Wherever you live, and whatever style home you have, it should
be a place that reflects who you are and where you want to be.
If you live in a country setting, woodland area, or in a rustic
cabin, you can create an atmosphere of comfort, relaxation, and
friendship. A simple wooden or metal “Greetings” sign by your
main entrance will let others know that you welcome their visit
and are extending a hand of friendship. Adding a “nature” theme
to your sign gives it personalization and is fun. A bear, fish,
or deer will lend a real “rustic” feeling to your doorway. If
your hobby is camping, or backpacking, add a theme to reflect
your interests - make it truly “your” greeting. A welcome sign
of any kind creates an atmosphere of good-will to people who
come by.
If you live in a city, town, or village, you still can add an
entrance decoration that lends itself to your interests,
hobbies, or lifestyle. Rugged, dainty, elegant, country, homey,
or business-like, whatever your choice, this is the first
impression someone will see. It will give them an instant first
glimpse into who you are. Remember the old adage that first
impressions are the important ones. Give some thought to your
sign and let it paint a simple picture. As individual as your
signature is, your sign should also be personal and reflective
of your personality and lifestyle.
Furnishings also should be stamped with your personal touch.
They can be simple, exotic, or handed down from previous
generations. Whatever your taste in furniture, let it be
comfortable and friendly. If you give an impression of “Don’t
Touch”, people will not want to stay. They may admire, but they
won’t visit. If you have valuables, place them in curio
cabinets, on shelves, or in unique places where they will come
to no harm, but others may still enjoy seeing them.
Accent touches lend so much to our homes. Pillows, pictures,
quilts, flowers, and so on give color, texture, and speak for
the people who live in this house. Bathrooms should not be an
afterthought. We do spend some of our time in these usually
small rooms, and sometimes they are employed as places to relax
and hide from the world. Decorate them with everyone in mind.
Gear the accessories to everyone. Choose some rugged and
handsome and other pretty, and feminine. If there are children,
adding a whimsical touch here or there gives a child the feeling
that it is their home too and they are an important,
contributing resident.
Color is the most fun to work with. You can change it
inexpensively and you can mix and match. Add seasonal favorites
or holiday hues. Nature colors are beautiful and interesting,
but favorite colors should be a major part of your scheme.
Compromise always lends itself to peace on the homefront. If you
choose the main color, let others pick the secondary colors.
This way, however you decorate, it will be a true reflection of
everyone and not only one person’s choices.
It really doesn’t matter how big or small your home is. It’s of
no real importance if you own, rent, or live with family or
friends. What is paramount is that your home is you and whoever
else you may share it with. If everyone contributes and has a
say then it becomes a “family” home. If we lend ourselves to
sharing our lives with grandparents and the treasures they give
us, we give a definite feeling of continuity with their presence
or their possessions. We also show pride in our heritage and
backgrounds. Books, paintings, needlework, pottery, or whatever
is important to you, display it proudly and let others admire
and enjoy it. Keeping special items hidden will keep their
beauty and special thoughts under wraps. Even a small child can
appreciate texture, color, and he/she can take delight in
“pretty” things or treasured objects.
Decorating where we live is really an extension of who we are.
Give it some thought and go with what is comfortable for you and
your family. Rearranging, redecorating, or just adding and
subtracting items makes our home fun, functional, enjoyable, and
a pleasure to come back to. Guests will also feel more
comfortable and at ease when they visit. They won’t feel that
everything around them is untouchable and breakable. They will
feel better, you will feel proud, and everyone can concentrate
on great conversation, food, and other neighborly pursuits.
Enjoy!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 May
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