7 Ideas for Optimistic Decorating

I am an optimist.  My glass is half-full.  I look on the bright side of things. I prefer rose-colored glasses.

Most of the time…

Sometimes a little pick-me-up is in order.  

Sometimes our homes take on a “same-old, same-old” vibe.  Particularly in winter.

This time of year always gets me. Short days. Not much sun. Cold temps. Grey skies…

I should not complain.  I love our home and everything in it. But…

Summer seems a long way off. I need a pick-me-up. Just a little something to brighten my day…and our home.

I need some “Decorating Optimism” to shake the blues away (or in this case, the greys).

Here are 7 Ideas I am using to Decorate with Optimism!

1.     Whimsy.  Find the unique, humorous, or whimsical side of your accessories. I have loads of baskets, but this one with pom poms just makes me smile.

2.     Plants.  You might think I am plant-obsessed (I am!), but seeing live greenery in the middle of a grey day makes me so happy.  Propagating new plants from old ones is even better.  Seeing that tiny new root shooting out is a hope lifter!

3.     Color.  I always love color.  But in the middle of winter, I NEED color.  I look for it in lamps, wall art, pillows, and knick-knacks.  

4.     Bring the Outdoors in.  I could go out and cut some branches for display, but it is too cold.  I’m not going out there!  

Instead, I’m displaying my Kitras Art Glass gazing ball right in front of the window so the light shines through. I see a stunning glass blown tree against a tiny piece of blue sky.  Optimism restored.

5.     Soup.  More specifically, soup bowls!

Warms my tummy and lifts my spirits at the same time.  Cheerfulness lies in colorful polka dot soup bowls…and of course the yummy soup inside!

            Recipe for my Baked Potato Soup (serves 8):

            8 cups (5 lbs.) coarsely chopped, peeled potatoes

            1 small onion, chopped (1/3 cup)

            ½ lb. sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled

            1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

            3 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth

            1 (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup

            ¼ t. black pepper

In a crockpot, stir potatoes and onion.  Stir in bacon.  In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, chicken broth, chicken soup, and pepper.  Add to crockpot mixture. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.  (If you like, mash the potatoes slightly.)

6.      Wall Art.  

Hanging in my office.  

The name says it all.

“The Optimist/Rose Tinted Glasses”

My daily aspiration!

Matte and frame to OPTIMIZE your space!

7.     A New Project!  

After the holidays, I always have the urge to move furniture around and try different accessories displays.  However, it is when I feel the mid-winter blues that I think deeper than that to more large-scale projects.

This year’s mood-enhancer…paint all of the living room walls, woodwork trim, and fireplace mantel. Install new fireplace tile (good-bye discolored tile!) and add a surprise to the doors!

This is no small project as one thing leads to another.  Brian does not (yet!) share my enthusiasm for this project but is slowly getting on board.  The more I envision it, the more excited I get! Not sure if we will actually get to this soon, but just planning for it gives me a boost!

Someone pass me my rose-colored glasses!

(or at least my pink and blue glasses!) I feel better already!

Cheers! ~Missy

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