Why Should I Add Elegance to my Home?
Good Morning,
It has been such a busy week. Today is our last day watching our neighbors greyhound and bearded dragon! It has been rough adding it to our daily schedules, but we have gotten through it. This weekend I am hoping to SLEEP in a little.
Our summer vacation plans just took a different turn. Lauren will be going with her brother and some friends to an amusement park and has basically asked us not to come. I was a little sad by this but then I realized that Rick and I have NEVER taken a vacation together without our kids! So we are planning to visit the Swan House, have lunch at the Swan Coach House and do some shopping in Atlanta in September! I must admit I am a little excited by this. I will keep you all updated as we plan this trip!
In today’s post I wanted to talk about a recent podcast that I listened to called “How to Cultivate an Elegant Home in the 21st Century”. Author Shannon Ables shares tips from interior designer Timothy Corrigan and how he things elegance is much easier to add to your home than what you think.
photo credit: L. Shockley
Timothy says, “Elegance is not something that adds stress or difficulty to our lives — quite the contrary. True elegance . . . means confidence in who you are and what you love, grace in how you handle yourself, and openness to the best in others.”
Great quote, isn’t it?
This is my favorite quote of Timothy’s “Elegance adds immense pleasure to life. To seek elegance — in your behavior, in what you wear and surround yourself with —is a treat you give to yourself and, almost inadvertently, share with those around you.”
I can attest to this myself. Whenever people come to my office at work or my home there is always of sigh of pleasure when they come. They always enjoy something and ask where I got it. People yearn for elegance. They just don’t know that’s what the sigh is all about.
I am linking Shannon’s blog post. She goes into more details about the book and tips from Timothy that I know you will enjoy. If you are on your way to work, then listen to the podcast. I have linked it above. Let me know what elegance you have added into your life. Have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Mrs. Shockley,
You wouldn’t believe this, but last night I read a few of your old posts on elegance. In fact I pulled out my printed list of “100 Ways to be Elegant” list that you shared quite a few years ago. I will be listening to the podcast. Thank you for sharing.
Lately I have been intentional about surrounding myself with my beautiful books. My family and I have been staying in a spacious condo for vacation and I’ve been scattering books all over the condo. Every where I turn,there is a beautiful book for me to look at and read. This is one way I create elegance and beauty around me while I’m away from home.
Your vacation sounds lovely. I totally get why this will be adjustment for you, vacation can easily become all about the kids; Sounds like it will be peaceful for you and Rick. And the temps will hopefully be cooled down some in September.
Have a nice weekend,
Mya
OMG Mya! I literally pulled out my list two weeks ago! I still love it. I really do! I would love to hear about your trip. I hope you did something fun. Also did you happen to rent your condo from Airbnb? If so I would love to know how the experience was.
Our trip was great. The most fun thing I did for myself was visit HomeGoods. My family knows this is a must when we visit other places. We didn’t rent an Airbnb this time but we have in the past. I was hesitant but our experiences have been wonderful. Of course we carefully read the reviews.
I love visiting HomeGoods in different states. I have found some of my best home decor items that way. So you do like Airbnbs? Great! We have been thinking about staying at one.
Mrs. Shockley,
Thank you very much for your kind and generous mention and linking to episode #264. I thoroughly enjoyed and found much inspiration and wisdom in what Timothy Corrigan shared and I am happy to know you too found the episode insightful. Your kindness is appreciated. ?? (I absolutely love your tea cup & saucer, each of them – stunning and certainly reason to bring a pause to our day and savor.) Wishing you a wonderful weekend and thank you again.
Oh thank you so much Shannon for reading my post and commenting. I have been a fan of your blog and your this and that section for almost 10 years! Please continue your inspiring work!