Why Your Home Should Feel Like a Bad First Draft
Look, I’m gonna be honest with you. My house is a mess. Not like, ‘oh I need to vacuum’ mess. More like, ‘where did this pile of mail from 2017 come from?’ mess. And you know what? I’m okay with that.
I’ve been editing lifestyle magazines for 22 years. I’ve seen the perfect homes, the staged kitchens, the impeccably decorated living rooms. And I’ll tell you a secret: none of those places feel like real life.
About three months ago, I was at a conference in Austin, and I met this woman, let’s call her Marcus. She had a Pinterest-perfect home, and she was miserable. ‘It’s too perfect to live in,’ she told me over coffee at the place on 5th. ‘I can’t even put my feet up on the ottoman because it’ll mess up the symmetry.’
Which… yeah. Fair enough.
So here’s my take: your home should feel like a bad first draft. It should be lived in, used, and maybe even a little bit messy. Because that’s real life, folks.
How to Make Your Home Work for You (Not the Other Way Around)
I’m not saying you should live in squalor. But you should make your home work for you, not the other way around. That means figuring out what you need and what you don’t.
I have a friend named Dave, and he’s a minimalist. Like, extreme minimalist. He has 17 possessions. And he loves it. But that’s not for me. I need my clutter. It makes me feel comfortable.
So figure out what makes you comfortable. And if that means you have 36 pairs of shoes, so be it. Just make sure you have a place for them. (And honestly, maybe invest in some storage solutions. Smarthomeitems.com has some great options.)
And look, I get it. It’s hard to figure out what you need. But here’s a tip: if you’re not using it, get rid of it. I did a massive declutter last Tuesday, and it was liberating. I filled 14 bags with stuff to donate. And you know what? I didn’t miss any of it.
The One Rule You Should Actually Follow
There’s one rule I live by: if it doesn’t bring you joy, get rid of it. I know, I know, it’s cliché. But it’s true. I have a friend who keeps every card she’s ever received. And she’s drowning in them. She’s got them in boxes, in drawers, in piles on her desk. It’s completley overwhelming.
So I told her, ‘Marcus, if it doesn’t bring you joy, get rid of it.’ And she did. And she feels so much better. So do it. Get rid of the stuff that doesn’t bring you joy. And make room for the stuff that does.
And hey, if you’re in Vegas and you need some inspiration, check out the Las Vegas events this weekend calendar. There’s always something going on, and it’s a great way to get out of the house and clear your mind.
A Tangent: Why I Hate Open Floor Plans
Okay, I need to rant for a second. Open floor plans. Ugh. I hate them. They’re so impersonal. And they’re not practical. I mean, who wants to see the kitchen mess when they’re trying to relax in the living room?
I get it, they’re popular. But popularity doesn’t mean they’re good. I had a colleague named Sarah who had an open floor plan. And she was always stressed out because she couldn’t relax in one room without seeing the mess in another.
So do yourself a favor: if you’re planning a renovation, think about adding some walls. It’s just… yeah. It’ll make your life easier.
Final Thoughts (I Guess)
Look, I could go on and on about this. But I won’t. Because honestly, I’m not sure what else to say. Just remember: your home should be a reflection of you. Not some magazine spread. Not some Pinterest board. You.
So make it work for you. And don’t be afraid to make a mess. Because that’s life.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Linda Thompson. I’ve been a senior magazine editor for 22 years, and I’ve seen it all. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m not perfect, and I don’t have all the answers. But I’m here to share what I’ve learned. And to make you laugh along the way.
I live in a messy house with my husband, two kids, and a dog named Max. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
When I’m not editing, you can find me reading, writing, or binge-watching Netflix. I’m also a huge fan of smart home gadgets. (Hence my love for Smarthomeitems.com.)
I’m not here to tell you what to do. I’m here to share my thoughts, my experiences, and maybe make you laugh. So let’s chat. Let’s debate. Let’s figure this thing called life out together.
And remember: it’s okay to make a mess.
