“To be perfect is to develop expanding imperfection”. ~ Ethylios

Perfection is nearly impossible to reach. And really, it can be boring anyway, can’t it?  I love pretty magazine and blog photos as much as the next homebody, but I’m drawn most to those that are imperfect and interesting. After all, people aren’t perfect, so why would we try to make the homes we live in perfect? They should be a reflection of us, with all of our beautiful and alluring imperfections. 

Take, for example, this mirror that my brother made as a gift for me years ago. It’s one of my most treasured possessions, because it’s perfectly imperfect, and it was made with love. The barn boards are weathered, and there are flaws and cracks, which make it even better. Don’t you think it’s much more interesting than a store-bought perfect mirror? 

Pulling together a collection of meaningful things in your home is a way to build beauty and create a look that works for you and your family. Your home should feel personal, relaxing and happy – whatever that means to you. It will be unique, and therefore copying perfection from a Pinterest board may seem like a good idea that won’t continue to deliver joy. This post gives you how-to’s on how to decorate and create a home that’s meaningful and beautiful. 

I love cutting boards, tin cans and bowls. I displayed them in my kitchen so that they can be functional and make me smile every time I see them. The old tin holds tea, and the funny little salt and pepper shakers were a gift from my brother and sister-in-law after their family visited me and we went to MarineLand. These things sit on an old piece of driftwood. A far from perfect kitchen, but one that brings so much joy. 

The closet doors below are made from scrap lumber painted white. I didn’t have doors for my closet, so my dad and brother made these – and their imperfection and uniqueness make them perfect for my studio room. 

This bedroom was painted blue already, and so I made it work with the furniture I already had. The vintage nightstand was a ’60’s laquered mess that I painted and wallpapered (as seen here). There was no overhead light in the room, and I didn’t want to purchase an expensive ‘perfect’ lamp, so I used a hanging socket and cord and hung it on a piece of old barnboard. 

Trying to create the picture-perfect home is not sustainable – to our wallets, the planet or our mental health. Let’s give up this idea of having perfectly styled homes and embrace beautiful imperfection and the unique and interesting life that comes with it. 

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