If you’ve been around for a while you know about IDHTBPTBB:: the tag line here
It Doesn’t Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful
You can read more about my motto here and here. I sometimes forget to talk about just the real everyday life and I love it when other people let their everyday, imperfectness show so I thought I’d share a little bit…
My boots broke. The boys were playing hockey. Inside. The boots were a birthday gift to me from them~we found them on sale at Z Gallerie for $60 because they had a scratch that I removed with a magic eraser. They are supposed to be an umbrella stand but I like plants in them and I’m looking for another way to use them. Preferably where they can be turned in the other direction. Add a can of white spray paint to my shopping list.
randomness
I’m still enjoying the challenge of having white walls. I’ll be playing around with the fireplace for a while. I’ve got the glue gun heating up to finally reattached that cable wire thing. I trust I can show you this photo without you assuming this is a finished product, or a product at all. None of that stuff is even up there right now while I’m writing this {ok the mirror is but whatevs}. I like to take photos during the process so I can see what colors look right or shapes or heights. It’s a great way to help move the process along, from this photo I learn that I really like those blue lantern things and I kind of like them high, of course not on those candlesticks but they help me know that I might like to hang the lanterns on a bracket or something. This is how I try things without committing.
Please know it’s never finished. We’ve talked about this before, right? If I waited till my house was finished and perfect to show you, have people over, enjoy it….I’d never get to do any of that stuff because it’s simply never done and I enjoy changing it up. I love this community of women {and men hey Rick~thanks for reminding me there are fellas here too, and hi Dad you are a guy!} that get that~it’s the best thing about this blog.
One of my favorite parts about the white walls is the seamless, natural transition into the kitchen and breakfast area. I admit, decorating is tricky and I am challenged to think differently, which is something I really enjoy. And who knows, by the time this post goes live I might decide to paint it back. Or not. It’s just paint. Can I get an “amen”?
We’ve had towels on our floor for the past two weeks. It’s been rainy here, we have a dog, and not enough clearance under the door for a rug. Need I say more?
I bought these two shelves from Ikea back in October. I have big plans to freshen up the laundry area where the door is always open. The shelves have officially been in our way for 3 months. My dear husband hasn’t said one word about them. I’ve trained him to the point where he assumes shelves on the floor are a normal thing. Or he’s just really ok with it.
And when I bought those shelves? I also bought the worlds largest light fixture. It’s been taking up precious space in my office. Does anyone else do things like this?
And…the sign of getting things done? A desk covered with work. It’s not pretty but, it means progress.
I also had a sick ten-year old all week {bonus:: lots of snuggling, I love being a mom of boys} we are doing our annual goals weekend with my sister and her husband and my parents, and Sunday, I get to hear my friend Reeve sing and also Donald Miller will be speaking at the Lake Forest Church in Davidson.
I hope you have a beautifully imperfect weekend, what plans do you have?
Oh, this is so lovely. I am going to have a wonderfully, beautifully, obnoxiously imperfect weekend, thankyouverymuch! I love the lantern. I love the “loved-on” boots. I love the necklace on the “bust”. I love every word you write and read very single one. See you next week!
Okay, so I am really wanting to go white in my living/dining room, but the room has a chair rail in it- what do you think, can I go all white with a chair rail? I posted a (dark) picture of the room on my blog 1/27/12 if you want to see it.
I love the way your white wall experiment is turning out! Looks great!
Hey Amy,
If it were me, I’d buy white paint {or maybe behr paint and primer in one to cover the redish part} and go ahead and paint one wall and see how it feels. There’s no rule saying you can’t paint the entire wall, top, bottom and chair rail all the same color–even if it’s white. Instead of fretting and wondering, just do it and see what you think. It’ll be fun!
we have a chair rail in our front room, it’s a little more ornate so I left the bottom white and painted the top part. but I also think it looks pretty all white. Here’s a link http://www.thenester.com/2011/01/random-plate-wall.html
Ok, I want the mirror above the fireplace…tell me about it.
http://www.thenester.com/2011/09/fall-mantel-mantle-also-fantel.html
xox
Amen. Yup, I do that. No plans yet, but maybe a couple of dreams.
Nester – keep on being real. And thank you. Your blog makes me smile and believe I can do what’s in my head. I added you to the Blog Crush link party at Vintage Revivals. Blush.
Even your imperfect looks beautiful! I am also a mother of boys, so I can relate to things like hockey in the house. We had a climbing wall in one of the bedrooms at one time. I still have to get to that room and get the holes filled in and set it up as our office. Yes, my boys are all grown now! My nest is now empty. Except when the grandsons come over a couple of times a week. Then the imperfections still reign. :) Thanks for being yourself on your blog.
mother of the year here:: Jeanne had a climbing wall in the house!!! I LOVE YOU!
Oooooo….that hurts! I hate when something special gets broken. BUT….you repaired it and are giving those sweet boots a new life. You’re my hero!!!! I regret all the things I threw away because they weren’t perfect anymore. The memories needlessly lost. Thank you soooooooooo much for giving me a healthy perspective!!! {hugs}
P.S. I think that is sooo cool that you and your fam are getting together to go over goals. Okay…I’m a little envious. Okay. A lot. May your time together be amazingly fruitful. And I’m sure we’ll all get to reap the benefit too!!!
I often fall into the trap of having more ideas and projects going at once then I can possibly handle. And I also buy things I love as I find them knowing I’ll figure it out later. I find the only way to get all the projects done is to throw a big party. I need the pressure of guests and the desire to show off my stuff to get things off the floor and on to walls. Also, Has anyone really solved the towel in the entry way problem well? When kids come in from playing in the snow a regular rug just doesn’t cut it!
I’m in the same boat as you! I have more projects than I can shake a stick at; and no time to do them.
I love this post! I love how your home looks beautiful even when it’s not perfectly staged or there is a towel on the floor, etc. I think it really epitomizes your IDHTBPTBB theme. Also, I totally love that you have the IKEA shelves on the floor and that your hubby doesn’t even blink. I ordered wood blinds (on clearance from HD) for our front windows and once they got here I hemmed and hawed about the color forever. They were sitting, in the package, in our entryway. Right where I placed them after the UPS driver dropped them off TWO months earlier.
Oh, I’m so sorry about those lovely boots! I have boys too, and that kind of stuff just seems to happen, doesn’t it? It just goes with the territory and we love them anyway. Also, your house always looks amazing, dirty towels and all.
I will be cleaning and straightening up the house to prepare for a six-year-old birthday party this Sunday! Yay!
loved this post and hearing from your heart. With all this Pinterest perfection, we need to be reminded, again and again, that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Nester, your message NEVER gets old for me.
thanks darlene!
I love that you made this change. Change is good and painting walls is a great way to do it. You are inspiring me to do it! Thanks for reminding us that we can find real beauty in the change even if we do end up liking it better the way it was. At least we had the opportunity to be refreshed by change! P.S. Thanks for sharing even the little personal things you have planned for the weekend. Love that!
preach the change!
Hi Nester! It was fun to see your comment on TDC’s Night Owl post the other day. :)
My weekend will be starting off with an Improv Night, starring John & Sherry Petersik! (Not really starring, but they’re providing the stories from which the Improv Troupe will draw their material.) I might actually get to meet them. I’m so stinkin’ excited! Then Saturday, I’ll get to spend several hours snuggling my niece, who was born on Sunday. I’m so stinkin’ excited!
Thank you for the reminder that IDHTBPTBB. I found you soon after I bought my first house, and you have been a tremendous help to this reforming perfectionist.
Love from Richmond,
K
I LOVED that post! the comments were so fun too:: http://bit.ly/w7vgNG
I just found you through Centsational Girl and I love your blog and have it bookmarked. My mom is a chronic redecorator as well. I never got it until recently. She would tell me she was painting a room or putting up new curtains or something like that and I would say something like, “Didn’t you paint the living room 2 years ago?” And she would say, “Yeah, I did, but this is my hobby and I like doing this.” I would be happy if I could pay someone to do all the painting I ever needed for the rest of my life. But I do like looking for new pictures to hang on the wall, or new linens, or rearranging knickknacks so things look fresh again, so maybe I do have a little of that tendency after all. And I am working on my perfectionist tendencies and learning to live with a few (hidden) nail holes in my walls. Do you live in Davidson? I live in Huntersville! I had no idea a big, important blogger lived nearby. ;-)
You win the “Great Attitude!” prize of the day! The get-together to share goals is also a fabulous one!
Best to you and yours!,
Barbara
NESTER. I loved this. Needed this. Why do I so crave the perfect? I think I just want to get out of this world and be in heaven already, and I keep trying to make it heaven right now. And God’s probably up there shaking His head and telling me to start living real, chaotic, broken, BEAUTIFUL life.
Also, I think all of your pictures today were beautiful. And your home is beautiful. Maybe even more-so when it looks like it does right now. You live (and prove) your message so well.
This weekend: Well, I started a new blog this week (nobody ever told me how much work that would be!) so I’m going to be sleeping. And procrastinating on next week’s posts. :)
I’ve seen that fixture at IKEA several times. It is big, but it sure looks great! I am guilty of having stuff for various projects out too. :s We have a dog too, so I can relate to the towels! It can be tricky to catch ‘em before they sneak in and track mud everywhere!
We have two furry boys so I get the towel:-) Also get the shelves:-) Oh, yes – I get the light too – lol. While it is too beautiful to do this to a friend got one like it in a thrift store and used it for succulents. It is gorgeous. The broken boot. You’ve pretty much fixed it now but consider succulents in it too – right in the crack. I saw a hypertufa planter that someone made – it was huge. It broke in 2 pieces. So they artfully arranged it and planted it like it was meant to be that way – the succulents were planted in the crack. Not sure I’d try white walls just because of trying to keep them clean – my kids were never the problem it’s my husband. Nagging doesn’t work so now I just work with it.
Nester,
“I love this community of women that get that~it’s the best thing about this blog.”
don’t tell me I’m the only guy…. love your blog and the fun you have with your home.
from a man with his own sewing machine and seam ripper.
rick
OH RICK!!! I’m going back in and updating it!
Are there any other guys…….? i don’t get that easily offended.
Due to wife’s mom in hospital last week and Aunt’s passing we will (hopefully) get our last Christmas tree taken down and the piles of decorations put away. :(
rick
I love your blog! I also have boys and, I swear, the same tile floor with towels for doggie! My house is in constant decorating/cleaning rotation around here, and my husband and boys just know that I come home with all sorts of repurpose goodies that clutter (purposefully I might add) the house while I work on my vision for the finished project. I’m not alone!!!!! Keep up all the cool things that you do!!!!
Thank yo for sharing real life. My problem is when I leave things out (like your shelves or the big light) they annoy me, and mentally I keep reminding myself to do something with them. I’ve learned to tuck things away out of site until I can deal with them, not to have a perfect house, but so these things dont stress me out. I am currently working on my craft room, and I have all the furntiure pilled in the middle of the room, and wood putty all over the modling, and blue painters tape on the ceiling waiting for me to paint. But thats ok…because thats a sign of my progress. And I totally take pictures of stuff while I’m doing it, I think sometimes when you look back its so eye opening when you can see a vignette displayed several different ways, so no one judges you for your randomness = )
I am SO GLAD I am not the only one with a towel covered in muddy dog prints next to the back door!!!
This is exactly what I needed to hear today! I am in the middle of painting my bathroom, painting a craft table for my kids, finishing a cozy nook for them, and painting a buffet. Oh, and I have shelves laying on my floors in a couple rooms. I am working so hard at enjoying the process and embracing the imperfections of the “unfinished” so that I can enjoy my family and our home. Really, just what I needed to read today. Thanks!
… and what kind of lady spells her own name wrong when posting a comment. This lady! With too many projects going on. : )
makes me love you even more
LOVE this post. Perfection is in imperfection, I know that doesn’t make literal sense, but there it is! Thanks for sharing about the boots, a good reminder that all those dents and dings and broken things are memories, usually memories of the people we love most, our little darlings! Wow, that got kinda rhymey, I rather like the way that came out. I was just telling myself that this morning as I looked at my kitchen table that my little guy just scraped up with a fork and a knife. So oh yeah you can absolutely get an amen! Paint is never permanent! Go girl! It’s looking awesome…I love the blue lanterns up high like that. Thanks for sharing that you truly LIVE in your house, it makes your blog feel so welcoming. Just love ya! By the way, I’ve had a rug rolled up at the bottom of my bed for some months now, waiting to get the “paint job” like I’ve seen floating around blogville lately, so don’t feel bad about the shelf situation, you’ll get to it in good time. It would have been sad if you had been so worried about the shelves that you didn’t make the time to give your sick little guy some loves. Your priorities are right on track. Thanks for the good example.
I thought the cracks on the boots were just a painted design! You could go with that and make them part of the beauty! I love how that mirror looks against the white walls.
Your accessories and randomness are always so cute, making for cute “messy” pictures.
I was reading the letter from the editor in Country Living and she said to save money, they do a lot of photo shoots in her home. She never admits that the pictures are her house because she doesn’t like her house because it’s never finished. I was kinda sad about this because, of all the people who should like their house, I would think the editor of a decorating magazine would be one of them. For some reason, she owned up to one of the photo shoots. I think she needs to read this post. She needs the freedom of the IDHTBPTBB philosophy.
You are so refreshing! I can totally relate. I’ve had drop cloths on my dining room floor for the last two weeks while trying to paint it. I’m also trying to figure out how to decorate it once I am finished. I keep telling myself IDHTBPTBB, I just have to like it! Thanks for your posts. I always enjoy them.
You’re right, a house should never been “done”…..it should evolve and change. and I am all for the low commit, see if I like it type projects. I read some of the comments on the white paint post. I personally like the change. but who cares what I think. It’s your house. I actually was a tiny bit surprised at some of the vocal dislike. maybe they were just opinions but still I wonder if it made you question your decision or even your decision to share. anyway, love the idea of the blue lanterns or handing lanterns. and yes, I have projects waiting to be done… it’s funny to see my hubby have to climb over projects sitting on the floor… things he said he would get to but now I think he just thinks they are decor… i’ve run out of ideas that now I’m decorating the floor?? lol
it’s never finished…it’s always a work in progress.. i totally get this and it’s our motto, too.
promise you’ll tell us more about your weekend with your family as you guys plan your goals together. i know it’s not about decorating your house, which is what your blog is about, but it kind of is about decorating your life with goals, so it could totally be a post. :) a stretch, I know, but give a girl a bone. :))
happy imperfect weekend.
My plan is to go for a much needed hike at a park I just found it exists in our town, work on some craft projects, do something fun with my daughter, church, rest, clean (ugh), grocery shop (ugh), etc. I will probably only accomplish half of the desired tasks and usually try to do the fun stuff first. I’m loving your blog.
sounds wonderful!
I’ve been reading your blog for years because it is something I need to be reminded of all of the time…good is good enough. I have to say that over and over to myself on everything I do in my house. When I’m stuck on some project my 10 year old will say “Mom, it doesn’t have to be perfect.” But seriously, I’ve taken a personality test (if you’ve never done that I highly suggest you and all of your family take one, it helps in understanding each other) and it turns out I’m a CAMEL/turtle. I wrote CAMEL big because that ‘s a person that frequently feels like that nothing is good enough. They set unrealistic goals and when they don’t meet them it feels like failure. Even Beth Moore mentioned in a Bible study (I forget the exact quote) but basically perfectionism is paralyzing. I’m working so hard on letting things go and believing that it doesn’t have to be perfect! I just started my blog that I wanted to start for 3 years! And you know why I didn’t?!…because I couldn’t get the design perfect enough to put it out there. My blog is really making me get a lot accomplished. I made a slipcover for my ottoman and it was a little too long and I didn’t hyperventilate! Next big step is change my entire Tobacco Road house to neutral/cool color. Can you please recommend a color that a warm color person could use in place of tobacco road and not freak out? I want some kind of cream (not white) color that can look good with cool decor we well as warm. Any suggestions??
yep, my second choice for my family room is Rice Grain, I actually painted it that color a year and a half ago but it the time it was too light, if I decide I hate the white, I’ll probably try Rice Grain, it’s the color on our fireplace right now and in our foyer.
ohh, it’s sherwin williams
I remember you writing about that! I think that’s the color that Layla from Lettered Cottage likes. I’m going to look back at pics. Thanks!
Loved this post! Really like the striped curtains…can I ask from where they came? You probably whipped them up yourself? lol…Thank you!
yep:: http://www.thenester.com/2011/06/the-scoop-on-my-striped-drapes.html
Thank you!!
have read about your adventures with Angela from Button Bird Designs from her blog and clicked on over to yours today. love the boots and love the white. the house looks light and airy. thanks to great blogs like yours and Angela’s plus Pinterest I’ve got lots of new projects :) Antique mirror from goodwill, antique chair without cushion from thrift store, and more. i am filling up the garage quicker than I can get to it all. (insert husband displeasure) thanks for all the inspiration!
Hi Nester your home still looks more warm and cozy on any given day than mine. I may not have children, but I have plastic ourdoor furniture in the living room as “real” furniture for the time being. My beloved thinks that decorating means putting photos of his family and sports icons in every inch of spare space is just fine. Oh and did I mention that on the plastic outdoor “end table is a 50 year old basketball trophy where the upheld arm of the bronze or whatever basketball player is holding 2 baseball tribute hats. This too is considered “decor”. We have only lived together for just over 1 year and 100 arguments about the interior. It’s all clean, I will say that, but another house that will be a forever project. Middle age is not pretty…lol. PS. When I was working, no time because of work/commute. Now, not working, no money to do what I’d like while he’s at work. Bottom line..NO WINNING! I’ll just keep chuckling like a mad woman and wish you a great day.
Thank you for this glimpse of normal life! recently, i’ve been putting myself (and my family) under pressure because of our house sometimes being messy (started a new sewing business, live in an apartment with kids – 5, 4, 2 yr old…) it’s good to be reminded that that’s ok some times (not my aspiration to continue in this unorganized state but some times that’s just how it is).
by the way, i love reading your blog! i rarely (never?) comment but i faithfully stop by – thanks for providing this place for me and others!
I had to feel so relieved to see the towel on the floor. I have two pomeranians and keep a towel with puppy pads on the floor ALL the time. Doesn’t do much for the decor; but sometimes purpose is more important. I really enjoy your blog; and get lots of ideas. And btw; i have mountains of projects in my garage that aren’t getting completed.
You have the most beautiful lamps – throughout all your photos. Where did you find them all? I’m beginning to think I will have to double my lamp budget to get lamps I like.
http://www.thenester.com/2011/05/good-things-come-in-pears.html
read it and weep. I got lucky. well, that and years of going thrifting
and….i”m a little bit of a lamp glutton/hoarder/collector, they are one of my favorite things
Oh, how I love those striped curtains! Thanks for your post on “normal life”. Good reminder that everyday life doesn’t necessarily look like a magazine ;-)
My boys play basketball and football in the house. We even have a nerf hoop over a hallway door, since it opens up to the vaulted living room. Sometimes I think I’d like to paint it a “decorator” color to cover up the neon, and make it a pretty, quirky and useful decoration. :D
Thanks for the admission that the white walls are a new challenge. They look great in the photos … I love the white. It might be as simple as your eye is still adjusting to the new look, since we’ve all become accustomed to color on the walls for the past 10-15 years.
Who knew?
Those boot were made for gluing!
Thanks for showing us the shelves and lamp on the floor – gosh I’m not alone in the stuff I have NOT put up yet? Great plans. But, I work slowly. In pieces. And, somewhat chaotically. But, if I’m asked there’s a perfectly good reason why there’s a blackboard on the kitchen floor. Just ask me! LOL
I LOVE reading your blog! Can I ask where you got your glass lamp in the first photo on this post. I adore it and it would finish off our living room so perfectly. Thanks!
yep:: http://www.thenester.com/2011/05/good-things-come-in-pears.html
they were $8 each at a thriftstore I had all but given up on–go check out the before!
Personally I always thought that having white walls gave rooms a fresh feel, and a feeling of more open space. By the way I think your desk looks pretty. Believe me when I say my household looks like a battlefield, toys, clothes, mail, and junk everywhere.
I stumbled across your blog a few weeks ago and love it! May I ask where to find the blue lanterns?
oh, yes I just found them at Home Goods
Love your place! That slip-covered chair, in the sun, off the kitchen looks like such a cozy place to sit.
This weekend, I’m going to try and hide/finish some unfinished projects. I have lots of closets :) Have fun with your family,
Debbie
Oh my goodness. My face just scared me!!
I love being in your home doggie towels or no doggie towels. It’s always beautiful.
what a great word ill remember for the walls. TRANSITION….well put i must say. gotta tell ya, im the worlds worst at leaving things alone, they can be put here today and there tomorrow and back to originalspot. LOL
Hey! Is that rope on your desk? If so, where’d you get it and what’s your plan for it? I just bought the big wire anchor (on clearance at Pottery Barn – woot!) and am feeling the need for some rope to wind around it, but don’t want to buy the brand new stiff stuff at the hardware store…….any tips for me?
Oh, and by the way, Robert Abbey in Conover has a warehouse sale twice a year – INCREDIBLE prices on INCREDIBLE lamps and light fixtures!!! I got 5 lamps, including shades, for $75 last time!!