Welcome To My Home.....Article

**COUNTRYBUMPKIN** · 12-03-2004, 08:56 PM

Welcome To My Home
by Arleen M. Kaptur
Wherever you live, and whatever style home you
have, it should be a place that reflects who you
are and where you want to be.

If you live in a country setting, woodland area, or in a
rustic cabin, you can create an atmosphere of comfort,
relaxation and friendship. A simple wooden or metal
"Greetings" sign by your main entrance will let others
know that you welcome their visit and are extending a
hand of friendship. Adding a "nature" theme to your
sign gives it personalization and is fun. A bear, fish,
or deer will lend a real "rustic" feeling to your
doorway. If your hobby is camping, or backpacking,
add a theme to reflect your interests - make it truly
"your" greeting. A welcome sign of any kind creates
an atmosphere of good will to people who come
by.

If you live in a city, town, or village, you still can add
an entrance decoration that lends itself to your
interests, hobbies, or lifestyle. Rugged, dainty,
elegant, country, homey, or business-like, whatever
your choice, this is the first impression someone will
see. It will give them an instant first glimpse into who
you are. Remember the old adage that first
impressions are the important ones. Give some
thought to your sign and let it paint a simple picture.
As individual as your signature is, your sign should
also be personal and reflective of your
personality and lifestyle.

Furnishings also should be stamped with your personal
touch. They can be simple, exotic, or handed down from
previous generations. Whatever your taste in furniture,
let is be comfortable and friendly. If you give an
impression of "Don't Touch", people will not want to
stay. They may admire, but they won't visit. If you have
valuables, place them in curio cabinets, on shelves, or in
unique places where they will come to no harm, but
others may still enjoy seeing them.

Accent touches lend so much to our homes. Pillows,
pictures, quilts, flowers, and so on give color, texture,
and speak for the people who live in this house.
Bathrooms should not be an afterthought. We do
spend some of our time in these usually small rooms,
and sometimes they are employed as places to
relax and hide from the world. Decorate them with
everyone in mind. Gear the accessories to everyone.
Choose some rugged and handsome and others
pretty and feminine. If there are children, adding a
whimsical touch here or there gives a child the
feeling that it is their home too and they are an
important, contributing resident.

Color is the most fun to work with. You can
change it inexpensively and you can mix and match.
Add seasonal favorites or holiday hues. Nature
colors are beautiful and interesting, but favorite
colors should be a major part of your scheme.
Compromise always lends itself to peace
on the homefront. If you choose the main color,
let others pick the secondary colors. This way,
however you decorate, it will be a true reflection
of everyone and not only one person's choices.

It really doesn't matter how big or small your
home is. It's of no real importance if you own,
rent, or live with family or friends. What is
paramount is that your home is you and
whoever else you may share it with. If everyone
contributes and has a say then it becomes a
"family" home. If we lend ourselves to sharing
our lives with grandparent and the treasures
they give us, we give a definite feeling of
continuity with their presence or their possessions.

We also show pride in our heritage and
backgrounds. Books, paintings, needlework,
pottery, or whatever is important to you,
display it proudly and let others admire it
and enjoy it. Keeping special items hidden
will keep their beauty and special thoughts
under wraps. Even a small child can
appreciate texture, color, and he/she can
take delight in "pretty" things or
pride in treasured objects.

Decorating where we live is really an
extension of who we are. Give it some
thought and go with what is comfortable
for you and your family.

Rearranging, re-decorating, or just adding
or subtracting items makes our home fun,
functional, enjoyable, and a pleasure to
come back to. Guests will also feel more
comfortable and at ease when they visit.
They won't feel that everything around them
is untouchable and breakable. They will
feel better, you will feel proud, and everyone
can concentrate on great conversation,
food, and other neighborly pursuits.
So enjoy!

Arleen M. Kaptur
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.topica.com/lists/simpleliving