I’m Passionate About Creating an Inviting Home
I have had a long-time love for interior Design and can literally spend hours wandering through Home Decor stores. I’m like a kid in a candy shop. Eyes wide-open, mouth agape…oooohing and aaaaahing at all the pretty things. I have a long-standing belief that your home should be your haven. It should be an escape from the day-to-day realities like work, traffic, and the public. Home decor just happens to be one of those things that I’m passionate about.
Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not materialistic by any means. Name brands aren’t really my thing and stuff certainly doesn’t fulfill me. Although, I do take delight in buying items on clearance or bargain hunting for high-end knockoffs. I’m also down to recreate a look with savvy Pinterest tutorials and I long for the day when I can paint my kitchen cabinets in a crisp white. Yes, I said paint, not replace.
So I ask you, am I alone in this? Do you find enjoyment in adding pretty touches to your home to make it inviting to your guests? Does it thrill you to create a space in your home that brings you comfort and relaxation? I think homemaking can actually can be part of our ministry as Mothers and Wives. How exactly? Let me explain.
The Proverbs 31 Woman Example
We all know about the Proverbs 31 woman…or at least I hope we do. If you don’t than I suggest that you read Proverbs 31 straight away. It will bless your heart to read about the wife of noble character. This woman sets a pretty high standard and I have to admit that I miss this mark by a long shot. However, I like that I have someone to reference to. God knows us women so well. He knows that we have a tendency to compare ourselves to each other. It’s like He’s saying “Take your eyes off your sister and look here at this woman. This is what pleases me”.
Proverbs 31 makes several mentions of how this noble wife takes care of her household. A virtuous and capable wife takes care of her home and all who are in it. Among all of the verses there is one that stands out when referencing the art of homemaking.
“She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.”
Proverbs 31: 27
I take special notice of these words. It says she carefully watches everything in her household. I can only imagine that means that there isn’t a thing that her hands aren’t a part of. She is involved in every aspect of the home whether it be dishes, laundry, the choice of linens, the type of furniture, bills, the expenses, etc. It also says she suffers nothing from laziness which tells me she always makes time and does her best. Her home is a representation of her and she takes pride in running her home well. It is her service unto the Lord.
I’d love to say that my home has no room for improvement but that is just not the case. It’s surely a work in progress, but I can honestly say I work to maintain an inviting, cozy home that is my family’s safe haven. I love cooking meals, baking, and finding ways to show the Lord’s love with simple choices in decor. I want my home to be welcoming to those who enter and a place where my family can find rest and peace.
Decorating with His Kingdom in Mind
There are certain things I implement into my homemaking that create an atmosphere of love and safety. While I know that there isn’t any particular kind of decor that God favors over another, I most certainly have my preference. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for farmhouse decor, rustic wood, and coastal design. The combination of the three nearly has me doing cartwheels. Ever watched Fixer Upper on HGTV? Yeah…I love what they do. Their style is absolutely swoon worthy. I really do miss that show.
Below I’ve listed some homemaking tips that will help your home reflect His Kingdom. The best part is that most of these ideas are free!
- Scripture Art –
One of the easiest ways I have found to create a peaceful space is by incorporating God’s word into my home’s decor. Hand-painted signs and inscribed mugs go a long way. The atmosphere will completely change when all who are in your household gaze upon scriptures and encouraging words on a daily basis. - Light is Key – Let the light flood in. I’m all about lamps everywhere, sheer curtains, and open blinds. I use light colored neutral paints so that light permeates every nook and cranny. One of my all time favorite colors to decorate with is white (yes, even when my kids were little). It’s so crisp, clean, and refreshing. I’m just thrilled that white robes will be worn in Heaven because it is absolutely fitting
- Cleanliness is Next to Godliness – Okay that is not in scripture, yet I feel it is worth a mention. It does say in Isaiah 1:16 “Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways.” There is a correlation between sin and filth throughout the bible and how we will be cleansed of sin and made to be white as snow. This concept isn’t lost on me. It is truly important to stay clean and organized. Keeping a clean home is pleasing to our spouses and children. I’m sure our guests appreciate it too. Letting filth and dust accumulate is a sign of laziness, which isn’t what God desires of us.
- Fragrance – There is a huge difference when you walk into a home that smells stuffy and one that smells airy and fresh. When the summer months aren’t sizzling away I like to throw open the windows and let the breeze in. I’m a huge fan of candles, sprays, and diffusers. Nice smells are pleasing and have a calming effect.
- Coziness – Adding some decorative pillows and throw blankets and to your sofa or to your bed creates an atmosphere of comfort. Fuzzy blankets provide warmth and a feeling of safety. My husband and kids love wrapping themselves at the end of a long day.
- Plants and Flowers – Adding some greenery to your home works wonders. There is something calming about tending to plants and displaying beautiful flowers. It creates an appreciation for God’s creation and how intricate his work really is. Adding foliage brings a little of the outside and brings it inside. Some of you might be blessed enough to have wild flowers growing around your home. I would take advantage of that opportunity and fill some vases.
“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, and expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
John 12:3
Perhaps you need some help getting started on turning your home into a haven and you have no idea where to begin. May I suggest browsing through Amazon Home Decor for a fast and easy delivery 
Hopefully these little trinkets will give you an idea of how to turn your home into your haven.
Many blessings to you,
I love having scripture art up! And lyrics from worship songs! My next mission is to make some oversized prints to hang in our bedroom.. Also totally agree with the cleanliness thing, although it’s probably my biggest struggle at home. I just haven’t found the right routine, I think 😉 thanks for sharing!
Ooooh! I can’t wait to see what you create! I recently pinned an image of a master suite that had a giant print of “Be Still” over the bed. It was gorgeous! I’m with you on the cleanliness thing. It can be a struggle with two teens at home but I do my best to keep up ; ) Be blessed Hannah!
Be Still is perfect for a bedroom! Gorgeous. I’m loving the song ‘through and through’ by United Pursuit right now, and I think those lyrics would be beautiful to put up somewhere too. We are in the toddler phase and it’s crazy! lol. Thanks for your encouragement x
That’s an awesome idea! Thank you for your encouragement as well sweet Hannah! It’s really nice to hear from you : )
I came over to find your site today on 100 Days! What a gorgeous site!
And, I love this post – a perfect blend of scripture, organization, and beauty!
Hope you have a blessed day today~
Melanie
Thank you so much for stopping in Melanie! Your kind words just warm my heart and I appreciate you. I pray you are blessed as well my sister : )
Great ideas! I love home stores too. They are my ‘chill out’ time and tend to clear my mind when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
Haha! I can literally spend hours in them Lynn. Thank you for stopping in : )
hey there sis! Lovely post! I really liked your image of the different products under 30$. My husband says I need to have a little more flair when it comes to design and I love these ideas!!thanks!
Hiya Sue!
You’re so very welcome. If you have a Hobby Lobby close to you I highly recommend them too. They have TONS of scripture home decor items : ) Good to hear from you!
Love this! I love it mostly because it just confirms how much we truly are alike! You completely described me with decorating too!. My favorite part is of you recommending to hang scripture. I make a effort to place at least one scripture in each room. I feel the peace of God from it and it has also sparked many godly relationships when guests are over and see the Word of God on our walls. The old testament told how they would place signs on the outside of their doors to know who their God was. I believe in doing the same.
Amen Carmen! You are my beautiful soul sister!
“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 19 Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 20 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors. Deuteronomy 11: 18-21
If you enjoy scripture art work, check out P Graham Dunn.com. Made in The USA. Beautiful showroom and factory in Dalton, Ohio. Affordable and beautiful design.
Thank you Amy! I’ll check it out now : )
Natalie,
Thanks so much for sharing this at Home Sweet Home! I visited your blog for the first time this week and it was a favorite. Lots of inspiration! I am enjoying the Facebook group too thanks for the invite.
Thank you Sherry!! I’m so blessed to have you join us in By His Grace. I just love your blog and link-up. It makes me feel all cozy inside.
Natalie,
I absolutely love this post! You did an excellent job pointing out some of the areas the Lord delights in in our homemaking! This is such a passion of mine and I love to see bloggers sharing these ideas with others looking to incorporate more of God in their hearts and homes! Thank you for sharing!
God bless,
Patty
I’m so glad Patty! It’s a passion of mine as well. I love interior design and can watch HGTV all day if you let me. It brings me joy, not as much as Jesus does but it’s definitely something I get a kick out of.
This was such a sweet post. I love it! Thanks for the fun farmhouse ideas and the motivation to keep things neat and tidy!
Thank you Stephanie!
I appreciate you stopping in and taking the time to comment. It means so much to me! I’m off to visit your blog : )
I just discovered your blog and I am in love! I’m new to the blogging world but yours inspires me! Thanks girl❤️
That truly brings me so much joy! So glad you found me : )
I love the idea of “creating an atmosphere of love and safety.” What a wonderful goal for our homes
Ah yes! Our homes are our safe haven away from the outside hustle and bustle. We have the privilege of creating a Godly atmosphere at home with our families. It’s somewhere where our children can be safe and where our husbands can escape.
Natalie,
This is a post after my own heart! Creating a warm and inviting space for family and friends is one of my favorite things! We have a unique opportunity to minister to the souls of others when we gather them in our home. Jesus modeled this for us as he often ministered to others around a table.
Blessings, Misty
I love the pics you post of your home! Everything is so beautiful, right down to the smallest details! Interior design and hospitality are some of my most favorite things as well. It’s so much fun!
Natalie, I love this post. It is as fresh as your page. It is obvious that you love beautiful things with this site. Sharing this post on my FB page! I am a bargain hunter, as well. I think we could hang in stores for hours. I also loved the tabletop scripture art that lite up.
Thank you friend! I’m in total agreement, hanging out while browsing home decor sounds divine : ) It’s one of my joys!
Natalie, sounds like you’re creating a sweet haven for your family! I would caution you about number 4, though. The artificial fragrances in candles, sprays and plug-ins are neurotoxic petrochemicals that are harmful even to people who don’t notice any problem with them. And they can be deadly to people who have asthma or allergy/sensitivity to fragrances and chemicals. I like to freshen the air by opening the doors and windows, even on a cold day for a short time. Then maybe put a little pot of water on the stove with some citrus rinds and spices.
Thank you so much for the information Jean. I’ll have to look into the dangers of candles and plug-ins. I’m hearing good things about essential oils and their many benefits, I may have to make a switch. Thank you for stopping in : )
What do you suggest in the situation of being next to broke, and your husband doesn’t care about “frills”? We bought our first house last year and I have been so wanting to make it more welcoming and pleasant to be in. I am a stay-at-home mother of two and it can be quite depressing being in an empty house all day…
Oh sister! I can totally relate as I was in this situation myself when first starting out. My first suggestion is to choose a decor style that soothes and relaxes you. The fun thing about home decor is it can be “simple” and doesn’t necessarily have to include any frills. Does your husband love the outdoors? Try incorporating some live plants into your home with neutral colored pots. Shop the sales at department stores and look for bargains in thrift stores. I can’t tell you how many things I’ve purchased on Craigslist that were in great condition and that I still own to this day. Home decor doesn’t need to be bland, you can make your home all your own by having a plan in place. Picture a home that invites prayer, includes family and neighbors, and instills love. You can turn your home into your own sanctuary.
I loved being inspired to paint my own scripture artwork for my home! Reading this helped me this morning to get a tiny bit of reading done and a whole lot of motivation in myself! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing! It is amazing how much light helps create an atmosphere of productivity and energy! I love to have the curtains open, and if its cloudy, keep the lights on, even if I don’t “need” them.
Hi Natalie,
You sounded so much like me in this post 😊. I used to feel lonely at times with the home decor passion.. I prefer decorating the house with white and rustic as well which is yet to happen .. I do have lot of scriptures on the wall..I have lot of indoor plants as well.. I loved how you related the home decor with scriptures. M so happy to be able to follow the spiritual sister with a same passion like mine ..God bless you!
I absolutely love the notion that cleanliness is next to Godliness. My worship group brings it up often, and it’s a constant motivator for me to clean my house! It also doesn’t hurt when I use it as an excuse to my husband that we need ourhardwood resurfaced haha! Thank you for thoughts!
Thank you for stopping in Marilysa! Beautiful name by the way. I’m so blessed that you found this post to be a motivator for turning your home into a haven!