Home Decor - Where Do You Start?

I've been procrastinating - I haven't blogged in several days, and I think it is because I'm not quite ready to discuss The Fire yet.  I've been sorting through images to include, and spending my time choosing my words, but it's been a hard process that's sapping my joy in writing again.  So, instead, I'm moving on to other topics.  But I promise I'll be back to tell the rest of our story.

In following various blogs, you tend to gravitate to and follow those that mirror your likes, dislikes, hopes, dreams, beliefs, and even your day-to-day routines.  And what I've noticed about the homes of the women I've been following (yes, I have not been following any men's blogs, yet) that their homes say  a lot about who they are as people.

I know that the first piece of advice in decorating your home is to sort through pictures from the web and magazines to discover what your likes are.  I agree that this is an excellent way to label and solidify your decorating style - it's how I came to realize that I love white kitchens, that I adore nautical and seaside accessories, and that I have to have bright, open, naturally lit spaces.

But most people, particularly those with children and pets, don't really want their homes to look like a magazine photo shoot.  A friend of mine, after visiting and acquaintances home, once commented that the house was beautiful, but that it looked like no one lived there...I certaintly don't want my home to feel that way to my visitors and family.  And so I have come to the second step in decorating your home: to decide what you want your home to say about the people who live there.  Who are we?  How can we reflect that in our homes?    

For instance, what does this photo say about the people who live here and what they value?

Words and language? Family?  Teaching responsibilty to their children? This project, that Mom made herself, thank you very much, decorates this family-oriented home while teaching.  Cute, huh?  Do yourself a favour and visit this blog!

Likewise, art like the following hanging in a home demonstrates that the family is Christian,  and that they have a deep and abiding faith in God.  If this appeals to you, visit http://store.dayspring.com/ , a division of Hallmark.

What does your home show about your family?  Is it true to your spirit and values?