It’s often said that good genes can only take you so far in the beauty department. The rest is an effect created by good grooming. How people take care of themselves, dress themselves, and even carry themselves signals to us how we should perceive them. If a woman acts like she’s beautiful and worthy of being treated well, then we’re inclined to believe her.
I’ve been thinking about how the same principle applies to our living spaces. We can’t all be born with perfect bone structure, and we can’t all afford architecturally stunning houses, but most of us can master the art of good grooming. We can be grateful for what we have and make the most of it, right?
I’ve been in big, expensive houses that felt uncomfortably cold and empty because the homeowners didn’t put any of themselves into it. And I’ve been in small, modest houses that were clearly loved by their owners, and I felt right at home.
Within my own house, I have some rooms that are lavished with attention, while a couple of others are ignored and left to fend for themselves too much of the time. Guess which ones I’d rather spend time in?
How you treat your living space tells other people how they should view it. So groom the heck out of your house. Show it some love. It may never be a model home, but it can be one where people feel at home.
{Photos from At Home with Country and 7th House on the Left}
More Thoughts on Home:
Great post, Julia! I agree with you completely. My house isn’t big or spectacular, it’s rather old and odd, but I love it. I like to add plants and lots of photo’s and other things I love. I also treasure my books. Doing that makes me feel so happy
Love this post! Thanks for the reminder…Karin@Lifeinsmallchunks.blogspot
I too love this post Julia and your site and look forward to your updates. Keep all the beautiful pic’s coming. All the best.
Love, love, love this post – all so true!
I so agree! We are looking at home right now that has not seen a lot of love in a long time. Or maybe it was a different kind of love……. not sure! really cant wait to get in there and give it the warmth and comfort may family deserves. Love your site keep the great posts coming!
I love what you’ve said on this post! I sometimes get so frustrated because I don’t have all the things I dream up in my head for my home! But I have groomed the heck out of it and I do love it and feel really blessed to have it! Thanks for the reminder, I love you site and I too and definitely hooked on houses!! xoxo
excuse my typos…I love your site, and I too am definitely hooked on houses!
so true. i think your home is a direct reflection on you. are you warm and cozy or cold and indifferent? oooh maybe not so harshly though…ha! anyway love that grey and blue/yellow room. too pretty!
Love it! What a way to look at what you have, instead of what you think you want. “It may be junk, but it’s my junk.”
We’re embarking on our new-home build, breaking ground in September, which means we have to prep our current house to go on the market. We’ve enjoyed being in it and have done a lot (a lot!) to make improvements and make it feel homey, but it’s still annoying, really, that it takes our moving to fix up some of the things that we should have been taking care of all along. We’ll do better in our next (maybe final?!) home. Can’t wait. Nice post, Julia!
You nailed it- That is exactly how I feel about it. It is not about size or the money you spend- put in some attention and a bit of yourself and you are on your way. Thanks for sharing.
That top photo is SO my taste, just gorgeous!
well said.
So true. We live in a typically small English home ..2 and half bed, one pokey bathroom, basically built so that there is just about enough space for everything and some things like our washing machine even has to live in the garage because of a lack of a utility room and space in the kitchen. It’s not the most exciting layout and it’s an 80′s built house on a housing development without any special architectural features.
Our home was previously unloved, so when we moved in we scrubbed, and cleaned and preened and then slowly over three years filled it up with things we love, things that look pretty and splashes of colour. I am always so delighted when people comment on how lovely our home is, because we made it so, not with lots of money nor an interior designer, just through a bit of attention and love. Because afterall, it is the house that keeps us warm and dry and for that alone it deserves to be well looked after.
I couldn’t agree more. You always have such great insight!
By the way, the blue wall in the bedroom photo looks like the exact shade we are planning to paint our bedroom! Love that color.
Very inspiring! I think I’ll bring some lilacs inside today as that will make me happy and my house will feel happier too!
Of COURSE I agree with all of this wholeheartedly. Thank you for phrasing is so eloquently, Julia.
So true, and well said!
What a beautiful post! You are exactly right!
Great post Julia! It’s absolutely true. Homes, like people, can benefit from time, attention, and some good grooming. I agree, I’ve been in immaculate houses that felt like hotels, and more modest houses that felt comfortable and immediately put me at ease. This post had some beautiful and inspiring images as well-love that chair and nightstand.
Today, I did a post on women and makeup in the workplace. I would love your feedback if you have the time. Thanks Julia!
Well said!!! There are definitely some areas in my home that could use some love and attention to feel beautiful again.
This is very insightful.
It’s not necessarily the most lavish homes that are the most welcoming. It’s the ones that are loved and shared.
Thanks, Julia. Wonderful post.
O that first picture is so dreamy!
This is so true! My parents have a little house but over the years they’ve put money into decorating and “grooming”, as you say, and it’s the coziest and most beautiful house I know.
I agree, it’s not about having nice things, or how much money you have, but about making your home apart of who you are. My grandma and grandpa lived in an old farm house and I could feel their sweet spirit throughout the home. It felt nice and inviting because it reflected who they were. When I have a house of my own someday, I want my house to reflect the same.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately too. We built a new (small) house almost three years ago and at the time it was very convenient and budget friendly to just take the standard fixtures, finishes, trim, etc. I don’t regret making that decision because it allowed us to spend $ in some other areas (jetted walk in shower, nicer flooring, kitchen cabinets to the ceiling, built in fridge, etc). But now we’ve been here almost three years and I’m realizing how NOT personal our house is.
It’s making me antsy to diy some art, change out some standard flush mount lights for some diy pendants, diy some faux wall paneling… there are so many great tutorials in blogland!
I love this post! I completely agree…I’ve been in many homes that looked impressive from the outside, and as soon as I stepped inside, I wondered if anyone lived there at all! They seemed to have no life at all. I personally live in a tiny condo that’s just over 800 square feet, and I’m working hard to put my stamp in each and every inch. It’s getting there, and it’s definitely much loved!
This is so true – especially when you groom the heck out of your home BUT don’t make it too perfect.
I love your anecdotes!
well said Julia…
Great post, so true! Love the photos, too. I think I have the same white sheets that are shown on the bed in the last photo, lol!
Well said – great blog as always. You have given me something to think about and get on with it. By the way love the photos. Thanks Julia Regards Esther from Sydney.
Wow.. You said everything!
I hope you’re having a wonderful day.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
what a lovely post! I agree too>…
So, I am going to brag here. When I was 25 I worked for an estate attorney in Washington, D.C. who represented the estate of a single, hugely rich, bachelor who died and left a post-reviontionary war mansion to his niece. Uplands was at the top of a hill, on five acres. The mansion was filled with glorious antiques, but due to a former renter who turned the heat off in one of the most cold winters in history, the pipes froze and burst, causing much damage to the mansion. So, that’s where I came in.
In October of 1969. I was named caretaker of Uplands, the estate trustees trusted me to take care of the place, so on Halloween Day in 1969, while I was moving my possessions into the front foyer, the chandellier in the front foyer just started moving back and forth. I knew that Uplands had been a Civil War Hospital but I was not prepared for the rest of what ghostly happenings would occur in the year I lived there. Cold spots, voices, footsteps in the third floor servants quarters.
Oh well, the German Embassy which was right next door to Uplands, bought the property and tore it down.
Hi Julie,
I’m a few days behind, but I wanted to ask a question from your sunroom post. I noticed in one of the pictures you have a yellow basket on the floor with magazines in it. My neighbor has the same one (not painted) and I’ve been coveting it for a long time. Can you tell me where you got it? I’m actually in Japan but I have family in the states so maybe they can get one for me!
Thanks!!!
Emilydeon@gmail.com
Emily–
I ordered it from Crate & Barrel. It’s been a couple of years since I bought it, but they might still have it, and you could order it online. I love my yellow basket!
Great philosophy! I totally agree. Make the best with what you have. That goes for life in general doesn’t it.
Hi Julia-
Enjoyed this post very much. I love the last line and may quote you some day as I couldn’t say it better- “It may never be a model home, but it can be one where people feel at home.”
My best- Diane
I stumbled onto your blog through a link from elsewhere. I love this post; it’s a great reminder for those of us who don’t have unlimited decor funds to invest love and creativity in our homes instead.
Where is the yellow and gray bed spread above from? I’m in love with it!!
Don’t know. Check the site the photo is from for more information:
http://7thhouseontheleft.com/2011/04/true-value-easy-care-platinum-paint/
Where did you get that comforter/ duvet? I have been looking everywhere for one like it.
http://7thhouseontheleft.com/2011/04/true-value-easy-care-platinum-paint/
How can i find this bedding and accessory pillows and such? I love this look and i would really appreciate a link to where i can buy it!
What is the name of the blue color paint in the bottom picture? I absolutely love it!
Follow the link at the end of the post to the original source, 7th House on the Left. Maybe they have more information there.
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