Rustic Elegance?

I am not very good at home decorating.  I struggle with the choices of paint colors and how to decorate my walls. I envy people who seem to be able to make their homes look like they could be on the pages of "House Beautiful" 

However, the other day, a friend stopped over to drop off a dress she bought me.  She and her daughter sat and visited for awhile in my living room. My dear friend commented how nice my house was and how warm, inviting and comfortable it felt. She snuggled up on the couch while I sat opposite her on the love seat as we chatted. 

I have to admit, I do like my house.  I like it best when it's picked up and clean, which of course only lasts for about an hour on a Sunday afternoon, but even though it tends to be a hodge podge of hand-me-down furniture and antiques, it is very family friendly.  It has large spacious rooms that I have decorated with cherished paintings, photographs and ceramic projects the kids have made in art class. 

With four kids there are lots and lots of toys, but mostly the toys are kept in the family room on shelves or in a closet when not in use. I think the family room is cozy too, and we spend a great deal of time in there.   It has a wonderful futon and matching chair and it's the room where we watch TV in the evenings.  I love to snuggle up with the dog next to me and watch a little Food Network or HGTV.

After awhile, you get used to all the toys cluttering the shelves.  You block out the inordinate number of DVD players and VCR's and gaming equipment piled on top of the television cabinet.

However, I don't think the glow in the dark, rubber rat on my family room ceiling will earn my house a layout in a home decorating magazine any time soon. And I'm not sure how cozy and comfortable the rodent is making me feel, but I'm sure after a few weeks, I'll get used to it!