Homeowners in Rochester are being encouraged to rethink their approach to home repairs and renovations. Many residents delay hosting gatherings or showcasing their spaces due to a belief that their homes must reach a state of perfection before welcoming others. This mindset, often fueled by cultural expectations, can hinder opportunities for connection and enjoyment.
The concept of a home being “done” is largely a myth. Jeanette Caban, a lifestyle contributor and certified master gardener, emphasizes that homes rarely feel fully complete. Many homeowners express hesitation about featuring their spaces, citing reasons such as a need for projects to be finalized or a desire for pristine conditions. This inclination to wait for an ideal moment leads to a continuous cycle of postponement.
Understanding the Root of Perfectionism
Caban notes that societal pressures play a significant role in this mindset. In an age dominated by curated social media feeds and before-and-after transformations, it is understandable why individuals feel their lived-in environments fall short. The desire to achieve a perfect aesthetic can keep homeowners stuck in a liminal space, waiting for that one last project to be completed before they feel ready to entertain or share their home.
Practical barriers also contribute to this delay. Local contractors and real estate professionals highlight issues such as budget constraints, supply chain delays, and the challenge of finding skilled tradespeople. For instance, some residents find themselves unable to remodel due to being locked into a low 3% mortgage, which complicates refinancing options. Others may feel constrained by time and resources, making it difficult to commit to larger projects.
Small Changes Can Lead to Big Improvements
Caban urges homeowners to consider that meaningful improvements do not always require extensive renovations. Simple actions such as painting a room, rearranging furniture, swapping out hardware, or decluttering a single area can create a significant impact. Even larger projects can be approached incrementally, allowing homeowners to tackle them in phases or with the help of friends and family.
As winter approaches, many individuals feel an intensified pressure to have their homes in order, especially with the holiday season on the horizon. The thought of inviting guests into an unfinished space can be daunting, but it is essential to remember that a home does not need to be immaculate to be welcoming. A warm atmosphere can be created with simple touches, such as a pot of soup on the stove or a lit candle in a room still undergoing updates.
Caban emphasizes the importance of taking action rather than waiting for ideal conditions. “Idyllic conditions and textbook timelines are deceptive,” she states. Homes are defined not by their completion but by the lives and experiences unfolding within them.
If you have been holding off on inviting friends over or participating in community initiatives due to the belief that everything must be perfect, consider this an encouragement to embrace your current space. Start living in your home as it is, allowing it to evolve over time.
For those interested in sharing their unique homes, Caban invites nominations for feature stories at [email protected] with “Home Style” in the subject line. As she continues to explore the intersection of home, garden, and personal meaning, her insights serve as a reminder that perfection is not a prerequisite for connection. More of her work can be found on her Substack at substack.com/@goldenrodtapestry.
