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| A Kitchen in 1925. (LOC) |
In our old 1800's house, there are many things that need attention. When I compare this place to what is seen on commercials and on television programs, it would seem that my house is not in very good condition. A visitor might think we need new flooring and carpeting. New paint in many of the rooms would certainly freshen things up. Many of the rooms would also look dreamy with new pieces of furniture. But all these changes would cost a great deal of money. I could not even imagine spending money for such things when cash is needed for much more important items.
I recently looked at some pictures of my childhood home. I grew up in the same house where my grandparents had raised their own children. The old wallpaper, furniture, and flooring, were old and worn. While we were living there, it just felt like home to me. It was loved and cared for. We decorated and made things look nice with our cleaning and organizing. We were happy in our humble home and considered it to be beautiful. Is it possible that just a few generations ago, people were less likely to spend money on fixing things up?
There is a motto of making do, making things last, or going without. This is a thrifty way of life that encourages us to take care of what we do have, while living within our means. It is certainly nice to have pretty things and to do repairs and maintenance as we are able. It is nice when we can get new curtains or blankets, bringing cheer and comfort to the family. These are lovely things to do when it is possible. But it must not be the entire focus of our spending.
The other day I got out the ironing board and was ironing scraps of fabric for a home sewing project. I thought about the home arts and the comfort of old-fashioned, domestic life. I was grateful for my surroundings and the ability to be at home and to be here for my family. I felt thankful.
The money we do have must be prayed over and spent in a cautious way. The basic expenses of food, heat, car maintenance, and electricity cost a great deal. It requires budgeting and careful planning to make ends meet each month.
In just a few days, I will need to take our patient on one of our medical trips into the next state. It takes effort and sacrifice to come up with enough money to meet this need. When there are medical trials and expenses, it really makes you think differently about modern ways of spending. The goal should be to always try to save for rainy days.
This is why I cannot even fathom the idea of buying new things or upgrading our house. We do our best to live simply with few wants or needs. Our house may seem shabby to some, but it is a place for which I am so grateful to have. My surroundings, and all that we have, reminds me of a museum of graceful and humble living of quiet days at home, from many years ago.
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
A Blessed Way of Life - Old Fashioned Duty of a Homemaker.
A Bit of History - Just a Housewife.
We Must Learn - To Earn and Not to Spend.
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Now Available from The Legacy of Home Press:
Old Fashioned Homemaking: Essays and Encouragement from a New England Housewife by Mrs. White
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13 comments:
I have two neighbours with totally contrasting homes, although the buildings themselves are identical. One interior is modern and minimalist with shiny new furniture. The other is cosy and cluttered, with well-loved old furniture and belongings. Both neighbours are friendly and welcoming, but I can never relax in the first house. I could sit in the other house for hours because it feels like a real home, rather than a show home.
My grandmother had the same curtains and furniture her whole life. Her hobby was not to go buy junk at the store. My grandparents literally shopped 2x a year for clothes and shoes and were motivated to fit in their clothes. Coats and shoes were maintained. She also sewed and knit. Food was not a big deal and potions were small so not much money was spent on food\cooking\entertaining. Trends were not a thing. Clothes were classic and dressed up with scarves or pins. Most of her furniture was antique and time was spent polishing etc.
Mrs. White, what a beautiful sentiment about prioritizing what's important. Thank you for sharing :)
I am sure that years ago there was not the emphasis on change/redecoration/etc. I dont remember my grandparents changing anything in their lovely home.
Being frugal and living simply often brings the most joy in life. Blessings, Mrs. White!
I prefer homes such as yours, Mrs. White, to those decorated to the latest trend. Rather than calling it shabby, I'd call it a well-curated home.
Hugs
Jane
Dearly love this. OLD is good, that is for SURE! Love getting your emails! Blessings upon Blessings! Marsha
Living simply seems calm and restful with fewer, maybe no, worries. I can't think of a single reason not to do it. God bless you and keep you.
This latest post of yours is something I can certainly identify with! Years ago "shabby chic" was the norm for interior decorating. Now it sure isn't. Modern houses seem to only like white, grey and stainless steel. Kitchens look like industrial kitchens. Bathrooms are huge with beige or grey marble. The color scheme is usually grey and black throughout a modern house. It seems so cold and uninviting. As mentioned by comments above, my grandparents never worried about decor or the latest trends. They had the same furniture and curtains and wallpaper their whole lives. But their homes were filled with love, good food and dedicated faith in the Lord. People might look at my home and think we need repairs and flooring (we have painted plywood for flooring), but our budget simply doesn't allow for such things. Simple living IS great, and the Lord always provides what we need, not necessarily what we want. When the occasional want is provided, it really means so much.
We rent a house. The piles under the house badly need replacing but the cost is too great for our landlord who gives us cheap rent. A visitor I have often comments on the floors and why my home isn't a " show home" full of stuff and offers to " help me" decorate it!! and in the next breath says how she loves coming here as she can relax hahaha. I think" you can't have it both ways!!"
I'm not taken with knick knacks and would prefer basic,neat and clean. The house is 99 years old. Thank you for sharing Mrs White.
Karen NZ
I own very little that is new and I like it that way. I dislike stainless steel and granite.
I love the look and feel of well worn and loved items.
They bring warmth and comfort to a room.
A comfy sofa with a pile of pillows and a soft throw invite you to rest.
A cup of tea poured from a beautiful old teapot.
Vintage lace curtains I obtained for free frame my view of my cottage garden I have grown from seeds,cuttings and bulbs.
The things I own cost little.
They were purchased at estate sales ,tag sales for pennies.
Those who have come to visit tell me it's like staying in a bed and breakfast and they don't want to leave.
I don't have an expensive grand home. Just an old well loved mobile home in the woods.
Your home is your shelter from
the outside world.
It doesn't take lots of money
to make it wonderful.
The love and warmth come from the people that live there.
God's blessings on your family.
I agree with you, Mrs. White and I just wrote a post in my blog, about how we can easily compare our lives to other people's lives, with the abundance of social media these days.
That applies to our home decor, too, as it seems other people's homes look better than ours. More clean, more expensive...
I prefer a simple, clean home, decorated with things that mean something for us and without all the gray, blaks and white furniture we see all around these days.
Have a blessed week!
I live in a pretty shabby motorhome. It is in need of interior repair but we can't afford that right now. I make do with blankets as curtains, blankets wrapped around the dinette upholstery to make it look nice and neat, I cut out pictures from calendars and magazines to use as art around the RV. I have a cozy couch with nice pillows i got a few years ago. I decorate with candles, nicely displayed fruit in glass bowls, and little ornaments people have given me over the years. Sometimes I wish we could renovate the interior, but I'm content with making do. Blessings. T
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