Maintaining Signs of Life
One of my favourite bloggers (Meredith from Wishbone Kitchen anyone?) wrote something the other day that made me chuckle. Regarding decorating for the Christmas season, one of her Hot Tips was “Maintain Signs of Life”. And wow. Wow. WOW. While I don’t know if she meant it to be as profound as I found it, it struck me that we have turned into a world where our homes and spaces almost reflect no sign of life.
I will preface already that I believe in being clean and decorating and designing in a way that brings you joy and peace in your life. Some people thrive and love the minimal modern aesthetic. Others immediately feel peace stepping into the most maximalist, no wall space is left in the house. That is the beauty and fun of the impact of culture, personality, style, joy, and collaboration in one’s life and space. Truly, to each their own.
But y’all. The amount of pressure and stress that people feel these days to have the latest and greatest, trendiest, nothing out of place spaces. These places look straight out of a magazine, but it can be hard to picture anyone living there. And don’t get me wrong, my Type-A personality loves a styled shoot where things look perfect. But I think it’s wise to step back and remember that these spaces often show no signs of life.
No blankets on the couch to protect it from dog hair.
No kids who accidentally scratched the wall ripping around on their bikes.
No half-drunk coffee mugs from the chaos of getting out of the house on time.
No half-finished puzzles anywhere.
No dishes drying from the night before.
Social media has made us believe that a lot of people seemingly live perfect lives, in perfect spaces. With nothing out of place.
It’s okay to look like your children and dogs and cats and YOU live in your space.
Spaces are meant to be used and loved. Places where people make memories. They are meant to feel welcoming and warm. They are intended to be full of character, unique to you, and look like someone inhabits the space.
And for you, that might mean some new décor from the store that you couldn’t leave without, or others that mean some cool vintage score that sparks joy. Redecorating or redesigning a space doesn’t mean throwing everything out, it just means adding and subtracting things that don’t serve you well anymore.
My encouragement, find pieces and decorate with things that just bring a smile to your face. Personally, all my favourite décor pieces I own are from my grandma, vintage, I’ve made it, a small artist, or it’s some marketplace find I just couldn’t live without.
If I can leave you with anything friends, with this holiday season approaching, it’s okay and it should look like you live in your home. Design and decorate your space around what works for your life. Whether vintage or new or handmade or store-bought. Whether right out of the store or perfectly curated for the past 40+ years.
Give your spaces life and personality. Please, maintain signs of life and make some memories.