Now, mind you, I am not hard-core primitive. My refrigerator and other appliances still look like their modern selves.

I love pouring over books, websites, my new addiction, Pinterest, and magazines such as Country Sampler and Country Living. My house is never a finished thing. Many times I sit on the couch in the evening and think,'I wonder how that would look over there?' Sometimes I love the idea, and sometimes it just turns out to be an opportunity to dust that piece of furniture.


However, I do sincerely believe that decorating is not only an artistic form of expression, but also a desire of our creative heavenly Father. It is not the only thing a homemaker should do. But certainly, creating a comfortable home is something precious and valuable. Even the creatures of the earth, beavers, birds, you name it (except squirrels. Yikes!) put creativity into the design and comfort of their homes. The most beloved compliment someone can make is that they,"feel at home" here. They can sprawl out, put their feet up (That is where worn and cracked works out great!).

Now, here's my problem (one of many)- I love these time-worn treasures that I have to display them all. I know some of you can relate to that. So, I am looking for this blog, amongst other fabulous blogs, to be one of inspiration. Inspiration from both successes and failures. Truth-telling in that we can tell each other, "Woah. Too much!" or "How about moving it to the right or painting it a different color?" And, please, not inspiration from just me, but all of you. Discuss what went right but also what didn't work. Share your fun finds and creative ways for repurposing items- even if your inspiration started somewhere else.

Now, I will offer another caveat. Peppered in-between our "coffee talk" about decorating, I may have to share stories from home and school, meaningful quotes and scripture, and other odds-n-ends. Feel free to do the same. After all, isn't that what friends do over coffee?