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You know when a book lands in your lap at exactly the right moment?

That was this book for me.

Home Made Lovely by Shannon Acheson is a coffee-table worthy beauty. But it’s not just your average, “home-decorating how-to.” Instead, Shannon invites readers to look at the purpose behind a lovely home — one designed to meet your family’s individual needs, to offer hospitality to those around us, and to be stewards of what God’s given us.

Our family is currently knee-deep in renovations and moving prep. As I write this, walls are going up to create my husband’s soon-to-be office and the floor of our new home has been stripped of its previous carpet. For weeks now, I’ve been studying paint chips and dreaming of IKEA closet organizers and how to best arrange living-room furniture. And for someone who knows what I want my home to look like, but just doesn’t know how to achieve it, Home Made Lovely couldn’t have come at a better time.

Shannon weaves her own life stories and design advice into each chapter in a way that feels comfortable and natural. Her decorating tips feel do-able, even for modest budgets, and she breaks down the basics of design in a way that’s easily understood and implemented.

Home Made Lovely walks readers through several key thoughts for creating the home you’ve always wanted:

  • Reminding us who we’re decorating for
  • Dedicating our homes to God
  • Decluttering in seven simple steps
  • Budget decorating ideas
  • Finding your decorating style & decorating each room
  • Creating an environment of hospitality that will make anyone feel loved and welcome within your home

For a decorating newbie like myself, I often feel overwhelmed by design blogs or magazines. In this stage of life, I need a home that is practical for the littles living within it. A home that is calm and relaxing and cozy, but also has space to get messy — a place where items are easy replaceable and easy to clean.

Home Made Lovely seemed to truly get that. Rather than looking down on the stage of life I’m currently in, this book reminded me to embrace it and incorporated it. I didn’t close the book with that “Pinterest jealous” feeling in my mouth, but instead, thinking, “I can do this too!”

That’s why Home Made Lovely is the sort of design book we need more of. The type that encourages you to pursue your own decorating style — even if it’s not on a top-ten most trendy list. A book that cultivates gratitude, even in the imperfections and approaches home with a Biblical perspective.

In fact, one of my favorite chapters discussed practical ways to dedicate our homes to God — such as scripture on (or in) the walls, and a step-by-step guide for performing a house blessing. The final section of the book also narrowed in on the perspective of hospitality versus simply entertaining — and I love that. This book invites readers to look at the true purpose of a home and how we can use it to love others and share Jesus.

From colour choices to furniture layouts, fun tips for making an inviting entry way or hosting guests, wall treatments and lighting — the inspiration in this book is endless. So if you need me, I’ll just be busy applying some of the principals in Home Made Lovely to our new place. Which earns this book an easy 5 stars.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

You can grab your copy of Home Made Lovely on Amazon.

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Giveaway!

Ready to win a copy of Home Made Lovely by Shannon Acheson for yourself? Click the button below for a chance to enter and win this gorgeous book.

Open to Canadian residents only. Contest closes Thursday, September 24, 2020 at midnight PST. One winner, drawn on Friday, September 25, will receive a copy of Home Made Lovely by Shannon Acheson. Book and shipping provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications.

0 replies
  1. Samantha S
    Samantha S says:

    I would definitely want to improve my kitchen. I have a smaller kitchen so it’s hard to organise and design it so it’s both visually appealing and practical. I did recently get an over-the-sink dishrack and it’s amazing having counter space again!

    Reply

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