Home Love: 7 Ways To Love The Home You Have

Home love is the practice of nurturing and cherishing one’s living space with care and affection, fostering gratitude, drawing inspiration, and sparking creativity—alongside embracing simple decorating ideas—as essential ways to love the home you have.

HOME LOVE- TRIO OF ITEMS ON A CONSOLE WITH A LAMP IN THE BACKGROUND

Let’s have an honest conversation about our homes! How do you feel about yours? While many home decorators might admit to feeling dissatisfied, very few would likely confess to really loving their haven called home. Most of us do not like being unhappy with our homes, whether they are new or old, small or palatial, needing work or in tip-top shape. However, many of us could feel better about our homes.

Instead of falling into the trap of dissatisfaction, let’s explore ways to appreciate and cherish the unique qualities of our own space.

How often do we glance around our living spaces and find ourselves focusing on what we lack instead of delighting in the things we love? The truth is that most of us are surrounded by things in our homes that evoke joy, gratitude, and a genuine sense of love for our homes. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, we tend to fixate on what we perceive as shortcomings or areas for improvement.

Today’s post is part of a year-long series called Practically Speaking. It’s part pep talk and part very practical, tried-and-true ways to find joy and beauty in your home. Here are five simple ideas to help you love the home you have.

Transform Your Perspective About Your Home

HOME LOVE- WHITE PLANTER ON THE DINING ROOM TABLE WITH WHITE PERENNIALS

I must confess, I often find myself caught up in the trap of “house dissatisfaction,” particularly because I live in the land of home decor and blogging all day. I sometimes forget to be inspired by the beautiful homes I see and instead get stuck in that horrid pit of comparison that is ultimately a downward spiral! 

Believe me, nothing has the power to breed unhappiness in our homes, quite like the insidious demon of comparison. Thoughts like “I wish my home looked like…” or “I’d love to have…” or “I hate my home because…” or “My home will NEVER…” only serve to spread discontent.

Let’s put a stop to that right now!

Comparing your home and decor to others can sometimes bring about feelings that aren’t so cozy. It might lead to doubting your own style or feeling like your space isn’t measuring up. Remember, each home is as unique as the wonderful woman who created it! Instead of comparing, let’s celebrate the beauty of our own spaces and find joy in making them uniquely ours. After all, your home is a reflection of your personality and warmth, and that’s what truly makes it special.

Having a home is a remarkable blessing!

If you find yourself comparing your home to others (and believe me, I’m not immune to such thoughts either), it’s time for a little change in perspective.

We’re feeding ourselves a falsehood—you and me! It’s time for us to look at our home in a different light with a more positive perspective.

Gratitude: Transforming Your House into a Home

HOME LOVE- FLOWERS ON A COFFEE TABLE

There is not one single thing that will allow you to love the home you have, like the simple act of being grateful.

When we’re grateful for our homes, it’s like a light bulb goes off in our heads. Suddenly, we start seeing the beauty in every nook and cranny, and we find joy in all those little acts of homekeeping and puttering daily routines. It’s about turning our house into a home, flaws and all, and realizing what an incredible gift it truly is!

And you know what’s even better? Gratitude kicks comparison to the curb! So take a deep breath, let go of all those pesky comparisons and unrealistic expectations, and keep them out for good! Instead, focus on being grateful for the unique haven that is YOUR home!

Let’s celebrate each other’s homes and find inspiration in the little details that make them special. Because when we’re grateful and inspired, there’s no limit to the love we can pour into our homes!

Closing The Door On Comparison: Opening The Door To Inspiration

HOME LOVE- A FOOTED WHITE BOWL IS USED TO PLANT GREENERY IN

When we shut the door on comparison, we open another door: the door of inspiration. Run, don’t walk through this door! Let your mind be captivated by the beauty of homes you see on blogs and Pinterest, on TV, or in books and magazines. Discover the endless possibilities and creativity in the homes and decor of others, and let that inspiration drive you to implement small changes in your own space. Remember, inspiration is not envious, greedy, or lustful.

At times, inspiration can feel like drinking from a fire hose—I know firsthand! It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and plethora of great ideas we encounter. That’s why it’s crucial to take it all in while being highly selective about what captures our focus.

For me, sifting through magazines, blogs, or Pinterest becomes more manageable when I search for that one detail that makes my heart sing and one thing that would bring a blessing to my home. This approach prevents me from feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of inspiration.

I saw a plant in a bucket in a magazine, and it made me think outside the box. So, I planted some house plants and perennials in a footed bowl from the kitchen. When the inspiration strikes, go for it!

While it’s not always necessary to purchase or change everything we see, embracing inspiration opens our minds to endless possibilities. Let’s be grateful for the inspiration and beauty we encounter wherever we find it!

Creativity: The Power Of Inspiration In Home Decor

Imagine this: you walk into a room and immediately feel a rush of excitement as your eyes dance across the carefully curated decor and thoughtful design elements. Have you ever experienced this? I have, actually, all the time! That’s the magic of inspiration. And inspiration leads to creativity.

Inspiration works like a spark, igniting our imagination and fueling our creativity. It’s that “aha” moment when we stumble upon a unique color palette, a clever storage solution, or a striking piece of furniture that speaks to our soul. It’s the thrill of discovering new trends, styles, and techniques that challenge us to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible in our own homes.

But here’s the beauty of creativity: it’s not just about replicating what we see in magazines or on social media. It’s about infusing our own personality, tastes, and preferences into every corner of our homes. Whether a vintage find from a flea market, a DIY project inspired by a Pinterest post, or a family heirloom passed down through generations, inspiration encourages us to create spaces that reflect who we are and what we love.

This conscious decision to appreciate our homes in their current state while nurturing a sense of enthusiasm for potential enhancements allows for creating a home we truly love and care for.

This conscious decision to appreciate our homes in their current state while nurturing a sense of enthusiasm for potential enhancements allows us to create a home we truly love and want to care for.

Keep A Clean And Tidy Home

HOME LOVE- LIVING ROOM WITH COFFEE TABLE IN THE FOREGROUND

This is truly the best way to show your home some love! Cleaning your home isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating a space that reflects your care and attention to it. Purging, organizing, and getting everything in order not only revitalizes our living spaces but also uplifts our spirits.

I can certainly relate to the challenge of maintaining a clean home, especially with the demands of blogging constantly keeping me on the move. There are times when my home becomes a whirlwind of clutter, particularly during photo shoots. But amidst the chaos, I’ve learned that committing to regular tidying sessions can work wonders.

Make it a daily ritual to devote some time to cleaning and organizing your home. You prevent things from spiraling out of control by tackling tasks consistently and with a positive attitude. Remember, a little effort each day goes a long way in maintaining a welcoming and orderly living environment.

If your home feels more than a little chaotic, start small by focusing on one room at a time. Being conscious of the progress you are making in a room as you declutter and clean will fill you with a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to continue. Even if it is one kitchen drawer!

The more motivated you are, the more you can do, and the more you can do, the more motivated you become.

A well-kept home not only looks better but also contributes to a more comfortable and enjoyable living experience. Transform mundane cleaning tasks into enjoyable rituals by envisioning the cozy and inviting atmosphere your home will exude once everything is in order. Shift your focus from chores to positive outcomes, and you’ll find that cleaning becomes a labor of love, transforming your home into a sanctuary you’ll cherish. I love that thought!

The Art Of Shopping Your House

HOME LOVE- A NEUTRAL COLOR TUFTED CHAIR

With our renewed perspective, inspiration, and creativity, along with our efforts to maintain a clean and tidy home, it’s time to shop our home.

Are you truly aware of all the wonderful treasures hiding in your own home? It’s easy to overlook items we’ve been gifted, purchased, or simply blessed with over the years. Personally, I think our basement is like a treasure trove of blessings, and the same can be said for the rooms throughout our home.

So, let’s grab a basket, paper bag, or maybe even a forklift (if needed!) and go on a little shopping trip through your house, focusing on a particular room at a time.

I recently did this when I decided to makeover one of my bedrooms. I was surprised by how many items I rediscovered that had lost their sparkle and charm in one room but were just waiting to be repurposed elsewhere to breathe new life into my space!

For instance, that neutral chair in the basement that once occupied our dining room has found new life as a welcoming, soft place to land in my guest bedroom! And that forgotten pillow cover tucked away in a console drawer? It now adorns the chair as a big, statement pillow, adding a touch of comfort and style to the space. It’s incredible what a little creativity and a fresh perspective can do to transform our living spaces.

Make Old Things New Again

There’s undoubtedly a time for updating and buying new things for our homes, but why not first take a look at what we already have? Can a once-loved piece of furniture be transformed with a fresh coat of paint or a stylish slipcover? Could it be reupholstered or reworked to take on a whole new identity?

For me, this creative process of updating something is incredibly inspiring and adds a unique charm to my home that I truly love. Investing sweat equity and time into the items that fill our living spaces holds great significance. I’ve discovered that it’s not about having the most expensive or high-end pieces; rather, it’s about transforming everyday items into cherished treasures.

Consider the small yet impactful changes you can make. Can you mend a frayed seam on a duvet or refinish the surface of a table or coffee table? How about painting an old dresser and swapping out the drawer pulls for a fresh, new look?

Sewing an upholstered cushion for an old bench turned it into one of my favorite pieces in our home. The transformation added both comfort and character to our living space

And don’t overlook the sentimental value of family heirlooms. Could your grandmother’s silver flatware become a part of your daily life by displaying it in a charming crock or vintage ironstone pitcher?

HOME LOVE-A SMALL TABLE NEXT TO A WHITE CHAIR WITH A POTTED GERANIUM

There are countless ways to infuse new life into your home and cultivate a deep appreciation for what you already have. These seven simple strategies are just the beginning. My hope for you is that you don’t merely read and enjoy this post but that you take action today. Start your falling in love with your home all over again!

FAQs About Home Love

No one’s home is perfect. No matter the size, find the good and blessings in it. A small home can be charming, cozy, and inviting. Keep it free from clutter and organized, and count your home as a big blessing.

Loving your home means finding comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging within its walls, where every corner reflects your personality, cherished memories, and personal style. And being grateful because it is yours.

Loving your home is important for your body, soul, and mind. It promotes well-being, as it fosters a sanctuary that nurtures us. It is a haven from the outside world, and it enhances our daily life. It keeps us safe and gives us a place to share with those we love.

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Happy Decorating, Friend!

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143 Comments

  1. Morning Yvonne,
    You are so right on about the comparison trap and about us needing to be grateful for what we have………..
    Couldn’t agree with you more………….and just like you said we don’t have to have the best of everything we just
    need to do the best we can with what we have………….and I love being inspired by so many bloggers. I am always
    so amazed at the talented women in blogland……..what a blessing they are to others.
    I am always inspired when I come by your blog………..by the beauty of it and the spiritual inspiration as well.
    Great job…………..

    Blessings, Nellie

  2. Karen VanLoo says:

    Wow! This is so uplifting and inspiring to read today! When it comes down to it, the bottom line is to always be grateful for what we have. I feel fortunate that I do have a beautiful home (at least all my friends tell me that) but it isn’t full of brand new furniture. Sure, we fill in new furniture here and there as we need it (old worn out sectional in upstairs den replaced with leather reclining sofas to match the Texas rustic décor) but the rest we have had quite a while. I have painted a lot of furniture to give it new life, and right now I am painting a mirror and shelf set. I love the style of it, but it’s kind of a gold color. So I decided to paint in ivory chalk paint, I will lightly distress and will finish in a vintage wax coating. That’s the great thing about paint! If something can be painted and you are tired of the color or the way it looks – paint it! I get so many ideas from you, and many are thrifty! It’s nice we don’t have to spend a ton of money to freshen up our homes. Thank you for all of your ideas and inspiration. Have a fabulous day!

    1. I so agree with your Karen! Thanks for being such a faithful StoneGable follower! I’ve learned so much for you!

  3. Good morning what a encouraging post. That is one we all need to take to heart .I remind myself always to not fall into that trap of comparison, but to be thankful. You are right you don’t have to spend a ton of money to make, or change something in your home. Thank you for being an inspiration Yvonne! !

  4. LOL! Perfect blog! I live in a area with all new development MODEL HOMES! My favorite thing to do is look at Model homes! I get many great decorating ideas! Sometimes I come home and just want to start over new!
    We have lived in our home now for 13 years and have done many improvements! So it is hard to replace what we have!
    So for the last couple of years I have been fixing our house and loving it!
    One of the nicest compliments came from my 4 year old Grandson! He said to his Dad “Daddy can we buy this house?” This little boy loves Nana’s home! So today I’m going to love my home a little more!
    Thank you for another wonderful Blog

  5. Vicki Lay says:

    Thank you, Yvonne, for this morning’s post. I just experienced everything you said this week after attending a gathering at a new friend’s house. Her home, on the lake as mine, was big, rustic, and beautiful. Her furniture oversized in dark hues of sage green and dark grays. I walked back into my home and it looked to me as if I had decorated in “doll house-sized” furniture. Oh, was I down in the dumps for days. So, I started rearranging, decluttering and “handling” all the “stuff” which belonged to my grandmother and mother down through the ages. It was like going down Memory Lane bring remembrances of love, joy, and peace. At last, I decided my house was “me” after all. Changing up vignettes, moving chairs, etc. buying a couple of Fall pillows did the trick. You are so right on–thank you, as always, for your decor inspiration as well as your spiritual inspiration. A humbled and much more grateful follower.
    Thanks
    Vicki

  6. Bernadette Fedorovich says:

    Thank you for reminding me to be grateful for what I have. You are an inspiration to me in other ways, not just decorating, even though I love your ideas. I have used many of your ideas and added mine together they are beautiful ideas. What I do often is rearrange furniture and move my accessories to different rooms of the house. When friends and family come over they always say, ” Oh this is new” and I tell them…No I just moved it from one room to another or a different place in the same room. Sometimes just adding a new accessory to a bookshelf or table gives it a whole new look. And of course, a can of paint can change things completely, on walls, furniture and accessories…
    Again, thank you for sharing all your inspirations. They are truly God given gifts. Have a Blessed Day…

  7. What an amazing and inspiring post! You are such a good writer and have so many practical ideas that have helped me!

  8. Thanks for a great reminder. And I did have to pin it.
    while the family is away playing this weekend I am working on number 3.

  9. Thank you for this post. I adore your house along with a few others. After I read the blogs and then look around my house , I do wish for better, or fancier or bigger. Then I realize how blessed I am. I enjoy looking at the blogs for inspiration and the electronic companionship with others who love their home as much as I love mine.

  10. First time I have ever commented on a blog but just want to thank you for your blog today Sometimes we need to see it in writing or hear it to remember to be grateful for what we have. Thank you Leslie

    1. An outstanding read, Jeannie – thanks for sharing that link.
      Should be required reading for anyone attempting to live an authentic life 🙂

      1. Oh my goodness! I’m so happy you enjoyed this post! Thanks for the lovely compliment!

  11. Marilyn Ford says:

    Thank you Yvonne! We all need to be reminded to be so thankful for what God has given each one of us. I don’t live in a fancy house but it is home and I feel so blessed to have it. I so appreciate your God given talents! You inspire me to be a better Christian!

  12. Good morning!!! Thank you for your wonderful thoughts and words. I have an old farm home which I love. But sometimes I forget. This mornings message reminded me of the great blessing my home is and the love that lives within these walls. I think with so many of us, the fact we decorate and continue to work on making pleasing spaces, it’s another way we show that love to our families and friends. Thank you again for this mornings message….. may God bless your day!

  13. Fantastic post, Yvonne. I too, look at all of these beautifully decorated homes in blog land, and I must confess that I can get discouraged. Now don’t get me wrong, we have worked hard and have been blessed with a nice house in a nice area, but it is, shall we say, lived in looking. We have four children that are now mostly out of the house, but college kids still come home for summer and can reak havoc on my floors and furniture. And let’s not even talk about the dog and what she has ruined.
    Needless to say, my house is not photo shoot ready, ever. But it does does tell a tale of a busy, happy family, and I have learned to be ok with that. For instance, I love your pottery barn white couch, but in this house it would be white for a week, tops. But I can see a wreath, or a beautiful viniette on your blog, and copy that, and it makes me feel good.
    For those that want my home to be more than it is, I have a sign at the door that reads: My house was clean yesterday, sorry you missed it!

  14. Yvonne,
    You wrote this post for me. We have been in our home 16 years and things are starting to get dated so I want to move to bigger and better. But are home is paid for and has so many wonderful memories! So, thank you for writing to me and saying it is ok to stay put and not get caught up in the American greed attitude ! My mom once gave me great advice that no matter how much you have or how big your home is, there will always be someone who has more or a bigger house. And if you start that line of thinking to have more you will never be satisfied!

  15. One of my favorites quotes is from a novel called September by Rosamund Pilcher. It is: “Happiness is making the most of what you have.”
    Have a blessed day!

  16. Linda Ann says:

    Great post! This is such great advice as I continue to make my new house a home. It’s true that when you are grateful for what you have and try to reflect that gratitude in how you care for and present your home things fall into place. I feel such gratitude that I found your blog awhile back and I try to incorporate your suggestions where I can. I find your ideas so inspirational and a real kick-start to my imagination. Thank you for generously sharing!

  17. Lori Edmonds says:

    L♡VE your posts, always. Such good inspiration. I love my little home and love, love, love being inspired by the successes & great ideas of others and I glean from them, continuously. You have helped me purge so others can enjoy the lovely things I had stored away ~ it has been very freeing for me, not to mention I made a little $$ with the yardsale!! Your ideas have helped me get better organized ~ not through yet, but I am making great progress. Keep up the good work!! God is good and God bless you and yours!!

  18. Hi Yvonne, our problem was that we were decorating our home with a view to it’s resale appeal and we were forgetting to ‘live’ in it. Once we realised this, we started making our home suit OUR family and it feels like a new home!

  19. What a great post. Such a great reminder to not focus on what we think we need, but what we have.
    Have a blessed day!

  20. Oh, Yvonne what a really good post, just some of the very basic simple suggestions can be the most informative,I love a clean home and your tips make cleaning fun or as fun as it can be. Yvonne, I look forward to your post each morning it just seem’s to get me moving. Have a Happy Labor Day Weekend To You And Yours.

  21. I know that it wasn’t, but I feel like this post was written for me. Not just the post but all the readers comments as well. I take such comfort in that I am not alone in appreciating my home and constantly comparing it to others and forever wishing it was something different. Our home has been a true labor of love. There is not an inch of my home that has not been touched and brought back to life by my husband and I. This home has allowed me to stay home and raise my four children without ever missing a day of their childhoods. Yet, I still compare it and forget to see its beauty. It is not the biggest home, doesn’t have a beautiful laundry room, an island in the kitchen, or a huge walk in closet but…it is mine and filed with so many treasured memories. Thank you for reminding me of this. Now I just need to work on remembering it!!!

  22. This was a great post! Thank you. Currently, I am living in a 1970’s fixer-upper – but it is in Santa Barbara. I need to focus more on how lucky I am to be living in such a WONDERFUL place, and less on ALL the things that need to be done in my home. It will take time, but that is part of being a home owner. I appreciate your suggestions.
    Best,
    Michelle from simplysantabarbara.blogspot.com

  23. Sherry Myers says:

    I could never have said it as well as you have, but I have preached it to myself many times over through the years. Wonderful post! Inspiration doesn’t mean we can’t be content. So thankful for this post!
    Sherry

  24. Yvonne, I always enjoy your posts…the ones about loving your home, and the ones that are spiritual encouragement. I read today through tears. The details of life at times seem overwhelming. Divorce after 40 years with seven children (four still living with me), making plans for my elderly mother to come live with us from another state, a leaky roof and many other needed repairs, and working outside my home full time for the first time in over 35 years. Thank you so much for your encouragement to focus on our blessings, and not what we don’t have. I’m writing a to-do list for today, and hoping to be realistic and feel accomplishment at the end of the day (putting more on Monday’s list if I need to, so I can labor on Labor Day : ) ). Please continue to share not just your home, but your love of life and the Lord!

    1. Bonnie, what a rough road you are traveling on right now! I just prayed for you! May God comfort you and bring blessing to you, your family and your home!!! A big virtual hug from StoneGable!

      1. Thank you. Prayer and hugs are essential…and, I am grateful for both!

    2. Bonnie – praying for you too today; put your heart in the Lord’s keeping each day and do not give up!

      1. …He will do great things as you trust Him even thru the hard stuff.

  25. It looks like your blog was spot on for many of your readers including me. I love my home and feel very blessed and grateful (most of the time). But, now and again discontent raises its ugly head. Then I remember two sayings that always helps. 1. We rarely compare our situation with someone worse off or has less, it is usually with those who have much more. 2. If you don’t have what you like – try liking what you have.
    Thanks for another great blog.

    1. Joyce, wise words! Thanks for sharing this wonderful wisdom with us!

  26. Thank you for this wonderful post. I’m sure it has made a lot of us feel better about the houses we live in and should be so thankful for especially when you look at the plight of many others in the world right now. I love this quote which sums it up perfectly.
    “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for”.
    Epicurus

  27. This is all so true, Yvonne! Great advice that you obviously put a good deal of thought into. Thanks for sharing it today. I have been purging and also trying to finish up projects (as usaual haha.) I stopped halfway through reading this to get hubby to carry an unused crate type shelving piece from my hobby room to our basement storage room. I was trying to cram my extra home decor pieces onto the big Christmas storage shelving and it wasn’t working. Now I have a smaller piece dedicated to the home decor that I am keeping in the purge.

  28. Thank you for such an inspirational post and all the great ideas – large and small – that really do give some fuel for the fire of getting into gratitude and love for my home! You are right, no matter where you are or whether owned, rented or borrowed, the home you live in is a gift and the gratitude starts there! Beyond that, implementing many of your ideas for livening up our decor is icing on the cake! I loved this post!!

  29. Yes…to all of your suggestions. We had a bigger and better house that we build on our large acreage. We downsized to one acre and a one story house. It is wonderful. I see the larger houses and it makes me a little homesick for our other home, but I look around and see that we live in a wonderful neighborhood now, and don’t have to mow and eight acre front yard. There is an old old rock and roll song…Love the one you’re with. Well, love the home you have. There are so many who do not have homes or any kind of roof over their head.

    I just look around my house and think… OK, Let’s get creative with what we have Sheila. ha!
    Sheial

  30. Elaine Culbert says:

    Yvonne, your post was filled with excellent advice, as usual. Being of a certain age, I have certainly accumulated my share of decor items but can easily fall into the habit of buying more. Yesterday, I “thought” I needed to buy a small jug for some Autumn foliage but went shopping in my own house and found a tarnished silver creamer which suits the arrangement more than what I almost bought! I love what you’ve accomplshed in your dining room and smile because I’m remembering what fun I had when I painted an old blonde hope/cedar chest with a blue antiquing kit that was all the rage in the late 60’s/early 70’s. I still like it!

    When we watch the current situation in Europe with refugees fleeing for their lives away from ISIS, I think we all feel immense gratitude for our safe perfect, or imperfect, homes!

  31. june becklin says:

    Yvonne,
    Just when I think I have read your best post …you post a new one that speaks to so many. Today’s post really struck my heart.
    Thank you for your direct and honest inspiration.

  32. Yvonne,
    Your post today was so spot on! I know I have been guilty at times of falling into the “house comparison trap” as well. I love your tip about borrowing elements and gathering inspiration from others homes instead of comparing.

    My late aunt traveled to many poverty stricken third world countries doing mission work and would often say every American should live in one of these countries for a few weeks and they would definitely come home more appreciative for what they have and have a different outlook on life.

    1. How true, I have been on those trips and one especially memorable was Haiti after their earthquake. Seeing their beautiful children so happy with sometimes just one item of clothing and sleeping on the ground made me decide I wasn’t going to buy new clothes for a long time. My husband of course was thrilled (and probably wondered if I was really his wife because I love my clothes and do have to look nice for work). Wake up calls for all of us!

  33. Yes, all of it is so true. Gratefulness is the cure to unhappiness with our situation. We bought our current home and moved from our dream home that we built. This home needed lots of work and was quite a step down, but we love it now and love the location. As my sister told me, “you had one dream, and now you have another”, when I told her we were selling our dream home of only 2 years to move closer to the city.
    On another note, I tried to locate how you painted those chairs as it inspired me to get going on painting a piece in my home. I could not locate that anywhere…can you give me a link to find it? Thanks!

  34. It has been said that comparison is the thief of joy. It’s really true, especially in blog-land. Love what you have and get creative, because in the end it only matters if you love it and well, we all know it’s just stuff and you can’t take it with you, right?

  35. Barbara Jaeger says:

    Very uplifting post, Yvonne. One to reread often. Another suggestion I would add is to change furniture placement from time to time. Even slight adjustments can make a difference. One day I moved our bed into the corner so that it was angled out into the room and added a lamp and some greenery behind it. Loved my daughter’s comment when she walked in: “Now it looks like a master suite!” She was right — it looked terrific and it didn’t cost a cent.

  36. Yvonne,
    Just between great friends, may I say, “Amen, Sister”!!!
    Your blog has truly inspired me to return to my Traditional Roots in my Home’s Decor!!!
    When I was caught in the retail marketing of trying everything “new”, I tremendously disliked my home!!!
    I’ve been fortunate enough to be blessed with a few family heirlooms;
    such as china, silver, six pane family farm windows, hurricane oil lanterns and I use them daily!!!
    Your posts always have “perfect” timing, dear one, as I’m beginning a huge undertaking
    of the process of renewing our Home Office. . .and there’s not a lot “I like” at the moment!!!
    “Mr. Ed” and I talked last evening about some of our “treasures” that are missing
    and we know it’s time to “search” for those items in our storage bins!!! (#4)
    Thank you for sharing and always inspiring!!!
    Happy Labor Day!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

  37. Marilyn Clark says:

    Thank you for a very inspiring post. It is something I need to remember; to love my house and be thankful for how blessed I am to have a home.

  38. I SO needed to hear this today! Thank you so much for the motivation and a reminder to simply be grateful.

    Love this scripture..Phillipians 4:11..Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

  39. Jeannie Hosey says:

    Love the different things you have done in your entryway, very inspiring. The White Console where did you purchase that?

  40. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

    I have allowed myself to indulge the comparison monster – and I’ve suffered all of the effects that greed, self-pity and envy bring as a result. Thank you for the reminder to count my blessings. I’ve truly noticed that as long as I remain mired in comparing my home to other’s I am robbing myself of the opportunity to become inspired by beauty. Nothing stifles inspiration and creativity like longing for something that someone else has! I look forward to more design inspiration – as well as wake up calls from your blog!

  41. Yvonne- I am so enjoying your blog. It is the most comforting inspiring, motivating daily read. Have a blessed Merry Christmas! Cheers from Colorado! laura {not a trophy wife}

  42. I don’t know how I missed this post! I think you are talking to me! LOL! I live in FL we have so many new communities popping up. Models all over the place. Danger! But I really enjoy getting decorating ideas from the homes. I have a beautiful home. We have lived here for 12 years and it is a work in progress. When I really think about moving I look at my house and think but I won’t have! Then I think okay what can I do make make something better in my home. This year is our master bathroom. This will make me very happy.
    Thanks for your wonderful blogs love it! Happy New Year!

  43. Thank you Yvonne!! It was just what I needed to hear. I love looking at your posts of your creative ideas and your beautiful home. Your post today made me STOP and think what I am grateful for. It took us awhile to save for our home and we finally have it. I have family and friends who enjoy coming over and say my home is so comfortable. It may not be perfect or clean all the time by it’s “lived in”. Thank you for reminding me of what’s important . Have a very Blessed New Year!

  44. Lily Mascorro says:

    Thank you so much for this article, I so needed to read this today! I often get so caught up on what I don’t like that I forget how blessed I am to have a place to call my home. I love to decorate and I’m always planning my next project but reading this made me realize that I can repurpose what I already have! And thank you again for reminding me to have an attitude of gratitude. God bless!

  45. Emily Dryfoos says:

    Great post! I really love the rug in the picture of the rainbows. Do you mind sharing where you purchased it?

  46. You offer such practical advice, and l love it! I can honestly say that you have hit the nail on the head completely! An ungrateful heart will cloud your countenance quicker than anything, and starting with what happens on our inside, definitely affects what happens in the home. Not only would a loving, grateful countenance lift our Spirits, it would do wonders for creating a beautiful home environment! I think your blog, and your photos are absolutely lovely, and I appreciate the wisdom that goes into it. Your words in your posts are not full of fluff, and that makes you so relatable, so I wanted to thank you! With sincere appreciation, Dee @Cottatecomforts

  47. I don’t necessarily “want” what someone else has in their house but would love if maybe I was more confident in decorating my house. I could spend endless amounts of time reading blogs but feel overwhelmed when it comes to putting anything together in my own home. Some people are truly gifted with decorating and I wish I were one of them !

    1. I know exactly how you feel. I was chairman of our Decorating Committee at my church for 5 years and have helped various ladies with their decorating issues…….never a problem. I could jump right in and decorate anything, anywhere, anytime. But when it comes to my own house/things, my mind goes blank. So thankful for Yvonne’s encouraging words.

  48. I love your style and all your ideas. Thank you!!!

  49. I’m new to your blog today and saw the link about loving your home! Oh, my….I don’t even know where to begin. I totally agree with all you posted but I still have a hard time loving the house I inhabit. It has an outdoor utility/laundry room which I detest. In the winter I have to don a coat to go back and forth between the back door and the laundry room door. I’ve been in this house 39 years, and I always tried to have a good attitude about my circumstances because I totally BELIEVED that somewhere down the road I would have a house with a better located laundry set-up. I always had hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. I could write a book about all the circumstances that have kept me in this house—every time we reached a point where we thought we could sell it —something happened: a job loss, the 2008 economic downslide, etc. Finally, I gave up….I realized that my mom was getting older, and she kept telling us that after she was gone she wanted us to move into her condo—end unit, gas fireplace, screened in porch, double garage, INDOOR laundry area!!!!! So I just assumed that she would probably pass on, we would sell our house and pay my brother 1/2 of what my mom paid for the condo…and it would be ours. My mom is now 89…severe dementia forced us to place her in a facility over a year ago. Her retirement money is almost gone so we had to sell the condo 6 months ago in order to have money for her care. We could not buy the condo outright….our house isn’t worth as much, and we would have been forced to either totally deplete our savings or incur a $35,000 mortgage. We are both 65, and my hubby retires next week…..so a mortgage at our age is not a wise choice! As I signed my name on the dotted line to sell the condo, I felt as if I was signing away my last chance to get out of our neighborhood and the house that I never wanted to buy. There is no light at the end of the tunnel anymore. I’m almost angry at myself for spending the last 8 years believing I would live in the condo and, therefore, setting myself up for such heartbreak. And heartbroken I am …it has been such a huge disappointment. I have tears in my eyes as I write this, and let’s just be honest here—I just don’t feel like doing anything to this house! I just feel hopeless and have no interest in it. I’m grateful to have a roof over my head and grateful to have a washer and dryer. The washer and dryer cannot be moved into the house, and contractors tell us that a doorway cannot be cut to access the utility room from the kitchen. So I’m at a point where I have to do major attitude adjustment….and it still hurts and is going to take some time. I realize that it’s a loss in my life, and the grieving process will happen. We’ll all had dreams blow up in our faces but I surely need prayers to get thru this one — it’s been a rough road these last few months. So sorry to write a book here—why is it so much easier to be honest and tell strangers what you’re feeling?????

    1. Carol Ann says:

      Leslie, I can feel your pain and disappointment! I am now living with my 94-year old mother who also has dementia. I promised my Dad I would take care of her and keep her at home if at all possible. Little did I know that both my husband and father would pass away within 2 months of each other — I had to sell my home and move into mother’s manufactured home. But, as my post below reflects, I am trying to figure out ways to make the best home I can, even though it also has some major shortcomings and is NOT what I had planned. My prayers are with you as you try to find your way during this difficult and challenging time. We have survived SO much and now is the time to try to move forward. I truly believe that “surviving” is just not enough; we must guard against getting stuck in that “survival mode” as it can sometimes keep us from moving on with our lives. Together, let’s see if the two of us can come up with ways to make our individual journeys more pleasurable for ourselves. My prayers are with you…

  50. Carol Ann says:

    Yvonne, I just found this post and it was exactly what I needed today! I find myself recently widowed and suddenly living in a double-wide manufactured home with my aging mother. Certainly not what I had envisioned for my life at all. Loving my new home? Not a lot… but then I read this post and found it to be so perfect, stopping me in my tracks as I “wish” for the home I had before with my husband. I realized that all that is in the past, but I have many beloved “things” and memories that I cherish. I’m getting some of my favorites out of storage right now, today, and am going to begin to love the home I’m in now – and thankful that I do have a roof over my head! At my age, I know this will probably be my final home, so I am determined to make it into what I want. I know I can make my new home into what I want with what I already have (plus a few trips to our local thrift stores)! I am busy creating my “Favorite Style” boards on Pinterest, thinking about paint colors, and trying to figure out ways to move things around to create My Home. Incorporating many of the things from the past with new finds, giving some things new life by using them differently, and just plain enjoying the journey. Again, thank you SO much for this post. I am an avid follower of your blog, appreciating all you give to us. Blessings…

  51. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m a lot more inspired, and ever so much more thankful for the home I do have. What a great post!

  52. Ellie LaJuett says:

    Great post, you touch so many with your words and your awesome ideas! You are, and give so much inspiration!

  53. I really enjoyed this post! Just taking the time to focus on beautiful things that you’ve lovingly chosen for your home over the years makes you smile.

  54. We are building a new home, simpler, smaller, now that the kids have married and we are thinking “one floor living” is a good idea. Your blog always makes me smile, not only from your faith but also your practical wisdom. Having painters at our house has really helped me figure out “staging” for sale of our existent home since I get a brand new blank canvas and it really makes you think about how much cleaner it looks without piles and piles of decor yet using things I have that are “right” for the space. Thanks for your tips, you are truly a blessing 🙂 Cindy

  55. Dorcas Bender says:

    I appreciate this article very much! When I was growing up, my parents didn’t have a lot of money but my mother always had a saying. “Any home can be beautiful. It only takes some TLC.” I have never forgotten that! I love beautiful homes that are not necessarily expensive or “nice”, but someone has made it beautiful with their own creative input and personal labors of love!
    Also, I have a dining room table and chairs that were looking really rough and in need of the trash dump….or some sweat equity. I chose the latter. Not all of the chairs were salvageable but I managed to keep five. My husband and I worked together as a team. He sanded down the table and refinished the top, He also did a major repair job on the top as it was sagging terribly…embarrassingly! I painted the legs and apron. I sanded down all the chairs, refinished them to match the table top, cut new seat boards and re-upholstered them. It was a lot of work and a lot of fun and the final product makes me so proud. Every time I look at them, I am awed at how they look. It is a great feeling! Just a little testimonial to what you said in this article! Your home is beautiful and is the source of decorating inspiration for me often. I have several stone gable blog pictures saved to various Pinterest boards of mine! Blessings!

    1. YOU GO GIRL! I love that your dining room table and chairs did not end up in a trash heap. It’s really satisfying to upscale and redo furniture.

  56. Thank you for this post! I was taught looong ago that Comparison is the Thief of JOY & you’ve just reminded me so I’m Thankful for decorators like you who remind us to be Thankful & grateful. Blessings, ???‍♀️

  57. Lauracorbett05@gmail says:

    I always enjoy your inspirational words and creative ideas for our homes! I had to laugh when you said Just stop it! As far as being envious of another’s home! I find inspiration in different peoples taste.
    Thank you for providing such a great tool! God Bless you!

  58. Thank you for reminding us to step back and be grateful for what we have. Not only for walls, roof and front door but also for family, friends, good health, happiness and love. A home full of love is the best decorated home of all.

  59. This has to be one of my all time favorite posts because it focuses on gratitude for what we have and yet ways to inspire creativity in our homes that are unique to each individual. At the end of the day, decor changes are driven by keeping us unhappy and feeling like we aren’t “up with the latest trends” which at its core is designed to keep us spending money! What a futile “chase”. Thank you for reminding us that a home is something to be truly grateful for and a place to express creativity with what we have.

    1. Toni, design can also make our homes welcoming and a sanctuary for those we love! If it is just to keep up with the Jones why read decorating blogs?

  60. Annette Loscialpo says:

    What great ideas. I have a set of mahogany dining room chairs similar to yours. I’ve wanted to paint them like yours. Do you have a tutorial? What color, what paint, what finish? What inspiration you have given me ! Thank you.

  61. 1hapikat@gmail.com says:

    Love the green elements you’ve added!

  62. Bonnie G. says:

    Perfect timing Yvonne, your words about gratefulness resonated with me today! I have been struggling with paring down in preparation for a move to a small cottage that we bought and are restoring and adding on to in order to live on one floor. Yes, I am parting with some furniture, decorative items, and some square footage, but how could I not be grateful to have our grandchildren live two houses away! My husband says: “Win the lotto? We already have!” Besides, I have accumulated so much in thirty-six years! It will be nice to cherry pick.

  63. What a lovely blog post! Thank you. Home decorating can seem a petty thing in light of Holy Week – but it’s not. It’s a gift that we get to welcome other’s into. And yes, it’s a gift that we even have a home! Thanks for the reminder (and tips) to love the home you have.

  64. LaVerne Weaver says:

    I love my home. A 1920’s craftsman style farmhouse. All original woodwork. Smaller kitchen, no master bath, small closets. I don’t mind that, But my problem is placing my furniture in the living room. It is long and narrow. About 35′ x15′ Open Stairway at one end. A wall of windows and doorway on one long wall and A doorway and French doors on the opposite wall. I am always moving furniture around and still cant find the right look. I could really use some help with that. We have lived here for 28 years and I still don’t know what to do. I love the classic look of your home,and your decorating style. Thanks for all your inspiration !

    1. Hi LaVerne! Your home sounds beautiful. Craftsman style is one of my favs! About the living room. This is very hard without seeing the true layout. I don’t know what other openings you have in your room or the flow. But here’s me guessing. You should treat your windows as a wall. You have too. Just keep the french doors free of furnishings if you use them. If not, you can place furniture in front of them too! Sounds like you might need a design consultation. If you want to inquire about one email me: stonegable333@gmail.com

  65. Yvonne, I think this is the best article I have read in a long time. Thank you for the reminder that we must be thankful for what we have. I love my home and enjoy puttering around making changes with “Finds” from thrift and antique stores and my personal storage room in the shop. I am blessed and love to share my home with all who come into it.
    Thanks again for this article.

  66. Thank you so much for reminding me how blessed I am to have my home. I, too, suffer from comparisonitis! It’s so good to step back into gratefulness.

  67. Nancy Robinson says:

    Thank you for this! I was reminded of a month of Sunday school lessons many years ago focusing on what you have and making the most of it.. I lived these suggestions for a long time then slowly slipped away. I have always loved my house and have made every effort to make it a home of happiness which I think has always centered about how I feel about what I have.
    Thank you for the reminder.

  68. Carol Hearfelt Whimsies says:

    Yvonne—Your blogposts are sooo informative and helpful! Sooooo much content! Just wanted you to know I appreciate the hard work and thought you put into each and every post!

  69. marian zimmerman says:

    awesome.
    I must constantly work on cleaning & tidying, my closets are to full and I can’t put things away, sigh
    plan to purge tomorrow,

  70. Cecilia from Georgia says:

    This is a wonderful article for reminding me how blessed I am to have a lovely home. I find myself caught in the “comparison” whirlwind and ashamed that I don’t feel satisfied with what I have! I am changing my colors to neutrals and get overwhelmed with the beautiful rooms in blog land. I have tried to stay focused on one area but then get frustrated because another room needs changing and I don’t know what to do. After reading this post, I am going to try to relax and work on each room as I can get to it and be thankful that I have the resources to make changes. Thank you for reminding me how to focus on the positive and be grateful. XOXO

    1. Cecilia, try looking at decorating as a process and not an end goal! Are we ever really done? And when home decorators wait to be DONE and then do nothing else they tend to be dissatisfied soon. I see this all too often. Just keep working and being thrilled by the new way your home looks!

  71. Such a beautiful site, Yvonne and your posts make me want to curl up on a couch and have a long talk with a good cup of coffee! Loving the Style Showcase Link Party!!!

  72. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for this post! It’s like you knew exactly what I needed to hear?

    1. You are so welcome,. Melissa! I think we all have homes we love, sometimes we forget.

  73. Thank you Yvonne for all your inspiration! My husband recently completely renovated our large fireplace from black tile and a huge dark mantel, to a beautiful marble tile and white wood mantel surround. The transformation is unbelievable. When he was done, I thought about how I would decorate my mantel? Then, I thought…what would Yvonne do?? Look for what you already have in the house!! Have a blessed day!!

    1. Lol! Bless your heart! The mantel sounds GORGEOUS!!!! I’d love to see a picture of it decorated, Barb!

  74. Dana Cayton says:

    Hi, first time I have read your blog. I check your FB page and share from it sometimes. Thank you so much for this article; I know the Lord led me here today. I really needed to read this and be “inspired” to get moving on some decluttering and updating from “my shop” in the basement! You have accomplished that! Thank you, again! I look forward to reading more from your blog.

  75. I love my home. It is not large but has large rooms for the living room and bedrooms. I have a bathroom and separate toilet and a private garden. I love the way I wake up and feel as if I am living in the country. This home nurtures me and I love the peace and tranquility of my street that is a cul-de-sac with no through traffic. All I get to hear are the birds and the trees and I am very private. My home allows me to keep my 3 grown cats and 1 half-grown, Bengal kitten. It is a work in progress! I have lived in my home for 15 years come June 2021. My home is humble and having lived in my home for so many years, I know that I would like to do a few renovations. The only renovation I have been able to afford so far is to take out the horrible aluminium window in the kitchen and replace it with a beautiful cedar window that I absolutely love. I have chosen to pay off the mortgage and save for the renovations once the mortgage is paid off. Not long to go now. My next two plans are to turn the garage next to my kitchen/dining into a dining come living room and where the arched garage door is, I want an arched wooden window to let in the light with a matching door to the back garden. In the mean-time, I love listening to the wind in the trees, eating figs from my tree and to be able to sit on my back patio and just appreciate the silence and the privacy.

    1. Sounds like your home is perfect for you! And I would love to see your renovations.

  76. deborah smith says:

    I love my home, really the Lord gave it to me. I wrote out what I would love in a home about 15 years ago and gave the prayer to the Lord. He, of course, answered the prayer. My mom, who died five years ago on Christmas would come over and would hug herself, and say, this is what your house is like, a big hug. No better compliment than that. Love Stone Gable and your relationship with the Lord.

    1. Deborah, all good things come from God! How lovely He gave you a home. And thank you for sharing the very sweet memory of your mother!

  77. Hello Yvonne. I recently discovered your blog and love getting emails from you. I can’t wait to read them when I see them in my in-box!!!
    This post has made me realize how lucky I am to have a home in the country. I love where I live and although I do the “comparison” thing with other people’s homes, I will definitely try not to focus on that. I’m not a decorator but my home is comfortable. Thanks for your words of inspiration.

  78. Hello, I have a small boutique real estate company and although selling and buying homes is my livelihood – I LOVE the 5 ways to love your home. May I share it on my facebook page?

  79. I loved this post! I definitely compare my home with others that are so much more grand and feel deflated! Thank you for teaching gratitude. I am truly blessed for what have!!

    1. Yes, I know we can sometimes forget how blessed we are! And aren’t we all so blessed to even have a home.

  80. CarolbinTX says:

    Very nice advice, Yvonne. I was standing by the coffee pot the other day and looked into my dining room. The furniture belonged to my great grandmother…it’s rickety and outdated and brown, but at that moment, the sun was shining across the gleaming polished table and my newly styled vignette with all of my Springtime decor items looked so fresh and new! I stopped and took a picture of it, so that I could appreciate the beauty and calmness of the moment.

    1. Perfect Carol! I am so happy for you! Great idea to capture the moments we love our homes.

  81. Yvonne, what a great post. I sure needed to hear it. A kick start needed…that proverbial slap in the face. Thank you. So love your blog. Have a blessed Easter holiday.

  82. Words of wisdom Yvonne. I am very grateful I have a nice enough and clean home. You do inspire us all! Can’t help feel a tiny bit jealous sometimes but will look for inspiration instead. Happy Easter yo you and yours.

  83. Lisa F Durando says:

    This post really hit home for me. Thank you. When every room needs work, it feels overwhelming. I’m inspired to just start on one room after reading this. You give so much of yourself and you are making a difference with your faith and positive attitude.

  84. Joanne Vest says:

    Your home is always so inspiring for me to look at mine and make sure it has a comfort level. I love everything you do. I’m pretty much a neutral girl with adding in some color touches as the year progresses. With that, you have a lantern from Pottery Barn that I absolutely love! I have stalked their website, shopped their clearance and have gone to their stores and outlet mall stores, no luck.. Do you have any other ideas or website to check? Would love to have2 of them, but would be happy if I found one. It is the white one, wire handle and snowflake style cutout.
    Again, you so inspire me to always watch my home and make sure it is comfortable and not a “museum”! Hoping you have a great day! (I live in California)

  85. You have a lovely home and your blog is filled with good ideas. While you do neutral superbly, I would enjoy seeing you add a little color! The all neutral is beginning to lack its “newness” and inspiration.

    1. Oh, Mary! You will need to go to another blog for color. I love my neutrals!

  86. Yes indeed! I love my home every day with every breath.You are absolutely right Yvonne.

    30 Years ago I was a young and single mother with very little money. But I had a modern, warm and cosy flat with my baby son. I often laid back in my kitchen and was very thankfull that I could afford to rent this little flat of my own.

    Nowadays I am married and we own a big house in the countryside. But every day I am gratefull to live warm and cozy.
    I learned a lot about organizing and decorating by you even if I am running a successful household for 40 years by now.

    Thank you for your tipps and for your optimism in every post.

    A big hug from Germany

  87. Thank you for a fabulous post! And for the reminder to be grateful for what we have. Over the course of 45 years we have built 3 homes….and now retired in an apartment. I find ways to try new things and make our apartment feel homey…and the biggest compliment I get is when my husband looks around and says ” you make everything so nice for us”. It is not huge, it is not all new furniture, but it is ours – and that means the most!

  88. Jo ann valentine says:

    Where is this white vase from? The one with the etches in it

    1. Hi Jo ann, I found this vase locally. I’m trying to source it for my readers but so far I can’t find it. Sorry!

  89. This is a fantastic article I truly love my home, it’s exactly what I’ve always wanted individual rooms, no open concept that I had for years.
    Having designated rooms example the dining room makes it a cozy space for meals.
    The house was built in the 70’s but was completely gutted and updated. It’s not large by today’s standards which I love all the more.
    I do move the things I love, to different rooms to freshen up the look.
    I am Blessed and appreciative to be happy in the space.

  90. Thank you for this post, just a reminder that I’m on the right road of Gratitude, because I’m always telling my husband what a beautiful home we have and we are so lucky to have everything we have in our lives.
    We, similarly to you, have moved recently, although our view is a natural pond instead of a golf course. This month we are celebrating our second year in our Retirement Cottage in a fun, new and vibrant 55+ community. We moved from NH to MD to be closer to our children instead of 9 hours away. We have been enjoying making this new house our home, mixing in our vintage pieces with new to work better with the open concept of this home. We are having fun and love seeing our children regularly.
    After reading your blog and many of the comments made by your followers, I have to say that sometimes I feel like We are The Joneses … and we still are having fun cruising around in our Vette! ; )

    1. Good for you Paulette! Yes, looking for things to be thankful for is what contentment is all about!

  91. Wise, accurate and true observations and suggestions!

  92. This is a wonderful post!
    I love our little condo, and enjoy making it into a cozy, inviting, and gracious home! Thank you for sharing these great tips on how to personalize our homes with things we love.

  93. CarolBinTX says:

    I love my kitchen but I know it’s outdated and it might ever be remodeled in my lifetime. Thank goodness we chose what we thought were classic designs. I can sometimes get over the fact that it’s not white, more brown, at times. However, my advice is ALWAYS, go clean or declutter something, make your house smell good…however you do that. I enjoy a clean bathroom, smelling of a natural cleaner (even vinegar smalls clean) or a diffuser filled with essential lemon or grapefruit oil. Open your blinds, drapes and windows, let the light in. Take care of your plants, prune brown stuff, repot overgrown plants, add potting soil on those that need some loving, give them a long slow drink of water!

  94. What a wonderful post, you truly bring to the table what many others do not with loving meaningful words. Some blogs seem to become somewhat of a brag fest or spend fest or both.. When I visit a friend at their home I go to see them not their home. Goodness is in the person and not the stuff. When having things are more important than the people around them anything beautiful falls away, a simple dandelion flower bouquet from a small child is much more appreciated than any grandiosities offered..❤️