The Joys of Home Ownership

On Tuesday, my sister and her fiance closed on their VERY FIRST HOUSE. It is an adorable house – it’s just about a mile from my own house, which is kind of an unexpected bite of awesome, because I think I’m going to like having my sister nearby (and not just for the free babysitting).

In true local fashion, turns out my sister’s house was previously owned by a girl I went to high school with. A girl that I cheered with on our high school squad. A girl whose sister currently lives across the street from me. I’m not a stranger to her, nor her to me – so it’s been amusing how she’s acted like she’s had no clue who I am.

No matter, I suppose I get the last laugh (or is that… shudder?) at the state in which the house was left.

My. Poor. Sister.

I cannot imagine leaving a house to a new owner in any less than pristine condition, particularly if all parties are local and there’s a possibility the new home owners would be likely to tell people at the local bar how the house smelled like dog pee. My sister walked into that house Tuesday afternoon and was immediately overwhelmed by the mess, the smell and the work that was needing to be done.

Welcome to home ownership, sis.

Between my mom, her fiance’s family and other assorted peeps, it’s coming together pretty nicely. After a day of intense cleaning, the house smelled WORLDS better. (Also, after scrubbing all the CIGARETTE BUTTS OUT OF THE DRYER, my sister felt a little less squidgy about doing laundry there. Cigarette butts. In the dryer. Huh? Also: dirty undies. Behind the washing machine.).

Yesterday, she was finally ready to start dealing with decor – starting with window treatments. My mom and I joined her at Target to look at curtains and blinds. Immediately, she was overwhelmed by choices. I felt horrible for her, but kept my mouth shut unless specifically asked for an opinion. It made me realize that my sister and I are very different in so many ways – the little details really bog her down. When it comes to home stuff, I tend to be a bit lax about the details. Paint colors? Eh, who cares? If I don’t like it, I can redo it. Curtains? If I hate ’em, I’ll throw them back in the package and return them. I tend to surround myself with things I find aesthetically appealing and I know pretty instintively what I like – my dining table took me mere minutes to select, and I’m just as much in love with it now as I was a year ago when I picked it. I love every color on every wall I’ve painted.

But now I’m wondering – am I in the minority – or is my sister? How do you select the things in your home? Is it a well thought out deliberate process or instinct?

About sarah

Sarah is a book nerd, a music lover, an endorphin junkie, a coffee addict. Oh, and a goof ball. She writes, she tweets, and she sings off key.

Comments

  1. All of mine are instinctive. And honestly? I take my time. If a room remains white a little longer it won’t kill me and when the mood strikes to paint it/decorate it, it’ll still be there. I decorate on a whim, and on a devil-may-care schedule. *shrug*

  2. As for window treatments, I always stick with a green/cream combo of some sorts. for every room. Yeah, it’s boring, but it keeps things simple. The rest of decor isn’t decor. It’s family photos and family heirlooms. Nothing fancy, which is totally me. And for wall paint, I think I’m with you. If you don’t like it, repaint.

  3. Robin Wilson says

    I have to say that I seriously laughed OUT LOUD regarding the previous owner! OMG. Yeah in small town USA you don’t do that. On the subject of your post. I think I wait until I’m really sure that I like it before I buy anything…except for the really bad blue choice that I picked for the kitchen last year. First time home ownership is crazy stressful maybe that is part of the overwhelmed feeling! LOL

  4. I’m kind of both. I research a LOT, but I also know very well what I like and what I don’t like. If it’s red, odds are, I’m going to like it. Stripes, yes. Flowers, no. But I still like to look at ALL my options and figure and re-figure a dozen times before actually making a purchase. Because taking those curtains back? Is a huge hassle to me!

  5. Just stumbled upon your website when I couldn’t find a current I am Blisfully Domestic post. Did you stop doing them for some reason? Just wondering! I am glad to know I can come here, I love your sense of humor!

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