“Find beauty in life’s imperfection”
- Kris Barker
The Search for Perfection
The pursuit of perfection is constant. Images of the perfect sunset, the perfect outfit, even the perfect cup of coffee, are all at our fingertips. The perpetual quest is all-consuming. As we all know, life is not perfect, and striving for perfection is exhausting.
The same holds true with decorating your home. What is the perfect solution for an impenetrable kitchen countertop? What fabric will withstand all stains and pets? What rug is the most durable? The answer…well, you know it…nothing is perfect.
Instead, the goal should be finding beauty in the imperfections that come along the way. The marble countertop with water rings and lemon stains means you have been using and enjoying your kitchen! Chocolate may stain the sofa fabric…gently clean it and remember the fun of watching a movie as a family. Concerned about buying a vintage rug? It has lasted hundreds of years. Walk on it, entertain on it and enjoy it for the next hundred years. Once you stop looking for perfection, joy returns.
In our October Notes, we share a few projects and the decisions behind the materials selected. These photos may look perfect, but in real life, these homes are well-lived with signs of imperfection.
Until next month,
Terrell and Joyce
Finding Beauty in Imperfection
“Have no fear of perfection - you’ll never find it.” - Salvador Dali
The use of real marble maintains the sophisticated and timeless character of this new kitchen. A man-made material does not have the natural variation, beautiful color patterns, and cool feeling of stone.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
Don’t compromise! This family room is at the center of the home. Choose fabrics that you love vs. fabrics that are bulletproof to kids, pets, and adults. The latter will be impossible to achieve, and the results won’t feel as nice.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
It doesn’t get much better than Calacatta Gold Extra Wow! This real stone may show water spots and rings which embody a space well-lived in.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
Your bedroom should be a peaceful sanctuary and a respite from a long day. Spend the most your budget allows to create a lush and comfortable space.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac
Vintage rugs in the kitchen can take the wear and tear of everyday use.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Meghan O’Brien
Feel free to walk right in from the outdoors onto a sisal rug.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac
This family room with a collection of patterned fabrics and pretty furniture is an enjoyable spot to gather. Feel comfortable living in your space. Don’t be afraid to put your feet up and stay awhile.
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Jess Isaac
The main focus is outside. Who sees a spot on the rug?
Design: Perfitt Richards Design / Photo: Lindsay Salazar
Items We Are Fall-ing For!
Take out the trash in a cozy pair of slippers. A fall must have!
A set of vintage monogrammed napkin rings brings a sentimental element to your tablescape.
Keep warm and look cool in this quilted hooded down coat.
A wool blend blanket with a vibrant pattern is a cozy idea for fall.
A fall-colored, gingham tissue box cover. Gesundheit!
A lovely soup tureen to enhance the flavors of the season.
What We Are Eating
In late fall when the first chill arrives and the days get shorter, this is a wonderful soup to make. Your entire house will smell good as it slowly bubbles away throughout the afternoon.
White Bean Soup
-Serves Six
1 ½ lbs. smoked ham hocks (shanks)
1 lb. pkg. small white beans
3 sliced carrots
3 stalks celery sliced
2 medium onions, chopped
3 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
water to cover
Put all ingredients in a soup pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 3-4 hours. It will get very thick, so add water when you think it needs it. Somewhere down the line remove the ham (at the 3 hour mark) and cool them. Cut the meat off the bones, discard the fat and return the meat and bones to the pot. When you’re ready to serve, remove the bones and the bay leaves & bring out some crusty bread and butter.
Enjoy!
What We Are Watching
Bad Sisters is in the cue as many friends have told us it is must-see TV. With a 4.9 rating and 100% from Rotten Tomatoes, this Apple TV series is described as “a riotously funny murder mystery.” We are excited to tune in!
Watch it here and let us know what you think.
What We Are Reading
Lessons in Chemistry is a quirky, smart, and thoroughly enjoyable, “laugh out loud” read. You will fall in love with the main character, Elizabeth Zott, and will find many more characters to enjoy - from Elizabeth’s fellow scientist and love of her life to her neighbor turned nanny to her boss at the TV station. Put on your slippers, make some soup, grab your throw and start reading this gem as soon as you can!
and remember…find beauty in life’s imperfections.
See you next month,
Joyce & Terrell