CandI Store

What does your home say about the people who live there? Does your home feel like you? If the answer is unclear then chances are, so is your home’s message. The message we send from our home serves two purposes; first a signal to the inhabitants that this is where they belong and secondly, a place for you to share your life with others. Simple enough, eh? NOT! I find myself more appalled than welcomed in some cases. I know that isn’t the intent but the message was clear, my hosts weren’t expecting company. Let’s dig in!

What do you want to see around you when you relax? What do you want to see when you entertain? These are the questions one should ask when picking their home, furnishing, and decor. If you buy what is available or what has been put together by a store manager, chances are you are reflecting their idea of a home and not yours.

Begin with your entrance, envisioning what you see as a welcome home. Keep in mind the reality of your space and work with it, not against it. I have seen it all, from overly welcome to barren and possible crime scene entrances, we don’t want either situation. The main things to keep in mind are, dirt and debris should be removed regularly, pathways are clear + well lit, and lastly something decorative speaking to your taste. The same rules apply to the interior of your home. Small spaces are challenging but bring out the best when it comes to sharing your message because you have a limited amount of space to say it, therefore making it count. Larger spaces can be deceiving because they boast a lot of room but for what? Many homes lack purposeful rooms which will define why we are in them.

Moods and activities are what define spaces. What mood do you desire? Follow the colors, textures, and lighting to get you there! Kitchens and bathrooms have very definite purposes, as do offices and bedrooms. However, more and more of us are working and learning from home, causing mixed-use spaces. This surge is great as it creates the need to have spaces for these activities as well as others since we are home more often. For example, I created a barre area for my daughter to do yoga and barre exercises since we can no longer meet at the YMCA. A small corner that was once used to display pictures and books now is our exercise corner. The barre was $89 on Amazon.com and the mirrors were $7.99 from Ikea. (three total on a five-foot long wall), a small wool rug from an antique store and Wallah! When the area is not in use, we have potted plants on the floor on wheels. We wheel them aside when we work out, a bit of nature helps inspire our creativity.

Whether you have a degree in Interior Design or not, you can do this. You should buy what speaks to you and your interests, heritage, and future. The mood is set by you and you are the receiver, so send good messages! Clean, purposeful, and organized is what you want to feel every day, your home can ensure that feeling in you. In turn, you will share that feeling with those who live with you and your guests.