Pretty…I love that
word. It has such a sweet connotation to it…a simplicity, an innocence, an
attainability. While we may not all be beautiful or live in beautiful homes,
most people can have something about themselves that qualifies as pretty. To be
called pretty is so much easier to accept, even for those of us who brush off
compliments. Pretty seems more believable, more honest… more genuine.
When we think of beautiful homes, we almost always think of grand
spaces, with heaps of architectural interest, reeking of quality and high
mortgages. Even with homes, we equate beauty with perfection. Although we are
very generous in using that descriptive when touring each other's homes, it is
often more honest to deem a house pretty, or lovely, or charming…words that
bring less commitment to this supposed perfection. If a home is pretty, it has
a definite aesthetic appeal; but it may also have nooks and crannies that are
imperfect: rooms that are yet to be remodeled; chipping paint; pillows that
are imperfectly plumped; dust balls dancing across the slightly scratched,
wooden floors; creaky screen-doors that slam too loud upon closing…yes, perfectly imperfect.
My goal for my home is for it to feel/look pretty to
me: hence my use of a soft colour palette; slipcovers; touches of sparkle and
glitter; pom pom fringe; crisp, cotton sheets, whimsical light
fixtures…basically anything that inspires me to think "pretty" when
I look at it. What ever happened to being satisfied with pretty? Why must we
covet perfection, streamlined beauty, high-end this and top notch that? Isn't
pretty good enough??
I say, let's bring pretty back into our homes -
let's not consider it the dowdy sister of beautiful, but rather the
fresh-faced girl next
door that we secretly know is nicer, self-deprecating, more natural
and will put us quickly at ease when we encounter her. Bring on the unstarched
white sheets, the chippy paint, the wildflowers, the pastels, the mismatched
chairs, the dog-eared treasures that have been handed down through the
generations. Let us forget about always wanting the best, and simply accept
that good enough can be just that. Let’s apply that girl next door prettiness
to our homes. Beauty fades, but even the wrinkliest of grannies can be
pretty…
Photo sources:
Top photo: www.countryliving.com
Second photo: www.countrycream.co/uk
desk area photo: Better Homes
& Gardens,
bathroom photo: www.designinc.ca
Linda MacDonald, of Restyled Home is
an interior decorator, writer, mother, and semi-frugal wanna-be. I love all
things pretty, vintage, and the bigger the bargain, the better! Visit my blog for a healthy serving of
design inspiration, daily musings, and easy, inexpensive projects. Perfectly
imperfect is my motto…
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