Orange roses, simply displayed, is luxurious to me!!
To me, a luxurious life is one full of the things and people you love. It is a "rich" life where one really takes the time to know what is important to them, what their interests are and is able to keep themselves focused on this, build a life around it. It is the simple pleasures that you incorporate into your life everyday that define this idea of luxury for me!!
I associate luxury with the home, not only because I am a designer, but because this is where we actually "create" our lives. Our days begin and end in the home. It is a place where our spouses, children and loved ones live. We use it as a place to gather with people who are special to us, sharing meals and the things that are important to us. It is a place full of special moments, precious memories, family heirlooms; a place where we celebrate good times and find comfort in the bad times. It is a place full of life!!
I think the home should be celebrated!! Take inventory of what you have in your home. Edit out the clutter and showcase what you love. If you love your Grandmother's dishes that have been hidden away, display them or set the table with them tonight!! If you've always disliked the vase that Aunt Hattie gave you, but feel you must display, put it away!! Make a list of the projects you've been meaning to do and put them in order of what is easiest to accomplish and start one!!
Be a keen observer of your own home, go to the space that makes you most comfortable there, take inventory of what draws you to that space and start incorporating that feel into the other areas of your home. I am a firm believer that our environment effects our mood. If you feel your home is chaotic, too cluttered, you are going to carry this feeling with you where ever you go. You want to feel calm and relaxed in your home, this way you can focus on the tasks at hand and enjoy your family without feeling overwhelmed. What makes you feel calm? Is it the color blue? Think about it and figure out how you can add it to your home.
Today's luxury is to "define your luxury" in your personal space. Once you discover it, no matter how small, focus on it and expand it!! Use the things that you've tucked away for a special occassion. Make celebrating your home the occassion you've been waiting for!!
I like MT's Blog!
ReplyDeleteMary, I just love your blog. Especially on a dreary day like today!! I like how you encourage specializing on one small task or space. I feel like each corner, wall, area/space of my home has been detailed to death! When I start to feel this way, I know it is time for change. Is that normal or am I just bored/obsessive? :) I just have so much fun with it. Being on a limited budget, I have to use "Aunt Hatties" old vase, but a few cut branches from the yard make it...oh...not so bad. Sometimes, just a slight move or addition to the space makes a big difference. Well...I really just wanted to let you know your blogging is appreciated. Thanks for your expertise!! -Dana
ReplyDeletepretty roses. do you know what variety they are? i can't quite tell, but i wondered if they are rio samba?
ReplyDeleteYou have such an elegant style of writing. I feel like I am right there with you looking at the same things you are and feeling the same things you are about them.
ReplyDeleteDT- I like that you read it!!
ReplyDeleteDana - I always look at a home as a work in progress, things are meant to move, evolve, change because we constantly are!! Designing your home is meant to be fun, you have the right idea!!
Jill- The roses are of the grocery store variety!! Found them while in the produce section, just goes to show, "The Luxurious Life" can be found anywhere!!
Scott - Thank you for the kind words!! I am having a lot of fun writing this, so I'm very glad you are reading!!