Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Love the "little things" ~ a recipe for contentment.


Reading home decor books, Instagram and magazines inspire me.
I often get frustrated and wonder how I can make our little bungalow look better.

  I actioned a quick and inexpensive DIY fix.

I purchased 3 black metal hooks 
(Mr. HB installed them for me)

I hung up my French Market basket
 gardening hat 
and
  watering can. 

As conscientious stewards 
of a Heritage home
we are required to honour the historic significance 
we do not stray too far from their original architectural design.

With one exception...
The laundry area is painted white 
the basement is dark with very little light 
with only a few small windows.

The bright white walls 
make it much more enjoyable to work in and it feels far less oppressive!


I like to do my ironing while gazing out to the garden.



Looking out and beyond at the foliage and flowers 
while ironing 
feels like a form of meditation.


A handy rolling cart in the space is used for towels.


I fold the laundry on the top of the counter
and
I have a small ironing board that I use for small jobs 
like our linen tea towels and napkins.

Domestic jobs are a necessity.
To make them a wee bit more enjoyable
I have "fluffed" my downstairs "workplace" adding a few accent pieces.
Vintage enamel tins, ceramics, bird sculptures, and trophies...

Work and chores need not be looked upon as "drudgery."

Attitude is key to making these everyday tasks pleasant.
Taking joy in the results of one's labour and effort is so important.

The feeling of accomplishment is felt...
as I stand back
admiring a stack of freshly laundered 
(scented with lavender soap)
neat and tidy crisply ironed tea towels.

It's the "little things" that make our days richer.

How do you add Joy in your daily duties?
Do you have a secret to share that you use to make your daily round feel richer?

On that note, 
I will close this post...

Thank you for taking the time to stop and visit The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

38 comments:

Jane T. said...

I couldn't agree more. I am forever adding or rearranging home accessories, mainly for my own aesthetic pleasure. Today I have spray painted (in chalk white)some storage baskets - a cheap way of updating something that needed replacing. I too use magazine and books plus other people's home for inspiration.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I like the idea of chalk white baskets. I have oodles of baskets and many are used to store things, a couple just as decorations.
It’s fun changing things up every so often.
Hope you are enjoying your fresh baskets.

Anonymous said...

Your garden is beautiful and restful.

Jeannine said...

I'm afraid I do not as regularly "fluff" as I wish I did - and when I do, I'm always quite pleased with myself and what I've done. Part of it is procrastination, part of it is being an over-thinker! I do like looking through magazines, books, on blogs, and on Pinterest for ideas that spark my creativity. I don't think I'm particularly creative on my own - I'm more of an idea copier! I want to make some lavender sachets, but am having a little trouble finding the recipe that I've used in the past - quite some years ago. They were a lovely, complex lavender - and the scent was long lasting. Opening a drawer to that lovely scent is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

What is this 'ironing' of which you speak?
:)

La Vie Quotidienne said...

You have made this area very charming and the lovely view into your garden in marvelous. Unfortunately my washer and dryer are in the garage in a very cramped space - I can really appreciate what you have done.

Anonymous said...

I love the play of colour as I arrange food on a plate. Bright green kale topped with a contrast of peaches or beets or blackberries or figs. Oatmeal with a cheerful fruit medley atop. The harmony of reds, greens, and whites in a stir fry or in Pico de Gallo. Black beans, brown rice, and a cheerful mango salsa or sweet potato hummus. I feel so blessed to have such a variety of foods and flavours to play with as I create a wholesome and nourishing pot of soup or a ratatouille. My kitchen is my adventure playground as I make healthy choices that lead to enhanced vitality.

I appreciate the tools that facilitate my culinary labours. The latest is the Vidalia Chop Wizard that I purchased at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. And some delightful silicone finds: oven sheets to line cookie pans, spatulas, ice cube trays, cupcake liners. My kitchen is where alchemy and magic happen. Where I search for just the right herbs or spices to make a dish toothsome.
Where the abundance of our land meets the imagination and care of a delighted cook.

Happy Homemaking,
Honey Bee

sensitive poet said...

Of course, daily chores should be made enjoyable! A spritz of flower water on pillow cases, neatly folded towels with the attractive embroidery made visible, even an attractive broom and pan set (I picked up a sleek modern Italian version for a song at Winners)...even though these are mundane things, they bring a flash of pleasure as you use them. Without making housewifery the centre of one's life, it is still worthwhile to have these little things bring momentary enjoyment before you turn to the more significant activities!

Kerrie Roberts said...

I was in England for a few days this month and had the opportunity to visit William Morris' Red House. Fabulous Arts and Craft details and set in a beautiful garden. A must see for someone who also has an A&C house like yours. Have you seen it ?

hollybholly said...

Lovely ideas and sweet thoughts of the chore of ironing makes it not so much a chore. I can imagine a soft gaze on the garden while the warm iron slides over sheets and towels. Simplicity making all right in the world. Thank you for the daydream.

Adele said...

Love the touches you added! I also find inspiration in books, magazines and blogs. My dilemma is loving the minimalist look and wanting to embrace it, but also loving warm and cozy interiors filled with sentimental objects..............

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Flowers and variegated foliage are the major stars in our small garden. Our David Austin Roses are at their best from May through to September. It’s a beautiful time of year here.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I can relate to your comment about copying! It takes me awhile to get into the fluffing mode. I need to let the ideas percolate and when they come together I act!
I used to have some lavender sachets...aren’t they just made of loose lavender ?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I know I know!!!
:-))

I like our linens pressed and scented with lavender!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I always am inspired and admire your home renovation projects. Your talent sewing drapes and upholstery is amazing.
I wonder if it might be worth it to give your garage a wee makeover if it makes you happier doing laundry?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh your kitchen sounds like your playground! I love how passionate you are about cooking. It really is wonderful having a space that delights and inspires. I absolutely love the picture that you have painted with your words here...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Savouring the small things makes us feel richer and more abundant. Your new Italian broom and pan sound very impressive. I like finding good tools and Winners is a fabulous place to shop for home keeping accessories.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have read about the Morris home and seen pictures of the garden and interior. How lovely that you were able to visit it on your trip!
William Morris was an iconic arts and crafts designer, we love his beautiful prints and fabrics.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I didn’t always love ironing...but I decided a few years ago that I would embrace and enjoy the results of my efforts and it really changed my attitude and it’s now quite a lovely activity.
Your comment about a daydream is very sweet. Thank you.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have that same issue when it comes to home decor...it’s a fine balance juggling sentimental items and minimalism.

LA CONTESSA said...

HOW DO I FIND JOY?Well, you are SO SPOT ON about it being the little things!I of course have the PIG, DOG and CAT who all AMUSE and LOVE ME SO MUCH!I take Joy in getting dressed.Checking the Garden for New growth speaking on the phone with an instagram buddy!I am Home A LOT and NEED to make THAT JOY happen!
Now you have reminded me of my ironing PILE!ONce I did it in THE GARDEN as THE ITALIAN has OUTLETS THERE TOO!Time to iron in the GARDEN AGAIN!
XX

kim said...

I love this so much! I totally agree it's all about your attitude.. and a pretty view helps. There is something very satisfying about the smell and look of a stack of clean laundry to me. I just love your house and the entry is so pretty. What a terrific idea to add the basket and hat and watering can. Your painting makes the space! I have to say I did this when I first moved in to my home with some heavy black hooks and it became the best space- previously a space for brooms. It's amazing what you can make out of a little spot. Have a beautiful day hostess! xo Kim

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Sounds like you really know what brings you Joy! Aren’t we fortunate to be able to pop out into our gardens and soak in the beautiful flowers? I feel so grateful.

Jeannine said...

Actually, I used a lavender potpourri recipe which had lavender as well as other spices and essential oils in it. It's been so long that I don't remember the exact ingredients. Sure wish I knew where that recipe is. It makes a very long lasting, lovely fragrance.

Sydney Shop Girl said...

Thank you for this dose of soothing words and images, Leslie!

SSG xxx

Madame Là-bas said...

Right now, the mess of renovation is discouraging. We use a communal laundry in our apartment. I have taken my ironing board and linen spray down to the laundry room so that I can leave the board up. Others can use it if they wish but it seems that few people iron. I usually listen to some music on my phone as I iron.

LA CONTESSA said...

YES!!!
WE ARE LUCKY!!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Kim! Small homes are a challenge as one doesn't want "too much" clutter which ends up making the space seem smaller...efficient use of space with a smattering of decor items, the resulting effect is a good balance.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh thank you for reading and commenting today!
Hope you are having a lovely week!!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am sure that the disruption at your condo is rather daunting...you'll probably need to "escape" for several hours each day. Hopefully there is a good cafe nearby where you can relax and read or stroll in a beautiful park.
I know how stressful it was for me these past 2 years when the two homes were under construction and the noise and truck traffic was unbelieveable!
I made every effort to go out and enjoy nature and read my book in many different locales.

Splenderosa said...

Serenity.
Perfect !!!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

White does feel serene...perhaps that’s why we are drawn to the simple white interior decorating styles.

Marilyn L said...

I was going to turn my late husband's study into a room for ironing but it had become a bedroom for my granddaughter who stays over most Sunday nights for her nanna day on Monday so my ironing is done in the kitchen but not when I am cooking. In an ideal world I would like a laundry room but financial constraints do not allow. I could of course use the spare bedroom. I need to give it some thought. There are possibilities that could be worked with a little reorganisation to make the room dual purpose. Watch this space. The room had views over the Penines.

KSL said...

Your painting looks fantastic there - it makes the space!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Your view of the Penines must be lovely! It could be fun coming up with a multi purpose design that would suit your needs. Necessity is the mother of invention!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you I have hung a few of my paintings in the basement area. I plan on dabbling in acrylics while the new renovation project is underway as I need to stay home while the crew is on site. Hope I haven’t forgotten how to paint! It’s been awhile...

Anonymous said...

Very pretty Leslie:
Did you know that ML Longworth has a new book coming out in November 2019? It is called "A Noel Killing." Love her books!!: Sheree

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I will add it to my must read list thank you Sheree!