The beauty in imperfection!!

photo: source unknown

It seems many of you share my belief that our homes don't have to have the best of everything to be beautiful and welcoming. In fact, most of us would rather be surrounded by our treasured collections that we choose because they make us feel a certain way, than simply accessorize with what should be added to the mix. We gather up bits and bobs from around our homes and make them work, and paint that which has seen better days. Sometimes we improvise with fabric and make our own "no-sew" window treatments and slipcovers. We tend to splurge only on things which make us draw in our breath with want; and even then, only purchase it after perhaps throwing a yard sale or two of our own to raise the cash!

In essence, we create pockets of beauty within our homes as we can afford, and look at our homes as a canvas that will take time to fill in all the colour. It is not about the end result, but rather this process of nesting that makes us feel good inside. We are creating homes, not masterpieces, and seeking perfection to display to others is simply not on the agenda...

Take a moment and check out these like-minded home-owners who are proud of the imperfections of their homes. They fix what needs fixing, of course, and many plan to change things they truly dislike...but they revel in the beauty they have created in their "perfectly imperfect" homes and have kindly opened them up for us to share. Thank you ladies!!
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Chris, at Just Beachy: Those of you who know Chris are not just visitors of her blog, but undoubtedly fans! Chris is the "go-to girl" for beachy style and inspiring projects that she needs no man to help her with. She is tireless in her efforts to make her home unique and custom, and while she is continually upgrading, she does so on a budget, does it all herself, and seeks out bargains at every opportunity. If HGTV ever needs a "shop girl" to host her own show, Chris is the gal!!

Leann at 2 Nuts in a Shell: Leann has a flair for furniture make-overs, hand-made art projects, and creating a lovely home for her adorable, young family. Check out her fantastic table make-over and more!

Jen at The Most Important Work: Jen has taken a quick trip to the hardware store and created a window treatment that takes a common item and elevates it to a whole, new level!! Check it out...you won't need much money for this one!!

Melanie at Monday Thru Sunday: Melanie had two great ideas, one is a fabulous make-over of her patio floor, and the other is her $7.00 headboard...you will love this one. For those of you who enjoy a little dumpster diving, this will be right up your alley!! Melanie's blog is full of great ideas and inspiration, so have a peek through her archives while you are at it!

Cindy at My Romantic Home: You all know Cindy, she is a master of creative make-overs of furniture and finds, and she offers up her list of her top projects. Get ready to be inspired, and have your paint brushes ready!

Sarah at A Beach Cottage: Well, Sarah says this outdoor sofa was a cast-off find, and hosts some not-so-pretty cushions underneath, but when I first clicked over to her blog, I could not believe this beauty wasn't plucked from some fancy schmancy outdoor furniture store!! The transformation of this settee is complete, and completely beautiful! Her blog is, too, so you may be there awhile!!

Linda (nice name, huh?) at The Lime in the Coconut: If you like bold colour, great artwork, and fun, unfitted kitchens, you are in for a treat. Linda talks of her lack of organization, but if you ask me, it has inspired some really great decorating...happy accidents!!

Julia @ Hooked on Houses: If you haven't been to Julia's fabulous, fun, smart house blog, well...you're going to thank me! Julia has created a photo wall in her lovely home and did so using some great, cheap picture frames (you'd never know it), and some perfect (yes) photo placement. The gorgeous photos of her family and kids, in particular, make her smile every time she passes by. Now that's decorating with meaning...

Liz at Mabel's House: Besides absolutely loving everything about this girl, I especially love the makeover of her entry-way cabinet. I mean, honestly... robin's egg blue, red baskets and a vintage typewriter (which I covet unnaturally)...what's not to love? In fact, when I look at the whole picture, I feel the tiniest bubble of jealousy at the back of my throat...good thing I like her so much!! Also she has the original, pink-tiled bathroom that was birthed at the same time her house was, and she is currently wrestling with it. I just know if anyone can pull it all together, Liz can!! Oh, did I mention she is also a wonderful writer?? Enough said...

Nancy @ Flower Mound Studio: Nancy is a talented artist who is unnecessarily humble. She paints beautiful paintings and I would love to have her talent!! Even the tiniest bit...

Laura @ Shorehouse Chic: Laura has recently completed a wonderful master bedroom make-over and personally, I think she nailed it! The colour is beautiful, the "second-hand" furniture elegant, and she has a certain pillow that I would wrestle her to the floor for! If you live in her area, she also reveals a gem of a spot to find stylish furniture at a fraction of the cost!

Tara@ Random Acts of Home Decor: Tara has also redecorated her master bedroom and is thrilled to bits with the outcome. It just goes to show that a lick of paint and some great accessories can be just the "lipstick" a room needs to spring to life!

Janet @ Housepeepers: Janet is a sweetie, and she has great taste and a thrifty nature to boot! She made over a previously out-dated dresser and brass bed and brought them up to speed with ease and flair. Go give Janet some love and check out her talents...she's funny, too!!

Mary @ Dear Little Red House: Mary has a gorgeous home that, to me, oozes coziness and a feeling of welcome. She decorates with an eye for the bargain, and has set a beautiful table using thrift store dishes. She makes you want to just pull up a chair and join her!!

Vee @ A Haven for Vee: Vee is one of the funniest, warmest, and smartest people I have encountered in a long while. She shows us a few imperfect things around her home, but visit Vee to hear her wisdom and experience on the topic of the fruitless quest for perfection. A sneak peek: this quote on her blog - "Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing." ~Harriet Braiker. Smart girl, that Harriet...

Tanya @ Sunday Baker: Well, if Tanya says something in her home is imperfect, we'll have to take her word for it. Personally, I think it is so inviting, and her home is one that is filled with love and delicious smells...all the time!! Tanya decorates with things that have great meaning to her, and it shows. Oh, and while you are there, be sure to scroll down and choose from one of the umpteen yummy and decidedly easy recipes she posts for our culinary inspiration.

Buried in Legos has devised a quick, no sew, concealment for her linen closet. Too bad some rascally kiddos are trying to thwart her attempts at decorating...

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality likely needs no introduction. She does the most amazing face lifts to her furniture and yard sale finds, and everything always turns out (dare I say it?) perfectly! The imperfection is where she begins, but she can certainly turn a sow's ear into a silk purse!! Check out this make-over of a tired, vintage lamp into an object of pure beauty!

Megan @ Cottage Bluebird: Megan just completed a complete "refreshing" of some of the main rooms in her home. It is amazing what a different point of view can bring to a room, and her style of decorating will certainly appeal to those who love beachy, cottagey style, yet is definitely not penned into that description. Have a look at her before and afters, and you just might find yourself eyeing your own spaces and rolling up your sleeves in anticipation of a little furniture re-arranging...!!

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Oh wait...There`s more!!!!

Jerusalem at My Little Life: Jerusalem is busy with all the lovely chaos of summer, but offers up a photo of her "summertime living room"...well-loved and filled with the inevitable side-effects of summer living. Jerusalem's home is indescribable...pretty, unique, artistic, and one that can't be type-cast to a specific style. Browse her posts under the title "My Home" in her left side bar- you'll see what I mean...

Sarah @ Misadventures of Mama and Jack: Well, everyone loves Mama and Jack, but Sarah is not only a wonderful mum, but is also an expert thrifter/yard-saler, seamstress, and decorator. Sarah has perfected the art of buying what she knows will find a loving place to land in her home. She buys what she loves, and somehow it all falls into place. In this post, she shows us some great things, but what made my jaw drop and inspired me to gasp out loud was the most incredible, robin`s egg blue, chippy door at the end of her hallway!!! I am green with envy over that little baby!

Hmmm, this exercise has brought that feeling out in me more than a few times....

Cindy @ Cute Pink Stuff: If you love pink, then you`ll love this blog!! Cindy is a wonderful decorator, and shows us how she turned a ``mistake`` into something that is even more lovely than the intended result! Go check out her pretty picket fence, and see if you can spot the mistake before you start reading. I think it was meant to be...

Cielo @ The House in Roses: Cielo shows us that a little white paint can make virtually anything pretty. Go see what she transformed to create the most beautiful, shabby chic living room! There is always something pretty to look at at this blog...

Deb @ Life's Little Pieces : Deb shares my love of painted cabinetry and tooke her kitchen cabinets from traditional to fabulous with a great swath of black! New hardware completes the look, and I got a thrill seeing such an amazing transformation...you will, too!!

Joy @ The Joy of... : Joy is a marvel to me. First, she always leaves me wondering where on earth she finds such treasures, and secondly, how she comes up with the wonderful ideas to re-work them!! Joy, to me, is the epitome of class and creativity. She can turn anything into "gold" and her style is so good, I feel gut-wrenching pain at the thought of not owning one of everything she makes!!! Check out her post and then check out her shop...you'll be sooo happy you did!!

Shimmy Mom: Shimmy Mom (I couldn`t find her name) is a young mum who enjoys the challenge of decorating her home on a budget. Stop by and see how she puts thrift store finds to glorious use in and around her home. She has her priorities straight and has created a welcoming home in which to raise her family.

Vosges Paris: This Norwegian blogger will appeal to those of you who love white, dreamy interiors. She shows us how she improvised to create a beautiful, beachy way to hang necessities at her beach house. Check out her blog and all of her great links!

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That's finally it! Thanks everyone!!