Gratitude. Oxford Dictionary defines gratitude: “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”
Reflecting on gratitude expressed within our homes, this “readiness to show appreciation and …kindness” correlates with hospitality. Hospitality is our generosity outpoured on visitors to our home. It’s the giving of our thoughtful welcome, sharing of our resources, and mindful fellowship.
What better way to welcome, than to be thankful for what we are given and share freely with others? In light of our homes being this setting, so often we feel the need to impress, but is this true hospitality? Let’s take good care of what we are honored to steward, and be content to welcome. One way this is best expressed within design is thoughtful layering of year-round decor with seasonal touches bringing warmth and remembrance of each holiday. We needn’t overhaul our entire home every time the temperature changes. No need to thematically stress ourselves! Let us decorate in ways that can easily redress according to the time of year.
In a home Simpliful recently designed, clients requested their living spaces to have consistency while acknowledging holidays. A significant focus was year-round decor that looks beautiful in simplicity or with a holiday overlay. Rather than a before and after, I show you a simple year-round “after" and it’s current fall layer:
The dining room experienced a bit more of a makeover, but the need for exchangeable holiday decor was the same. Florals and table linens will change with the seasons.
Happy Thanksgiving!