FIND yourself . . .

“. . .and BE yourself, everyone else is already taken.”

I’ve always lived a life of quiet contradiction. Our home is no exception as it reflects an eclectic decorating style.  Having limited funds to buy brand-new, repurposing is our way of life with DIY projects on-going. Being isolated in our small wooded cottage for the last 16 months has made me realize that I’ve inadvertently discovered a balance between a maximalist minimalist approach.

Maximalist: The rooms are enriched with bold colors, patterns and textures. Precious photographs of my girls growing up, prized collectables and musical instruments are everywhere. And of course, strewn about are calming organic touches of nature.

Minimalist: With less emphasis on material things, but living more slowly and intentionally radiates feelings of a happier life with less worry, stress, and chaos. It prioritizes quality times with family and friends. In short, finding joy through gratitude with compassion and kindness towards others.

Maximal minimalism works for me because it allows a lot of room for slack and options. Our cottage serves as both home and studio, allowing us to flourish in our creativity. It is visually and spatially functional, relaxing and personal. Walking through our home is like strolling through our family scrapbook. Like donning grandpa’s big old comfortable hand knit sweater on a snowy winter’s day.

FIND yourself and BE yourself. Okay, I’m also an introvert, I just suck at it. . . and yet another contradiction.