The One and Only You, Right at Home

You’re either one or the other. Beautiful sunset over the horizon – you either pull over, or keep driving.

I pull over. Or at least I want to.

“The heavens declare the Glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1

We are meant to take in the beauty of God’s handiwork. He masterfully created our surroundings for us to enjoy and to care for. His works tell of his glory and his majesty. (Psalm 145:11) When we are in awe of his beauty, we are in awe of Him.

It is no surprise then that we long to bring that same beauty into our surroundings. But how do we reflect the beauty of his creation right at home? I have a few artist and designer tips to send your way, but first I want to remind you that just like each piece of his creation is unique, so are you!

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14

The Hebrew phrase wonderfully made in this passage is defined as separate or distinct. You are one of a kind my friend. And while your home should reflect the One True God, your style should reflect the one and only you.

Finding your style.

Let me repeat that. Finding your style. You love it. It makes you feel at home and it makes you feel like you and your family – not the latest and greatest HGTV episode.

• Spend some time soaking in your surroundings. What is it that you like or that you don’t like? What did you buy and hang on your wall just because it was on sale? (Guilty.) And what is it that you love because you bought it on the best vacation ever. Now get rid of what you don’t love and keep what you do.
• Take a style quiz! I am careful to mention this tip because I fear that once you find your style, you will go out and do what the pros do without a thought to making it yours. This is just a guide to inspire you, not a cookie-cutter solution. So be careful and have some fun. My favorite quiz is at the Designer Society of America. You’ll learn a little about yourself and a lot about your style. My style is Metro. I would love to know what yours is. Please! Leave me a comment below.
• Start somewhere. Most of us can’t refashion our homes all at once. Pick a room, or even a corner and make it yours. Look around for items that reflect who you are and start putting them together. It will help if you have a little knowledge of the principles of design such as balance and symmetry or proportion and scale. If not, grab a friend who does!
• Spruce it up. Undoubtedly you will look at some of your favorite items and think oh no. It is like your best pair of jeans that went out of style before you were ready to give them up. No worries. Spruce it up with a new frame or a little paint.

Unfolding God’s story.

Let’s bring some of God’s handiwork inside and go a step further to tell of his story. After all, you are his creation and we are meant to tell our story so that others can know him and experience his great love.

• Bring the outside in. There are a lot of options to bring the outside in. Plants make a great addition to any room. Pick ones that will survive in your lighting and if you don’t have a green thumb, invest in an artificial plant. And all those shells you’ve collected on the beach or rocks on the hiking path, turn them into a piece of art or display them in a glass jar. My favorite tip – pull back the shades and let some light in!
• Let His Word speak. It’s a bit trendy these days but scripture art is available everywhere you look. From large painted signs to easy downloadable art on Etsy, you can hang up your favorite verses in any style of lettering. If you are brave, make your own! Even better, frame your little one’s latest Bible verse art. You’ve got the idea, just remember to make it your own. Not only the verse but the style it is displayed in.
• Display fine art. This is my favorite tip because the selection and display of fine art will make your style, your home, and God’s story stand out. You may be thinking I have no clue how to pick out a painting or a print, but I promise you this may be the easiest task yet! Art is meant to evoke emotion and tell a story. Pick what speaks to you. Pick what wows you and makes you stop and think. It could be a mountain or an ocean scene that reminds you of your favorite worship song, or cityscape that reflects your most recent mission work. You choose! After all, it is your home and your style. The best part – when people ask you about that unique piece of art, you get to share God’s story.
• Bring out the books. Placed just right, books work as décor too! Take off the jacket for a more refined look, or leave it on for a more casual or eclectic look. Use books to add balance or rhythm to a display. You never know who might need to borrow that book that made an impact in your life. Share it, then find another to take its place for the next friend.

Fitting your budget.

If you get stuck at I can’t afford to… You are not alone. Making your home yours can be costly, but it doesn’t have to be. Start with what you have, then slowly add to your collection pieces that speak to who you are and tell of God’s story.

• Repurpose what you already have. I mentioned this before. A little sprucing up goes a long way. So does moving things around. Walk about the house, find your favorite things and make them work in a new way. A new frame, a little paint, and even some minor repair is a good start.
• Look for bargains. Of course! Find something you think is a perfect fit, wait for the sale or find the next best alternative that costs less. Estate sales, yard sales and antique shops are a great place to find used frames, accessories and books that will help you pull your look together.
• Be a good steward and focus on what makes a home. We can easily be convinced that a grand home makes a happy home, go overboard and overspend. If we aren’t careful, we find ourselves making poor decisions to keep up with the Joneses or even the Gaines. There is nothing wrong with making a beautiful home, just so we are seeking God and honoring what he has given us. (Proverbs 3:9)

There’s no place like home. I completely agree! And who doesn’t want to make their home comfortable, secure and well… a little stylish. When we can see God’s glory in our home it’s like pulling over for a beautiful sunset. There is just something about it that makes us feel good inside. When we can see and share God’s story through our home, we are simply blessed.

And don’t forget, be who God created you to be – right at home. What better place to say, hey – this is me and God is good.