What's your style?

Recently my mom, sisters, and I were discussing home decorating on our chat. Some of us struggle with knowing how to create a cozy, beautiful home environment. Others don't worry about trying to be "in" and just use things we like to make our homes attractive. I love decorating but I certainly am not one who periodically redecorates with the latest fad. Farmhouse style? Nah. I don't live in a farmhouse so why try to make my home something it's not? Beach/tropical? Nope. I don't live in a beachy, tropical part of the world so that's ridiculous. Same goes for lake/cabin decor. The thing about fads is they quickly become outdated. Remember when Thomas Kinkade was all the rage? Not long ago, painting walls with vibrant colors was considered ideal. Now the neutrals have come back with the farmhouse style. I remember when neutrals were the fashion before. There's always a little different twist, just like with patterns and clothes, but the old becomes new again. Several years ago, country style decor was the trend. At that time, I was more into following the "in" thing, and my home probably reflects that style the most. However, I have a low tolerance for clutter and have never been one to cover every surface and corner with "stuff." I'm not very sentimental either, and don't have a problem getting rid of things. If you don't love it, why keep it?

I haven't read the wildly popular book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, but have read some about the KonMari method and like what I hear. The rule of only having things that spark joy is a great way to make decisions. Occasionally I see something that instantly grabs me and I know it's perfect. That's what I think sparking joy is about. When I'm changing some of my decor or rearranging, I try different things until I hit upon the one that makes me feel the happiest.

I'm also not a fan of anything fake, although that doesn't mean there's no fakes in my house! Why buy a new item that's made to look vintage? Give me the real thing. Imperfect, scratched, rusty items have character and reflect the real struggle of living. Old items passed down through generations are far more valuable to those who know the story behind them. I treasure anything that was used or made by my grandmas. Several years ago at a Swarey reunion, we had an auction and Grandma sold a few of her things. There were several serving bowls that I remember eating browned butter noodles out of and I am happy to now own one! Recently I got a handmade rag rug from Grandma Byler that will always be cherished. Somehow I came into possession of a little suitcase owned by my Amish great-grandma, which I filled with old books. This is beginning to sound like I'm sentimental after all! As I get older, I value things I remember from my childhood because they are associated with good memories.

Having a classic, timeless style and surrounding myself with things I love is my goal. I want my home to be cozy, welcoming, and relaxing. In the larger scheme of life, these things are unimportant, yet I think we all want to make our homes a refuge and an "island of joy."