How I Quit Chasing the Perfect Home and Found Peace in the One I Have
5 Practical Tips
If you look at the bedroom in the photo above, you might have any number of opinions about it. As do I.
The interesting thing is… when I put this room together after moving into our new home. I thought it was just lovely.
Until, that is, I started scrolling and saw *other* people’s houses. Then all the sudden this room was bland or missing something. Or it’s too much. Or it looks cheap. Or I tried too hard.
My once lovely room had not changed, but my perspective had. And not in a good way.
The walls of this room are yellow, painted by the previous owner. I didn’t choose those floating shelves, they were already there. The lamp and the nightstand were hand-me-downs, as was the big pillow and some of the artwork. Even the dried flowers were just given to me by a friend.
My home is a patchwork of things collected and gifted to fit in 10 different homes over the past 10 years.
It’s not curated.
It’s not perfect.
But it’s ours.
And I want to maintain the definition of “lovely” in my home, no matter how it might look in comparison to other homes or my own ideals.
So my practical advice is:
1. Shift from Perfection to Purpose.
I stopped decorating for Instagram and started shaping my home for our real life: our shared meals and prayers, guests hosted, homeschooling rowdy boys, laughter filling every corner.
Our home is made for us, not us for our home.
When I let go of perfection, I finally made space for peace to dwell here too.
2. Invite God Into the Process!
This is the most important step.
I pray over my home, asking Him to make it a place of peace, hospitality, and refuge. Because what is our home if not a tool for His glory?
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
Psalm 127:1
3. Embrace Imperfection as Hospitality.
This one might sound a bit silly. But it’s true!
A little mess says, “You’re welcome here.” Guests come to connect, not critique! Just make sure they have something to eat.
It truly doesn’t even have to be handmade, people just feel loved when they have a little treat to eat or drink. Think, some cheese and crackers or a cup of tea.
4. Curate the Style of Your Home with Meaning.
I keep what tells our story-heirlooms, handmade pieces, and art that points to Christ-instead of chasing trends. I read in a book called Cozy Minimalism, only bring something into your home if you like it and it serves a purpose for you (even if that’s just joy). Don’t worry about making it “fit” with the rest of your home. The common denominator that will link your style quirks is YOU.
5.Practice Contentment Daily.
The 1st thing I (try) to do in the morning is think of 3 things that I’m grateful for. Trying to make it a habit that my first morning thoughts are centered around gratitude to the Lord. Then I write those things down in my journal. It changes how I see everything. The way your home *looks* is not what makes it beautiful. The way you see it is what makes it so.
And besides... in the end, what are people going to remember? Your company or your wall color?
I don’t know if this will finally be our forever home or not. But I hope to always choose gratitude. Because whether we stay here for decades or pack the boxes again next year, I want to be found content; tending what’s in front of me, loving the people within these walls, and trusting that every place we dwell can be holy ground when He is invited in.
And besides, in the end, what are people going to remember? Your company or your wall color?
Let me know in the comments if this resonated with you at all or what other practical tips you might add!
