The World Within our Walls. Domestic Bliss.

We are looking at lots of ways to make the world within our walls a safe and happy retreat from the world.  A big part of this for me is to do with standards i.e. the worlds standards and ideas are not necessarily our own and at least at home we can stick with what we believe to be true and right.
But there is more... we can decorate and run things in a way that makes us happy and our hearts sing!

For each of us there will be different things that are the little touches that we really adore.  It might be because our Grandma had pretty curtains in her kitchen or a floral under sink skirt or perhaps she wore an apron so even now the sight of an apron makes us happy.

Vicky has been adding the finishing touches to her new pantry.

Looking back to times when there was no K Mart and little money women still found a way and cut newspapers into pretty lace trims for their pantry.  They painted cans and jar lids to make canister sets.  They sewed curtains from feed bags and used wooden boxes for seating.  We just love to feather our nest and make it nice.  This business of making the ordinary beautiful was called "A woman's touch."

Apart from being warm and comfy we all have little things that make us feel happy and content.  Each member of the family will have things that they love and these are usually easy to spot.
Some of mine are fresh clean linen on the bed.   Pretty tea cups to drink from.  Flowers in the house.  I like things to be clean and I like sparkle and light.  I love gorgeous pillowcases,  milk jugs, a pot of tea,  frilly edges...

Happily Andy loves clean sheets and the way linen smells when it comes in from the line as that makes us both happy.  He likes a coffee mug and his favourite brand of coffee. He likes giant bath towels, leather luggage and hats.  In his office he has vintage trunks and he has a music room full of instruments and recording stuff.
We love a soft throw on the lounge in winter.  And soft lighting in the evening.
What I am trying to say is let your home reflect the people who live there.
If your daughter loves purple paint the walls purple!  Let each person flourish in their space.

I love to make ordinary and boring things nice. These things just make my heart happy!  They might be stupid to some but my heart just melts over jars for the pantry with painted lids or decals on the front.

These are just baby food jars.  

I made the blue set for Chloe and she uses them for vitamins.

This means I am never going to fit in with many home decorating fashions. There was a recent one where homes looked like dental surgeries.  You don't have to squash everything you love to fit in to some current trend!  It is your home, your sanctuary.... you want to feel comfortable in your own home!

Some of the most beautiful homes I have even been in haven't been new or grand in any way... they have just been homely.  You feel comfortable there.  There is love and peace inside those walls!
If I see a tablecloth on the table or a row of canisters or jars I think oooh I have found a friend!

Little touches speak volumes to me and they really add up.  

I put dishwashing liquid and things I think look ugly into nice bottles...

Sometimes I make up my own laundry powered and make it pink!

I love beautiful kitchen towels and pot holders.

I love netting throws and covers for picnic or outdoor food.   If I make a cake I put it on a cake stand, it just seems more special!

Even cleaning cloths are nicer if they are a bit pretty.  I can actually be happy cleaning!

This one was made by Kelsey as a gift.  So gorgeous! 

I also love to see time worn things that someone else has used... like a rolling pin that is really old or an apron that has faded.  To me this is so romantic!

If it is dark or colourful I paint it!   I spray painted a whole heap of random tins and used paper napkins to decorate the tops and then I had a "matching set."

Decorating, straightening, cleaning and making.... being happy and content at home is so lovely.  When you are busy and loving it you are also setting the tone.  What is actually better than coming through the door to a happy home?  

Don't let anyone tell you that your work at home is a waste of your precious time.  You are creating a thing of beauty and a resting place.   There is no place like home!  It is our sanctuary and our launch pad into the world too.  Don't underestimate its power or importance.   When the kids walk in the door coming home from school and they smell baking...  this is beautiful!   My husband will open the door and say "what is cooking, what smells so good!??"  He is so happy to be home.   To me these things are a bigger success than an academy award! 

What are the homely touches that really make you feel wonderful? 

Have you had that experience where you organise or decorate something and you love it so much you keep going back to admire it?  

Is there an area that needs a makeover because it bugs you? 

A little bit of cleaning or organising here and there soon adds up.  A few little touches of beauty soon add up too! 

Have a wonderful week!  xxx