"I think that when you invite people to your home, you invite them to yourself." ~ Oprah Winfrey

We live in a culture that has little time or interest in beauty. Loveliness (and even less, our own femininity) has little regard in our current times. We see this is so many areas of art, music, books, literature, style. We are being trained to view what is unsightly, unaesthetic and call it beauty. Our tolerance for baseness and well, ‘ugliness’ is frequently elevated as the norm.

As homemakers, we have the beautiful privilege of pushing back against this darkness within our homes. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His love and grace in all aspects of our lives, including the spaces we inhabit. Our homes are not merely physical structures; they are sacred spaces where we can create an atmosphere that nurtures our families, uplifts our spirits, and welcomes others with open arms. The Christian–and I’ve even go so far as to say, the Christian homemaker, should look different from the rest of the world–because we reflect the Creator, we have an invitation to live aesthetically, artistically, and creatively. Because of this, we can infuse beauty into the corners of our home.

Beauty as a Reflection of God's Creation

You’d be surprised what a small, store-bought bouquet of flowers can do to a countertop or table. It’s so easy to live these plastic, artificial lives, that seeing a live bouquet of natural things sitting on the kitchen table can cause you to stop and reflect on what is lovely, almost instantly. As Christians, we know the Lord is the ultimate Creator, and His creation is filled with exquisite beauty, even in our broken world. Our homes, as extensions of His creation, offer us a canvas to celebrate and reflect this beauty. By incorporating natural elements like flowers, plants, and artwork inspired by God's creation, we create a harmonious environment that reminds us of His glory and invites us to always be mindful that He is with us.

Cultivating a Spirit of Hospitality

Hospitality holds a special place in the heart of a Christian homemaker. Our homes are not just shelters; they are sanctuaries where we extend Christ's love to those around us. Through intentional acts of hospitality, we can create an atmosphere that makes others feel seen, valued, and welcomed–a respite from the chaos of the outside world. From setting a beautifully adorned table to creating cozy guest rooms, we can cultivate an environment that envelops our guests in a quiet simplicity that is pleasing, reflecting Christ's love for His people.

Fostering Peace and Serenity

In a world filled with chaos and busyness, our homes should provide a haven of peace, serenity, and hope. As Christian mothers, we have the privilege of curating an environment that encourages stillness and facilitates moments of reflection that encourage us to ‘keep our mind on things above.’ Fostering a place of rest can be as simple as creating cozy reading nooks, dedicating spaces for quiet moments of study or journaling, and incorporating soothing colors and textures into our design palette. We can foster an atmosphere of rest, hope, and peace to anyone who enters our homes.

Faith-Inspired Décor and Art

I was never one to have out-of-context Scripture verses on plaques or in framed art as part of my interior design. However, the older I get, the more value and beauty I see in adorning my home with art and decor that reminds me of who I am and to whom I belong. The beauty within our homes can serve as a powerful testament to our faith, if not but to simply encourage us and move our thoughts to the Creator. With the darkness pressing in (and bolder than ever before), surrounding ourselves with faith-inspired artwork serves our hearts and minds as strong reminders of hope and the coming glory for which we are waiting.

Nurturing Christ-Centered Relationships

As Christian homemakers, we recognize the importance of nurturing Christ-centered relationships within our families. We have a special opportunity to create intentional spaces that encourage communication, togetherness, and shared experiences in our homes. Not everything we place in our home must have utility. Yes, I know it’s against the minimalist movement, and I don’t believe cultivating places like these need cost exorbitant amounts, either. I do believe, however, that we can live intentionally, aesthetically, and artistically by curating spaces in our small corners of the world that encourage us to sit, rest, engage, and connect. From a cozy family room for game nights to a prayer corner for daily devotionals, we foster an atmosphere that strengthens our relationships and helps us grow in our faith as a family.

Stewardship and Gratitude

Finally, embracing beauty as Christian homemakers involves stewardship and gratitude. We are called to care for the resources and blessings God has entrusted to us. Chaos breeds confusion and so many of us allow chaos to mount in our homes in various way. Practicing good stewardship through organization, decluttering, and embracing sustainable practices, we can honor the Lord’s provision in our lives. Cultivating a spirit of gratitude for our homes (regardless of how big or small you think you need, whether it be owned or rented, city or rural) and the abundance within them, helps us recognize the beauty that surrounds us and encourages contentment and joy.

Our homes are more than simply dwellings; they are opportunities for us to embody the Father’s love, grace, and beauty. By intentionally infusing our homes with elements that reflect our faith, we create sanctuaries where His presence is felt, His love is shared, and His beauty is celebrated. My encouragement to you, sweet homemaker, is that you embrace your role as homemaker and placemaker with joy and reverence, understanding the profound impact our homes have on our families and all who enter. Let us create place and small corners that inspire and uplift, mirroring the beauty of our Savior and inviting others to experience His transformative love.