THE ART OF HOMEMAKING

THE ART OF HOMEMAKING-A beautiful, welcoming home just does not happen. But it does not have to be drudgery or an afterthought to create sanctuary of a home either! Let's remember that there is an art to managing a home!

A beautiful, welcoming home just doesn’t happen. Although we love our homes to look effortlessly put together and free of clutter and chaos it takes a whole lot of work! Indeed! Today, let’s talk about the art of homemaking! I for one love homemaking. I realized early on in my young adult life that my home was truly a sanctuary and I was charged with its care. I think too often, we as primary caregivers forget there is an art to what we do and a joy in almost every daily task. Let’s talk about the art of homemaking.

Today on Decorating Tips And Tricks we are talking about ADDING ORGANIC ELEMENT TO YOUR HOME. Think beyond the plant… there is a whole world of room-changing organics out there for your home!

Episode 110 about the importance of beautiful organics and how they make such a difference in our home’s decor!

You can listen to any or all podcast episodes HERE.

Homemaking is described as the establishment or management of a home. A very small definition for a very big endeavor! I love the expression the ART of homemaking because it elevates my work to an art form. I think many if not most of us often forget this.

Because our lives move at hyperspeed and we have others to tend to and jobs that take us away from our managing our homes we can often feel frustrated when it comes to caring for our homes. Our home becomes an endless list of tasks that are also exhausting as they nag at our last nerves!

Does this resonate with you?

So while we can all agree that most of us have more to do than the hours God allows in a day we really need to relearn or reawaking ourselves to the joy and art of keeping a beautiful home!

Once in awhile, I need to readjust my attitude and perceptions and focus on the extreme blessing my home is! And maybe you need to do the same. Let’s have a gut check about our homes.

Palacial or humble or in between our homes are a gift! Their price tag goes so far beyond their market value. Who can quantify peace and shelter and the ability to gather with our loved ones? How do you measure comfort and laughter? Where else can we really feel relaxed as well as we can in our own homes?

Let’s get beyond comparing and judging and looking at ourselves and others with such a critical eye. Because homemaking is an ART it has many interpretations! It is as individual as the people who keep our home fires burning!

Homemaking is not a lost art either. We just keep defining it for our lives and times. And it should not carry with it a negative connotation. Homemaking is a great blessing! It’s about nurturing others and ourselves. And that IS an art!!!!

And it should not carry with it a negative connotation. Homemaking is a great blessing! It’s about nurturing others and ourselves. And that IS an art!!!!

I think homemaking seems like such an old-fashioned concept because over the recent years it has been thought of as menial and less important than other things we pour our energy into.

But nothing could be further from the truth. Homemaking is a high calling and a very worthwhile enterprise. It is a service to all who make their homes with us and a great joy.

 

Let’s get very honest! I have a few questions for you.

  • do you look at tasks in your home as drudgery or a way of upkeeping the gift of your home
  • do you elevate even small things you do around your home so they bring you joy
  • do you dread the bigger tasks about your home or do you focus on the positive end results
  • do you work at keeping a tidy home daily
  • do you ask for help around your home
  • do you wait until tasks get so big they become overwhelming or do you have intentionality about working on them a little at a time
  • is your home important to you
  • do you share your home in hospitable ways to others
  • is your mindset about your home positive
  • are you managing your home or is your home left as an afterthought
  • do you enjoy your home
  • does perfection stop you from loving your home and loving all who pass through your front door
  • is your home’s appearance more important than how it welcomes others

I think homemaking is a mindset. And the art of homemaking has a whole lot to do with how we feel about our homes and those how live in it.

I hope I’ve given you lots of things to think about today! 

Your attitude influences your home and everyone in it. Let’s start looking at even the most mundane task as a way to love our homes, other and ourselves! I want to find joy in my home, it’s management and serving my family! 

I want to be known for being a master at the art of homemaking. How about you?

You might like to follow me on Pinterest and see what I’m finding to Pin every day HERE.

THE ART OF HOMEMAKING-A beautiful, welcoming home just does not happen. But it does not have to be drudgery or an afterthought to create sanctuary of a home either! Let's remember that there is an art to managing a home!

 

 

 

 

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74 Comments

  1. Sandi from Wisconsin says:

    Yvonne, beautiful post about the importance of “Homemaking”. I’m just recently retired and so enjoying being home and having extra time to make our abode welcoming and comfortable. Your blog continues to be an inspiration to me. Your influence can be clearly seen in the new touches I have made to our house! Thank you for all you share and inspire!

  2. Sheila Gunderson says:

    Beautifully said Yvonne! I couldn’t agree more. Homemaking is an ART and I am so glad to have found your blog.

  3. Sitting with my coffee and reading your blog I love the idea that homemaking is an art.It is definitely how I release my creative energy whether I am cooking a meal for my family or making an autumn arrangement for the table. Both are a reflection of love for those people who dwell in or visit my home, as are all the things I do to make it a refuge from the stress all around us. To make a house into a home gives me great satisfaction and I give thanks to God everyday for all the blessings he has given to our family.

  4. Lorree Mitchell says:

    I so enjoy your blog!

  5. Theresa at Winterberry Lane says:

    I could not agree with you more,Yvonne.My grandmother told me as a little girl that your home reflects how we live and how we want others to perceive us.I think it is an art to make our home inviting for not only family but friends also.I think you should consider writing a book on tips and home decor. Yvonne you truly have been given a gift and I like following your blog everyday.Thanks and have a great day!

      1. Well, we’re all waiting Yvonne. Make it a priority……?

  6. My husband and I worked together for over 40 years in his business. One year I explained to him why women got so stressed out during the holiday season. He will comment to this day that there is not one man that he knows of that could do all that women do. And he is so correct on that account. That is one reason I love him so much.

  7. What a beautiful post today!! I love your choice of words-/the art of homewaking! I so believe that! I love taking care of our home. I would not be human if I didn’t tell you that there may be some parts of homemaking that don’t thrill me and I may procrastinate about them but I get them done with a change in attitude! What a gift to be blessed with the care to make a house a home and to be able to enjoy it. I love spending time in our home—it’s comforting and cozy!

  8. Yvonne, this wonderful post reminded me of a high school class taken over 50 years ago. My teacher stressed the important homemaking part of Home Ec. I still have the notebook we compiled: recipes, hints, pictures cut from magazines, sketches of “dream” rooms, etc. Your words reflect that timeless perspective of homemaking as an art.

  9. Wonderful post today. I am retired and spend more time in my home and I love being here. I am gone for the winter and love coming back to this place that I call home.

  10. Yvonne,
    You get an Amen! from me! What lovely reflections to read first thing in the morning. Since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed cleaning up a room. My husband and I love the home we have and getting it ready to welcome whoever comes to our door. Over the years you learn to relax a bit. Usually the house is tidy but not deep down clean. I think this is such an important topic because we are taught to make a big splash at work but our memories that are precious involve being home.

  11. Karen VanLoo says:

    I love this post! It’s a reminder to reflect on the love we have for our homes! Of course, some days when I am tired and folding laundry I can feel like it is a mundane chore and I can get frustrated because I would rather be relaxing or doing something else. Then I will remind myself, be grateful – I have clean water to wash those clothes, the fact that we have nice clothes to wear, and a roof over our head and a closet to store our clothes. We are blessed in so many ways, and I do feel if I tackle chores and stay on top of keeping my home neat and tidy, then it does not become overwhelming. These are the things I try to remember. Thanks for sharing your tips and ideas, as always!

  12. JC at the uncommon pearl says:

    Soon after I was married…three decades ago now…a very godly older women gave me the book, The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer, and I’m so glad she did! It taught me to look at my home as an oasis from the world, to be careful what I invited in and allowed, how to be generous, with my little, and how to create a place of beauty and blessing, not to impress, but to be a reflection of God’s beauty in my everyday life. Though the book is very dated in style, the truth from the concepts are timeless.

    Thank you for sharing the same message!

  13. Thank you Yvonne! May God richly bless your day.

  14. Lisa Hoerr says:

    Yvonne, I Love this post! I have two days off during the week , Monday and Thursday. I use Monday to clean, decorate and do home projects. I call it “blessing my home”! I discovered your blog a few weeks ago because of your magazine shoot in Cottage Journal! Beautiful! I have been listening to your podcast everyday, including older ones. Love it so much! I’m on episode 32 now. It has become my bubble bath in life! Thank you!

    1. Lisa, thank you so much!!!! I am thrilled you are part of the StoneGable family and we are so happy you are enjoying Decorating Tips And Tricks!!!! Start listening to the current ones. We are talking about fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!

  15. Yvonne thank you for your post, you’ve described homemaking beautifully. I always dreamed of having my own home. I finally found the right guy, we got married at 50 and we are BLESSED with a beautiful home – God gave me far more than I ever dreamed or prayed for. I consider it a Blessing to care for our home and enjoy sharing it with family and friends. Homemaking is an art and a blessing! Having a career is wonderful, but homemaking is nothing to be ashamed of! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

  16. Yvonne thank you for this post. I will now try to have a different mind set about my home and not think of it as a chore. I would love to see more posts to go further in Depth in your thoughts…..perhaps a book?!

  17. I have been blessed to be a homemaker for many years now and love it but I must confess there have been times in the past that I have felt like I was doing a job less important than ladies who work outside of the home. That is no longer the case as I know the importance of running a household well.
    I love reading your post as you always inspire me. Thanks!

  18. Thanks, Yvonne, for this beautiful and so true post! I love homemaking and take great care to try and make a home that is comfortable, welcoming and is a peaceful haven for my family. We live in a small house that was supposed to be our “starter home”until we got the home of our dreams. Thirty-one years later, for various reasons, we are still here but I am grateful to God for what He has provided for us and strive to take care of it as best I can. It is so good to see so many others on here that feel so strongly about homemaking since I don’t usually see that from others in my area.

  19. Norma Rolader says:

    Yvonne you have hit on areas that really made me think about my mindset about my home…I know it is a rental and a trailer and not the best neighborhood …but losing our home several yrs ago… I just need to change my mindset and make this home the best I can God bless and thank you for putting some things in perspective

  20. Beautifully said, your home is your sanctuary and a reflection of you.I have always been a homebody and being retired now, even more so.I feel my home is always a work in progress.Thanks for your words of wisdom Yvonne,always love ready your blogs.

  21. Thank you for this post! I couldn’t agree more! I chose to be a full time homemaker 30 years ago. I have felt belittled at times when asked “what do you do for a living?”and get “oh, you stay at home”. It’s been a great blessing in my life. It was me dream as a little girl and I have truly lived the dream. I enjoy it more now than I did when I was young!

  22. This is the first time I’m reading your blog. It’s very good and thought provoking. I love this subject of homemaking. The questions you posted were right on to evaluate yourself on this subject. You are so right. If my house is a mess with clutter and not looking as I like it drives me crazy and I don’t feel calm or relaxed in that space. Thanks for your blog. I enjoy it.

  23. The first sentence in my comments did not come from me. I had hit post by accident before I commented. Lol. Sorry

  24. It’s nice to see that others enjoy homemaking as much as I do. Sometimes I feel that I’m the only one who does enjoy it. We women have been made to feel that working outside the home will fulfill us. Not true as I have done both and enjoy taking care of my home! Of course there are things I don’t like to do. Mopping floors is one I always put off, but when I do the house feels so clean! I wonder if others put off getting chores done?

  25. daters@sbcglobal.net says:

    Hi Yvonne,

    My major in college was Consumer Home Economics and I received my secondary teaching credential. I taught Home Ec. for 20 years and loved every minute of it! I especially enjoyed being the student’s favorite class. While teaching food preparation, nutrition, family finance, interior design and child development it was my goal to make these subjects fun and relevant. Because of budget shortages, these skills are no longer being offered in our district. I am now finishing up my teaching career in the alternative education department. It is disappointing, but I have to admit, my after hours of prep have gone down exponentially! I now have time to putter more around my own kitchen instead of maintaining seven classroom kitchen areas. (The Home Ec. classroom has been converted to a robotics lab?).
    Thank you for all your inspiration! I love everything you offer your readers.

    1. Love your comment to Yvonne. We want our children to keep up with the fast paced world, and yet will they be able to keep their noses out of their phones long enough to even notice the joy of homemaking. Let’s hope so. Thanks for teaching your life skills to at least a few generations! Your work was important and obviously fun.

    2. I love your comment too! I loved my Home Ec classes! That’s where I learned to sew I remember cooking and baking in one of those Home Ec kitchens. The boys always hung around outside the door after class on baking days. ? ? You had a wonderful job and know you helped so many!

  26. Vicki N. Martin says:

    Yvonne, I enjoy reading your blog. I thank you for your post “The Art of Homemaking”. I have many things that I want to do to improve the home I live in. You give me things to think about and things that I am very capable of doing to improve the looks of my home. I always enjoy your ideas for outside in the yard and in the home. Thank you.

  27. I love your thoughts here Yvonne! When I was first married, an older woman in our church gave me some wonderful advice for keeping a positive attitude during “housework”. She said as I moved through each room in our home that I should pray for those who would be in there and for whatever activities would be happening there. It has definitely been a journey as the babies became teenagers and then young adults – prayers through their rooms definitely changed over the years. But that practice has helped me love them more and love what I was doing for them even when the tasks seemed small and insignificant.

  28. Wendy Howell says:

    Love, love, love this post!!! I am so happy to see so many like minded “homemakers”!!!

  29. My degree was in Home Economics Education,aka Homemaking! I’m so sad for young people today who don’t have the opportunity to learn all we did about the joy and skill used to make a house a home! I do tend to get busy and behind on things, but I love my home and love that it is a welcoming and warm place. I loved your post today! Thank you!

  30. I love my northwest Wisconsin log home. I love country French decor, as it is a counterpoint to rustic surroundings. I love the galvanized cannisters on your dark counters.

  31. I have my grandmother’s plate that reads “Thank God for dirty dishes. They have a tale to tell. While others may go hungry, we’re eating very well”. This remind me to be grateful for the stuff and for the maintenance of the stuff.

  32. Sherry Coleman says:

    Yvonne, I loved this. I am in my 60’s and as a young girl I watched my Mom take great care of our home and I don’t just mean cleaning. She cleaned her home, cooked great meals every day and had an open door policy. She did all that and so much more while working in a hospital as a nurse. She passed this on to all of her children. We all love our homes and taking care of them. I have often felt that I have to apologize for loving homemaking, but I just keep right on doing it and enjoying it. It’s great that you are passing this on and teaching all of us to take joy in it. It’s a true gift!

  33. As I ponder your post, I think you should be heralded in classrooms as to the importance of caring for every area of our lives. This includes our homes. You’ve put into words how I feel. I have limitations now but my heart is in making my home welcoming. There’s so few I have over anymore because of my life changes but I still want to have a better looking home. Even for myself. Today I’m tired. I’m finding new nuggets in Gods Word. But if I feel better I have one little task I’ve been wanting to complete. It feels so good to do that simple something. Your post is so inspirational. Thank you so much.

  34. Thank you for this reminder. I love being a homemaker and taking care of my family and home!

  35. I needed this article. I have been in a slump lately about my home – not wanting to do anything and dreading cleaning every week. I need to be thankful that I have a nice home and I need to have a better attitude about it. Thank you!

  36. Your post makes me think of this C.S. Lewis quote from a letter he wrote. I’ve seen a few different versions of it, but this is the essence. I love it and I think you will, too.

    “Homemaking is surely, in reality, the most important work in the world. What do ships, railways, mines, cars, government etc exist for except that people may be fed, warmed, and safe in their own homes? To be happy at home is the end of all human endeavour. Your job is the one for which all others exist.”

  37. Thank-you so much for these timely comments! I love homemaking and it truly is a joy, however I have been a little slack lately and this post is just THE INSPIRATION I need to get going.

  38. Yvonne, I could not agree with you more. When I was in Jr High School Home Economics was still a class! The girls took Home Ec. and the boys took Shop.( Personally I would have appreciated Shop class!) I enjoy working on my home but at times have let myself become discouraged because everywhere I look, (TV, magazines, etc.) there is always something nicer, more functional or more beautiful. So, yes, comparing ourselves or our homes to others is not helpful. Asking hard questions and not being afraid to look around for possibilities to improve a current home or find another one that better suits the family requires us to step outside our comfort zone. Practicing hospitality does too! And what better way to enjoy our home than to make it welcoming to others! Thanks for the reminder.

  39. I am pondering your thoughts on homemaking. This week I almost had long time friends as overnight visitors but the thought was overwhelming. I knew so much would have to be done to be ready and I was relieved when they decided not to come. I know that my friend realized it from her comments. It’s the opposite of how I feel about living and being welcoming but all I could think of was how imperfect it is.
    I’ll read your words again and hope to regain some of the spirit of hospitality. Thanks Yvonne.

  40. I loved this post. It is just what I needed to get myself back on track. While I feel very blessed to have my own home I sometimes forget that it needs nurturing too. Just love your blog.

  41. hm, food for thought. It’s so easy to see it as drudgery instead of joy. I like the idea of it being art! But even as artists, we struggle with the comparison trap…and art is unique to each artist just like our homes should be unique to each homemaker. Thank you for a fresh perspective on the ART of homemaking!

  42. I loooooove this!!!!!!! Homemaking has seemed to become a lost art 🙂

  43. genie steger says:

    Thank you for reminding us, I love doing things in my home, re purposing some things in new places, cooking special meals, all part of making a home welcome and inviting and a place to come to at the end of a day or journey!

  44. Valerie Evans says:

    Love your article. Would like to see a part two on how to overcome those issues at the end of your article in order to accomplish these goals. I think it would be very helpful to many. Thanks so much for the encouragement.

  45. Oh Yvonne, this is so good. As a stay at home mom/homemaker for 25 years I have been looked down upon by so many other women; like what I did wasn’t important. Thank you for validating how I choose to love my family.

  46. I just found your site today! It is a delight to my eyes and has uplifted my spirit to see your beautifully and thoughtfully arranged home. I was perusing ideas, looking for inspiration and I found it in spades on this site. I will be back, probably more often than is good for me.
    Thank you for sharing your talent with me.

  47. Cherese Towndrow says:

    I love your black and white entry rug. Can you share where you purchased it?

  48. I am my own worst enemy when it comes to homemaking…I am a perfectionist! I have to have EVERYTHING in absolutely perfect condition in order to entertain and this drives my husband nuts and it exhausts me! I know how to do most everything concerning homemaking, but I cannot enjoy it due to “Miss Perfection” rearing her head. This post encourages me to count my many blessings, to love my home and to allow others to enjoy it, also. I have already read your article on the “Perfectly Imperfect Home”, which was as thought provoking as this post! Thanks for listening!!!

  49. Thank you for this wonderful post. I have been a homemaker for well over 50 years and have to admit I LOVE the second mile of homemaking (The fun decorating stuff) way more than the first mile (the cleaning). It is how you look at things isn’t it. I think that at times we compare ourselves to others like yourself who have a God given talent for creating a beautiful home when we have OTHER talents. Thank you for sharing your talent.

  50. I do so enjoy your decorating style. You have inspired me to do some things differently this fall. I have concentrated on using more texture in my home,. I gave also used less artificial things and made use of natural elements. I thank you!
    Can you please give me a source for the big white clock with black Roman numerals?

    1. Hi Brenda, the clock was in the clearance aisle at my local Ross’. I painted the heavy dark frame and now its home is above my mantel.

  51. Love this post!
    Love my time at home and being able to make and check off things on my “to do list”!

  52. Yvonne,
    I wholeheartedly agree that homemaking is a noble calling. In caring for our homes and our families, we also create a house that is welcoming to all who enter. It is so fulfilling to “feather my nest” with things that add to my family’s comfort. I love your blog and find so much useful info- including Decorating Tips and Tricks! God has blessed you with a gift- thank you for sharing it with us!

  53. Connie Fowler says:

    I am learning to appreciate the act of cleaning my home as a way to care for it–the wood floors, the tile, the kitchen where I prepare our food–all of it. As a former teacher, I worked with children who came from chaotic, dirty homes. That is one factor that stands in the way of their doing well in school. I am so grateful for my home, and these blog posts help give me great ideas for making it even more wonderful than it already is.

    It is so sad to me that ladies who stayed home have been snubbed and vilified over the years. Your jobs have been more important than many people realize. I believe moms and homemakers are society’s glue. So if you stayed home, hold your heads up high!

  54. I need suggestions for decorating a tin wall in a new farmhouse. This needs to be a focal point as it will be the first thing you see as you enter the house. The tin runs up and down and is an area the complete width of the wall and about 10 feet tall. I will appreciate any suggestions you can give me. thank you very much!

    1. Sue, I’d have to know your style to really answer that question. But I’ll give you a suggestion although it may not be your style! I’d add a big wooden sign with a wonderful saying on it. Something that is inspiring and will make all who enter feel loved and welcomed. And layer a small wooden chair in front of the wall to the side a little. You can add something on the chair like a cool plant or a big pitcher of flowers or a small tray of items. Sorry , I really need to see the wall to tell you more!

  55. Charlotte White says:

    Thank you for this article! I’ve always thought of housekeeping and cleaning as such drudgery. Not fun at all. You’ve made me see these tasks in a different light…something to enjoy and delight in. This is a game changer!

  56. Yvonne,
    I certainly agree that homemaking is an art. In this hectic world we live in it really is a pleasure to have time to enjoy just being at home. I find the older I get the truer this becomes. I have always tried to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in our home. My family has always let me know that they appreciate it. We are empty nesters now, but there are many times my husband will tell me how much he enjoys our cozy home. I know when our children return home it is still the welcoming place they remember. My decorating taste have changed over the years but one thing remains a constant and that is the sanctuary we create in our home. I love your blog and all the great ideas ideas you share. I always learn something that I can use. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and ideas with others so we can continue the art of making our home one we love.

  57. Sue O'Quinn says:

    Great ideas and well said!

  58. I am working on renewing my mind in several areas this new year! I started cooking at home more often and it’s made such a difference to be more deliberate with meals! My little family is gathering around the kitchen table and enjoying each other’s company! My new mindset is spilling over into kitchen organization, meal planning and cleanliness! Thank you for the thought provoking points on home making. More to renew my mind on! ?

  59. What a beautiful and positive post!

  60. I have 3 DDs who are blessed with fabulous Husbands who want them to stay home. In their adult life each has come to me with being in a rut or feeling like they aren’t contributing to their growing family. I have to remind them they are the Managers of their household ! Its such an important job and to take pride in running their home. I love everything about homemaking (okay maybe not the toilet cleaning) I get such a sense of satisfaction out of it. This was a great article that I forwarded on to my girls.

  61. I really need to be reminded of this sometimes.

  62. “For such a time as this”, I needed to read this post today. I recently found your blog and continue to be inspired by your many words of wisdom and encouragement. I retired earlier this year to help take care of my elderly parents and grandchildren. I had hoped to also spend time organizing, painting and cleaning out rooms in our home. I truly want to make my house, a home. A home that exemplifies the love of God and importance of family, all the while showing the true personality of my decorating style. I hope to get there someday, but this articles inspires me to start moving in that direction and to appreciate the home I have been blessed with by God! Thank you!

  63. Love the amazing homemaking ideas! I really need good ideas coming at me to help with my home, so thanks very much for sharing!