Learning Our Style

 

When I first launched out on my own after college, my home style was solidly classified as hand-me-down-meets-garage-sale. I don’t say that with an ounce of embarrassment. It’s what worked for me at that time. I didn’t have much income, I had a brand new student loan and car payment, so I happily carted in a couch from the Rescue Mission thrift store and ate my meals off my grandparents’ leftover peach and brown Corelle dishes.

That was twenty-five years ago.

I’ve learned a few things in these last twenty-five years. I’ve learned that I’m grateful for thrift stores and hand me downs, but I’m also excited to learn what I really love when it comes to the things that fill my home. (And some of those things are both thrifted and handed down!)

When I read this article a few days ago, it made me smile, because I realize I’ve done some things right (at least in the eyes of the author) in learning our style.

·         I have found my inspiration in homes around the internet. Bloggers, houses for sale, TV and movie homes – I’ve pulled from a little of each of them. I don’t try to copy what I see, but use them for inspiration so I can create something that reflects us and them.

·         I have discovered our personal style, though I don’t think there is a name for it. It’s a mix of coastal, farmhouse, and cottage-core.

·         I have learned the value of taking my time with this. Home is never done. It’s always a work in progress. I have learned that it’s neither practical nor fun to replace everything at once. Slow collection, clow curation – that’s the key.

·         I have taken a pared back approach. Move after move after move made it easier to let go of things and adopt a much more intentional approach to what comes in the door. I love the quote in the article that says “Give yourself time and space to really hone in on what you love, who you want your home to represent, and how you want that story to be told.” That is exactly what I want for our home.

·         I have learned our likes and dislikes, and I think they’re reflected now more than ever in the way we live in this home.

Maybe that is why home feels more like home than it ever has before. It feels more like us. It tells our story. And I love investing in it by carefully adding and subtracting pieces that reflect who and where we are. I have more ideas that I am excited to implement over time, but I’m not in a hurry to do it.

Whether you rent or own, share or live alone, I hope you love your space, too. I hope it tells the story of who you are and where you’ve been. And if not…what a beautiful time to begin!