Soul Snacks : Volume 18

 

“Our homes influence our moods, for better or worse, so surrounding ourselves with our own version of beauty should be a priority wherever we live.”

Emily Henson

With all of the extra time that many of us have on our hands these days, I find myself plunging into creative endeavors that actually have little to do with recipe development and food photography – although I am doing my fair share of eating (yeah, I’m looking at you no knead bread) – and more to do with color and design.

Question: Do you find yourself pursuing activities that just a couple months ago were sweet-fleeting thoughts, or fell under the category, ‘If only I had more time?’?

Is there an old hobby or a new-found passion that has bubbled up for you? Have you finally returned to that half-finished crocheted blanket hiding out in the back of your closet, or dusted off your vintage acoustic guitar? Maybe there’s a classic novel on your bookshelf that’s been needling you? Or you’ve jumped on the homemade-sourdough-starter bandwagon, like so many others.

So where are you turning these days?

Moi?

I find myself pouring over design blogs, vlogs, and masterclasses. When I have a minute, and an insatiable need for distraction, my attention often turns toward interior design. (Although I really could be spending more time working on my ukelele chords.)

Like a child at an amusement park, where baby-pink cotton candy, rainbow-swirled lollipops, and golden funnel cakes rule the day and the taste buds, I can’t seem to get enough of the visual smorgasbord that home & garden design offers.

I find myself drawn to such designers as Kate Watson-Smyth of Mad About the House, whose philosophy, “Your home should tell a story.”, and Michelle Ogundehin who believes that ‘the best homes are mindfully aligned with our true nature and are a reflection of who we are’, and maintains that home is not a place but a feeling.

Gosh this gets me excited! Literally makes my stomach ache with joy.

So this has caused me to take a thoughtful peek at the nooks and crannies of the home that we have lived in for almost 25 years now, and to define what it means to me.

Our version of beauty:

• light-filled spaces with calming colors
• cheerful wall décor
• L-shaped cushy couches
• cozy blankets and squishy pillows
• music
• a farm table with benches meant to squeeze in a bunch
• fresh flowers
• bright entryway
• gallery wall of candid family photos
• cozy den
• kids’ artwork
• books!
• nature just outside the door and down the street – a view, a walk, a short drive away
• trees that dot the yard: weeping cherry, wild cherry, crimson king and sugar maples, apple, lilac, evergreen, sweet gum and white birch

These are the things that I adore. It’s the place where the introvert in me has a soft place to land, where comfort and quiet activities abound but is a convivial setting, too – warm and inviting, where family and friends can feel at home. I would describe our style as personal, cozy and cheerful.

What three words would you use to describe your style? I’d love to know!

Wishing you safety and health and a soft place to land, my friends.

Much love,

Annie

XO