“A house is who you are, not who you ought to be.” –Jill Robinson
I love the sentiment in this quote. It strikes a deep chord with the idea that a home, regardless of its state, is a reflection of who we are at any given moment. Jill Robinson’s quote, “A house is who you are, not who you ought to be,” encapsulates this beautifully. Our homes naturally evolve with us, and while they may not always be perfect, they are full of meaning, memories, and our own personal history.
The connection to Elsie de Wolfe’s (The House in Good Taste, written in 1913) philosophy adds a timeless touch. She championed personal style in design over a century ago, and it’s still relevant today. It’s so true that while money can help us achieve certain aesthetic goals, it’s not the key to creating a home that feels like “us.” We can express ourselves through the care we put into our space, through what we already have, and by embracing simplicity and gratitude.
The idea of “pulling focus” like a cinematographer to appreciate the beauty already present in our homes is such a wonderful way to shift perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in what we think our homes should be, but this reminds us to appreciate what is—the warmth, the comfort, the stories behind the objects we choose to surround ourselves with.
Taking a moment to express gratitude for the home we have, while acknowledging that others may not be as fortunate, brings everything into perspective. It turns decorating from something purely aesthetic into something more soulful and intentional, making us feel more connected to our homes, and in turn, ourselves.
