Kip Dawkins Photography
Valentine’s Day is here- but I don’t think that you need a designated day to show love for the people that you care for the most in your life. I believe that you can make your home a place where residents and guests alike will feel the love any day throughout the year with just a few simple adjustments. In the words of bell hooks, “Love is an action, never simply a feeling.”
Michael Hunter Photography
Design your space for every age and stage:
Interior design is deeply personal. While your spaces should work for you, it’s also important to make accommodations for the wants and needs of others around you.
Perhaps you have aging parents and want to make their guest room as comfortable and safe as possible. Adding extra pillows and blankets for comfort, moving furniture pieces around for easier navigation, and even putting a nightlight in the bathroom can help them feel more welcome.
For younger guests, a basket of toys or puzzles will be an instant win (and can easily be stashed away when your little visitors leave). It’s an unwritten rule that the toys at someone else’s house are always more fun to play with! And with the kids occupied, Mom or Dad may even get the chance to sit down and relax.
Kip Dawkins Photography
Adorn your space with flowers:
Flowers on Valentine’s Day? Not exactly groundbreaking (though I’ll never turn them down!).
But buying, giving, and displaying flowers “just because” will give everyone who sees them a boost. A bouquet on a bedside table, an arrangement on your partner’s home office desk, or even a bud vase with a single bloom in the bathroom can add a little life to a space.
For a longer-lasting option, choose a succulent or another unfussy plant like an orchid.
Kip Dawkins Photography
Celebrate on a regular basis:
Too often, we feel like we have to save certain elements of our home and life (using our best china, uncorking that specially purchased bottle of wine, etc) for the biggest special occasions. But life is too short not to be celebrated and enjoyed!
So dine by candlelight, draw a bubble bath with those overpriced suds, invite friends over “just because” and have their favorite snacks and treats on hand.
In today’s busy world, a little time and effort will make someone immediately feel loved.
Gordon Gregory Photography
Create spaces to honor your past, present, and future:
Feeling noticed and seen is an integral part of feeling loved. Have photos of your favorites out and on display.
If your best friend from college comes to visit, set out (or move to a more prominent position) a favorite framed photo of the two of you. She’ll feel a part of your life even when if there are usually thousands of miles between the two of you.
Kip Dawkins Photography
For your family, create a bulletin board or calendar space where you can celebrate today’s phase of life. Some fun ideas include:
Showing off your child’s latest creations
Picking a date for a family afternoon of hot chocolate and board games (or whatever activity you’d all be excited about) and marking it on your calendar
Putting up a dry erase board where people can doodle or leave each other love notes
