Avec Plasir…with pleasure in French.
I want my home to be a pleasure for me and those I love. I put this phrase in a word file, colored it and put it in a beautiful frame on the mantle. It’s one of the first things people see when they walk into my home. I got the idea from Isabella Stewart Gardener. http://bitchlifestyle.com/2009/10/think-youre-too-old-and-ugly-to-be-a-seductress-think-again/ She loved art, collected it and then put it in a museum that was named after her. She put a similar phrase at the opening of the doorway to the museum. A warm welcoming to her guests. I loved it!
I’ve worked really hard to make my home welcoming to my guests and the people I love. But it wasn’t really work. The whole process was a pleasure. Picking out beautiful pillows, candles, a soft faux fur blanket, incense, pink boas, etc. The words that I used as inspiration were “Sensual,” “Feminine,” “Warm,” “Comfortable,” “Inviting.” I got a wonderful compliment from a friend who visited with me yesterday. They loved coming over because it was so comfortable. They felt they were on vacation and had really gone away! Yay!
I haven’t spent a lot of money. I just keep an open eye and mind to pieces that fit in my home, where I can arrange them, and my favorite colors. You can spend a lot of money on things and never really enjoy them. The faux fir blanket that I get so many compliment on only cost $19.95 at Marshall’s. One comfy piece can make a room. How about you, lovely one? Have you made your home a comfy palace for you? No matter how small the space you can make a little sanctuary for yourself. Incorporate as many senses as possible: sight, taste, smell, hearing and touch. Here are some ideas:
Kitchen: Buy herb plants and put them in a sunny window, pick some daisies and put them in a vase on the table, get some new bright colored plates for summer, have your favorite thing to eat in the pantry or refrigerator.
Entry Way: Hang some eucalyptus with a pretty bow, vacuum and get rid of any clutter, put some pictures up, or add a shelf to organize.
Family Room: Add candles, incense, a beautiful art print, put a bright colored geranium in the window, get a new throw for your couch, or throw around some beautiful pillows.
Bathroom: Put your favorite hand lotion next to the sink. Throw out any old, worn out towels and toiletries.
Bedroom: Add your favorite color, a splash of pink, lavender, whatever you love. Get some sexy smelling candles. De-clutter your make-up area. Put your most beautiful make-up, brushes, perfume bottles, lotions and potions on display. Put your favorite glitter or lotion next to your night stand to enjoy before turning off the light.
Sound like fun? It really is fun decorating your space. I was amazed at how many beautiful things I had just sitting in a drawer. So pick a room to play with. Make it your own little “Picasso in the works.” And please share your fun ideas, beautiful. We would all benefit from them!
Love, Goddess
© S Stevens Life Strategies
Related Reading:
1. Elle Woods: Legally Blonde and Great Friend http://bitchlifestyle.com/2010/05/elle-woods-legally-blonde-and-great-friend/
2. Unknown Worlds of Discovery http://bitchlifestyle.com/2010/05/unknown-worlds-of-discovery/
3. Bitch Rules http://bitchlifestyle.com/2009/05/bitch-rule-1-love-yourself-with-abandon/
It is also amazing what paint can do to a living space! Our formerly white living room is now a warm yellow – it really lightens up the area!
Yes, “white paint” can seem a little too “institution-ie,” excellent point on color! Love, Goddess