It’s a simple idea really. What if we stopped coveting, and pining, and pinning, and wishing for our dream home and instead chose to love the home we have? Is that even possible? Could we find contentment in our current   (fill in the blank)  ? You bet your bottom double-wide you can, and today we are going to talk about how you can begin to love the home you are in! Melissa Michaels is a friend, kindred spirit, and fellow blogger. She blogs over at a tiny-little blog (ha!) you might of heard of before, called The Inspired Room. Melissa recently published a book aptly entitled, Love the Home You Have.
This book is perfect for: those struggling with where to even begin with decorating, those needing motivation to get organized, and those wanting affirmation that decorating a home with ease is an obtainable goal. What I love most about this book are the practical 31-day, daily challenges that push you to start retraining the way you see and interact with your home. Falling in love with your home is an issue of the heart before it is ever a matter of decorating formulas or talent. Loving your home begins with counting your blessings, accepting what you have to work with, and seeing the possibilities in the challenges!Â
Melissa asked several decorating bloggers if we would be willing to choose one of the Love Your Home Challenges and share our before and after pictures with all of you.
I chose the Reclaim the Dining Room Challenge and in a moment you will see why this was the perfect choice for me!
Here is the lovely before picture of my dining room taken just before implementing the challenge. I wish I could say that this is a rare sight around here, but frankly it’s not. The dining room table frequently becomes the dumping ground for everyone in the family, and I have to really fight to keep this space clutter free.
And here is the much-improved after!Â
So how did I get from the before to the after? Here is what I did:
- Put away all of the clutter and items that didn’t belong in the dining room.
- Dust and vacuum.
- Set the table with pretty Easter decor that I already had on hand.
- Add some faux flowers with scrapbook paper “vases” to the sideboard.
- Re-hang the curtain rod and steal the curtains from my breakfast nook.
That last step certainly wasn’t a necessary one, but it’s something I’ve been wanting to do forever! That too-low curtain rod has been plaguing me for years now. Once I got on a roll of decluttering the space, I felt so wonderful that raising the curtain rod and stealing curtains from the breakfast nook just needed to happen. You might find yourself similarly inspired once you begin a Love Your Home Challenge! Thanks Melissa for teaching us how to embrace our homes and create spaces we feel good about!
If you’d like to check out the book for yourself, it can be found on Amazon with this affiliate link:Â Love the Home you Have.
Jennifer Estes says
I have just discovered your blog and I adore it! Can’t wait to see what all you have to say. Thank you so much for sharing!
Beth says
Thanks for stopping by Jennifer!
Abby Bristol says
I live with my boyfriend in a tiny studio, but we both love it! The first time I entered the door I felt it like home! Besides, it’s practical when it comes to cleaning. haha, So, yeah, love the home you have!
Jasmine says
I dont think people wish they had another home, I think people just like looking a pretty pictures of homes and spaces. There is no crime in that.
Beth says
No crime at all. 🙂 I LOVE looking at inspiration pics of gorgeous spaces and it gives me great joy to do so!
KJ says
Hello,
I just came across your blog and I love it! Your style is beautiful.
Thank you.
Beth says
Thanks so much! And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Mandy says
We recently sold out home of 20 years to build a new one. We spent a month cleaning and fixing things to get our home ready for sale. We repaired and updated all those things that bothered us for years. It was so nice to have those things that irritated me, finally fixed. Why in the world did I not do that for myself years before?? I learned a huge lesson from this event. Do for yourself what makes you love your home. Don’t put it off!
Shana @ Our Feathered Nest says
Well, I have to say I am guilty of coveting… A LOT! lol Especially as a new blogger, sometimes I feel like I’m never gonna get this right. Trying to find contentment with what I have and learn the patience it will take to change things to the style I truly love over time is not easy at all. I really would appreciate comments and even some feed back from other bloggers on my page but it doesnt happen much. Kinda discouraging. Even so, I feel like this book will be so helpful! Thank you for this post, and I hope you have a great week 🙂
Beth says
I hear ya girl. We all fall prey to coveting at times and comparison truly is the thief of joy. I struggle with it too (especially when I’m PMS’ing). It’s difficult to not feel discouraged and to have patience with ourselves and with our homes. When I get into those moods, I try to go offline for awhile, write down all that I’m grateful for, and spend time with my family or friends. That always helps put the important things back into perspective for me and elevates my mood! Hope the rest of your week is amazing!
melissa @ the inspired room says
Your dining room is always my favorite, that brick wall is just amazing. But your transformation is so great!! Isn’t it amazing how those simple changes change everything? And the curtains look fabulous!! I’m so honored that you are a part of this day and thankful to have so many friends like you who inspire women to create more beauty in life. Thank you, Beth!!
Beth says
Thanks for dropping by busy lady! And thanks again for inviting me to be a part of your book launch. Many blessings!
Stacy Risenmay says
I have always loved this little nook! That brick! Everything is amazing 🙂
Beth says
Thanks Stacy!
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Your dining room is amazing. I love your brick wall. Gorgeous.
Amanda says
The curtains look great! I love the idea behind this book – finding contentment where you are. Thanks for sharing!