Reading the newspaper on Sunday, I stumbled across a statistic that left me thinking, "Really?" I read that according to the HomeGoods Home Census 2010, only 20% of the people surveyed were happy with their home decor. Now, I realize that conclusions based on surveys vary depending on the phrasing of questions, the sample of those querried, etc. However, I've been up on my mental soapbox all week long, wondering how in the world people can be so unhappy about something over which they have total control. (Obviously, this little Thankful Me blog has its work cut out for itself!)
I've been known to ask a child, who is complaining about an outfit, "Well, who dressed you?" Likewise, who is decorating these homes of unhappiness? No wonder the thrift stores and garage sales are filled with perfectly good items; apparently the vast majority of the nation quickly becomes disenchanted with the look and style of its furnishings and accessories.
Do I have plans, ideas, and dreams about changes I could make in the decor of my home? Sure I do, but that doesn't mean I'm unhappy with the current state of affairs. Am I willing to spend tons of money for the latest, greatest look? Absolutely not. The latest or greatest doesn't bring me happiness. Most of my decor has memory or meaning behind it: family photos; a quilt made for John and I; a knitted throw that I made for my grandma and received back after her death; houseplants to bring life and beauty into the rooms. I enjoy having books on the shelves and musical instruments available to play. The love in a home does not depend on the things in the house, but the things in the house should reflect the love in the home.
Now that I have that off my chest, I'd love to hear your views. Are you happy with your decor? Any insight into the thoughts of the 80%?
Thanks for love, which makes even the humblest of circumstances beautiful.
I agree with you Kristi and those who are unhappy with their home decor are those who decorate my home so well through the thrift stores and yard sales! LOL Of course I do not own my dream home with a big veranda and hardwood floors but yes, I am happy with my home and it's decor. It is filled with treasures from years past and I wouldn't have it any other way. It is far from magazine worthy but it is mine and I like it just the way it is. :0)
ReplyDeleteIf I had to answer the flat question, "Are you happy with your decor?" I would answer no. But it's not that I'm unhappy, either. We bought an old, old house that needs a lot of work, and we are slowly but surely getting it done. I'm happy with the finished parts!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the 20%, even though my house is no where near what I'd like it to be. We are restoring our 1864 farmhouse, and we're now 14 years into the 25 year plan! When we moved in, we were on a 5 year plan! lol It's taking a long time, but I'm loving every minute of it, and when a room gets done, I just love it! I've done just basic decor in rooms that haven't been restored yet. Livable, but not great. But even before the restoring, I loved the house, so if we stopped now, we'd still be happy with it!
ReplyDeleteI am perfectly happy with my home's "decor." Although I doubt that others would even think I HAVE a decor. My home is comfortable, and I am surrounded by the eclectic things that I love.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I like my decor to have meaning behind it...to reflect who we are as a family. If I don't absolutely love it, I won't buy it. It's that simple.
ReplyDeleteLove my house - love my decor. It's not new, it's not big, it's not magazine material. But as one friend told me, "coming here is like going to grandma's house - it welcomes you." I don't think I could have gotten a nicer compliment. It's not how new or how expensive something is; it's how it fits your personality and how it blends into the scene you have created. blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteI suppose I agree with you, but hear me out. Using the word "happy" might be a matter of semantics and maybe that is why people responded so negatively. I can dream big of how things should look in my environment, but reality is a different story. I am certainly content, but money, know-how, health, age, etc. The list could go on when it comes to why a house looks the way it does. The state of happiness is inside of each person and because of that we take that joy or misery with us, wherever we go; consequently, we can live in a variety of environments (crossing the plains) and still be happy or upset. I'm probably over thinking this whole thing. My point is - there are a lot of things I like to change in my house, improve, repair, etc., but it doesn't mean I'm not "happy". I think there are a lot of unhappy people in the world; therefore, where they live doesn't make their situation better.
ReplyDeleteYikes that was a lot of writing. Thanks for inspiring us all with your daily thanks.