How to be Content With Your Home

We live in a world obsessed with aesthetics, whether we’re talking about interior design, or what restaurant we choose to dine at based on its appearance. In a social media influencer-filled society, sometimes it’s hard not to obsess over our homes. We are constantly staring at perfect images of all-white kitchens, perfectly manicured gardens, and beautiful bedrooms. It’s important to remember that photos can be deceiving. Photos are also tiny snapshots into a person’s space…they don’t show the whole picture.

No one’s home is perfect. No matter how large, small, old, or new someone’s home is there are imperfections. Flaws exist, despite the photos someone posts of their home on social media. My husband and I own an exterior home improvement company and we see firsthand how imperfect every home is, which is actually what makes homes beautiful (they are like us…unique and flawed).

Everyone should feel safe and content in their place. Whether you’re renting, you are living in your forever home, or you own a house, but you’re unsure of how long you’re going to stay there, you should feel at peace in your space. When we moved from our apartment that we designed and built ourselves to the home we are in now, I learned that each place is special. Every home you live in will have unique features and it’s important to soak in what you love about the place you’re in. When you’re home as much as I am (I’m a stay at home mama and I run a company from home), it’s crucial to feel content. I love our home so much, but I have days when I feel discontent and I’m stressed over the little things (just like everyone else). I have several tips for feeling content in your current home…

Make a List of What you Love

When you’re in a mood and feeling discontent in your home, make a list of at LEAST four things that you love about your space. No matter where you’re living, I’m sure there’s something you love. Maybe, you love that you’re down the road from a favorite store or restaurant. You may love how many kitchen cabinets you have for storage. Do you love your outdoor space and your garden? The more you focus on what you love and what you have, the more content you’ll be.

Stop Comparing

We do this without even thinking about it. We stare at images on social media, glossy pages in magazines, or even our neighbor’s home and we instantly compare. Don’t compare your home to anyone else’s. As I discussed above, images on social media and in magazines don’t tell the entire story, and even our neighbor’s beautiful home has imperfections. Remember…every home has blemishes. If you’re looking to truly back away from the compare-and-contrast game that we play, log off of social media. Take a step away from Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, etc.

One Project at a Time

We tend to pile onto our plates and make our to-do list incredibly overwhelming. Instead of focusing on the big picture, focus on the little things. Do one project at a time. Nothing happens overnight. We all have a to-do list and projects that we want done, but there’s no rush. We create imaginary deadlines in our minds and stress over completing everything, but there’s no deadline. Take your time. I’m sure you can be creative and find a solution in the meantime if you can’t complete a home project just yet.

Create a Vibe

Your space can be such a vibe. Filling your home with the scents you love, the decor that makes you smile, and the sounds that make you feel at peace will create the vibe you want. I spend a lot of money on candles, but they instantly enhance your mood. Every morning I light a candle in the kitchen as I make my coffee. I read at night with a candle lit on my bedside table. I’m constantly playing music and podcasts that I love through a Bluetooth speaker, which makes me feel content and calm. Our large TV in our formal living room is usually lit up with a relaxing, seasonal screensaver (a beach walk in Nantucket or a cozy cabin on a lake), or even artwork. You can go onto YouTube, type in artwork, and turn your TV into a piece of art when you have guests coming over. Our home is filled with beautiful, handpicked decor that means something to us. Fill your space with what you love.

Embrace Holidays and Special Occasions

Sometimes, when you’re feeling stressed or discontent in your space you don’t want to decorate or entertain. Entertaining your favorite people in your home and decorating for holidays is such a beautiful and fun way to get out of your head and fill your home with love. I’m someone who lives for decorating for the different seasons and holidays. I just decorated for fall and it filled my heart with so much joy. My OCD has been awful this week, but embracing the new season made me feel a lot better.

I also love to host! I host a coffee club every month with my best friends and it gives me something to look forward to and it has become a favorite event of mine. Find little ways to host your friends, embrace holiday decorating, and make each moment special in your home.

Appreciate the Little Things

If you don’t take the time to appreciate the little things, you’ll never appreciate the big things once they happen. The little things, in my opinion, are the big things. Some of my favorite things in the world are so simple…such as a pretty coffee mug in the morning and a favorite candle burning. Sometimes, we want the big stuff so badly (a new deck, new flooring, a new appliance) that we completely neglect the little things (sitting outside, candles, a favorite chair to read in). Appreciate all that you have and stop focusing so much on what you don’t have. I bet you have way more than some do. The home you’re criticizing is a home someone out there would love to have.

Remember, no home is perfect. Your home is your safe place and should be lived in, loved, and I know that you can always find ways to feel content.

Xo