Like an artist, sharing my home is vulnerable. I see all the potential of my home, but I also see all the flaws. I can be a perfectionist sometimes, and although working hard to realize my goals is good, sometimes I can get priorities mixed up. Making my home ours, has taught me some very valuable lessons.

1. You can live happily in a home even when things are not complete! This is not fun sometimes, but it is possible. As thenester.com says, “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.”
2. Budget matters. We have a limited budget and I have done all that we could with what we have. I would much rather have a home that fits our budget than one that adds financial stress and frustration to our lives. Part of the beauty of my home is the satisfaction I get from making it beautiful without lots of debt. It is challenging, but worth it!
3. The way I treat my family and those who enter my home has more to do with it being an inviting place than what is on the walls or how new my furniture is. Start with organizing and cleaning what you have and then make changes over time that make sense for you. I have found that as I am a good steward of what I have, what I need and even what I want comes.
4. Many times the small and simple changes make huge differences in appearance. Most of the transformations in our home have started with paint.
5. Function is so important. I love pretty things, but the best things are beautiful and are used by the people who occupy the space.
6. The best advice I can give to someone about creating a home that is a heaven on Earth is to start with yourself. Our homes are a reflection of ourselves. Fill your home with love, order and things that serve and bring you joy.

I hope you enjoy this tour of my home.

Best,

Lucy Jo

KITCHEN BEFORE

FRONT ROOM BEFORE

DINING ROOM BEFORE

Basement BEFORE

Basement BEFORE

BASEMENT MID RENOVATION

FAMILY ROOM BEFORE