Do you remember writing out a Christmas list when you were a child? You would write line after line of gift ideas for the big day. Over the course of the holiday, you would receive many gifts from many people. Although those gifts were appreciated, it got to be so much that you couldn’t remember all that you had received and from whom. As the years passed and you got older, the amount of ideas on your lists got smaller and you saw more joy in giving rather than receiving. The more we mature the less we need and the more we crave authenticity. This idea applies to the home as well.
[pinit]
This process does not happen overnight. It is a journey, but one that will have you making a home that has that feeling you crave. It is not about knocking down walls, walking down the home aisle filling your cart with the latest must have, or watching before and after shows that take place in thirty minutes. It is about more than that. It is about making your home extraordinary. Extraordinary for you, for the people who walk through the door, and for your home.
This is about more than making a “pretty” house. Pretty is something that you find only on the surface. There isn’t a deepness to it. Pretty doesn’t give me the feeling that I get when I listen to Expressions by Helen Jane Long (link below). Close your eyes. Listen. What do you feel?
I truly appreciate your feedback and wanted to share just a few of the comments that I have received regarding my recent blog posts. In these posts, I shared my hope to teach you not just what to put in your home, but the how and why behind it. See if you can understand where these readers are coming from.
1. I see so many styles online and feel an affinity towards them, but then I realize they aren’t really my style, they’re just well designed rooms that I appreciate.
2. My goal with our new house is to be intentional with telling our story through decorating…truly making it a home that is US and not just full of pretty things.
3. I often get sucked into the Pinterest blackhole which leads to indecisiveness and me questioning my choices. I want our home to be a reflection of us and not some trendy design blog.
Can you relate to any of these comments? If so, you belong here. You may feel overwhelmed by making decisions for your home and fear you are making and investing in the wrong ones. If so, you belong here. You may feel tired of the endless imagery surrounding you and unsure if what you “like” is right for you and your home. If so, you belong here.
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Test Comment
Restful, peaceful, inviting, genuine. I am glad I found your blog. It is a joy to follow. Teach me; I desire to learn.
Thank you for your inspiring and refreshing ideas.
Sherry
What a wonderful comment that you left me Sherry! I truly have a passion for teaching and the home and appreciate that you find value in both.Take care,
Melinda
Your post is so inspiring & uplifting. Now I play soothing music I enjoy while reading/relaxing and tend to decorate with neutral colors; creating a calming, and peaceful environment in our home.
I agree, in preparation for a move I have been clearing out. It is a cathartic experience. Thanks
What color paint do you have throughout your lovely home? I absolutely love that color.
Thank you Nancy! It is Rhino by Behr. Take care, Melinda
Well…I thoroughly enjoy your home photos on Onstagram and the restraint they show. I also love Helen Long (the rest of her name escaped) and she plays on my John Barry station on Pandora each every day. I agree with what you say about creating our own styles but admit that what we see can highly influence our choices. As an older gal, I have gone around the block a few times and am coming back to the esthetic I used when I was in my 20s. As our clothing fashion changes, so do our home.garden decor tastes morph. It’s all in what we need at that time. My kindergarten classroom is a riot of colors so right now I need my home to be calm and neutral, as is your home. I crave shiny with rustic, rough and rustic with lux. A mix of elements. Maybe even a bit of Hong and yang. Oops….sorry for going on so long!
Jane
I love your approach and philosophy on what truly makes a home something its owner will be content each time they walk through the door. I’m so happy I found your site via Instagram.
Karen
I’m new to your posts but what you say and the piece of music you shared today was just what I’ve been feeling. The music felt like my heart beating rapidly because of all I try to do and then in the background this beautiful peaceful sound that made my breathing slow down. Thank you.
I love your posts. They are exactly what I need right now as I’m redecorating an entire house. We truly want this home to be a reflection of who we are instead of the latest trend. And for all who come to feel welcomed & “warm.” Thank you!
I love the music because it expresses a peaceful serenity, a contentment. This is exactly how my home makes me feel. I love your blog—keep on encouraging others in this.
I am finding it to be my mission to keep teaching and encouraging others on this topic Kim. Thank you for the continued support. Take care, Melinda
Love this series! I agree that despite there being thousands of design blogs and millions of pins, no one is guiding readers in home design in this way, teaching them to find their own definitions for home and beauty. Really excited to follow along!
Grace, you have explained my mission perfectly! I believe there is a very important piece missing in this industry and I am excited to teach it. Thank you for your support! Melinda
I have the same feelings. Thank you for putting them is such a beautiful words.
I am so happy you are connecting to what I am hoping to achieve on this blog Jane. Take care, Melinda