A Slow Simmer

"Style has nothing to do with money. Anybody can do it with money.

The true art is to do it on a shoestring."

Tom Hogan

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this quote for 3 reasons: (1) A budget encourages quality over quantity. (2) We develop a keen ability to trust our instincts in the process. (3) Simplicity emerges when we are selective. 

A gratifying experience for me is spending an entire day wandering through local boutiques and shops with nothing particular in mind…and coming across that one, perfect thing that compliments my home so well, I am certain it was meant to be. Call it kismet or just plain luck, I feel victorious and giddy when I happenstance across these treasures. A home is meant to be filled with inspiration — wherever your eyes land, you should feel buoyed and nurtured. Yet many homes today are devoid of this authenticity. We fall prey to the vast influences grabbing our attention…and end up with too much. And you know, even the most expensive "things" can become clutter if they don't fill us with comfort and joy.

Like many of you, I flip through piles of home design magazines and feel overwhelmed with the rooms and products featured. "Oooh! Aaah! I like this…I have to buy that!" — this is part of my daily, internal dialogue. But what I have learned through trial and success is decorating on a slow simmer creates layers of meaning over time. You cannot personalize your home without giving it real time to speak to you…and so the journey begins.

We have been in our home almost 3 years now…and I STILL have a long "To Do" list. Patience is not one of my strengths, but I know our home is an investment. Creating a unique, whole feel is not an overnight project. Oprah Winfrey loves to say, "Your home should rise up and greet you" — and I believe every time we respect and care for our homes like living things, they will do just that.