What makes your dream house?

I'm sure many of us have had plans, ideas and fantasies for our homes of now, and of the future. We'd want a certain theme, setting, mood and feel for it. We'd probably spend lots of time, effort (and even money) to source for, and find the best for our homes. We'd paint it up with our favorite colors and spice it up with little quirky items here and there.

I'm on this note since we're looking forward to moving out of this house and into a new one, and I am certainly excited. And of course, I've begun looking around for the theme I would like for my new home. 

I was of the opinion that beautiful home would make the occupants happy, and bring a family closer together, until yesterday. It was a cool Saturday as I made my way to a couple's house for a time of sharing.

It was my first time to their house, so I was naturally excited to appreciate and experience the way families would normally do up their homes- and I thought it would be able to provide me with some pointers and ideas for the planning of my new place.

I went home that day with a drastically altered perception, yet with an enlightened heart. This couple in concern didn't have the most spectacular place to call home. The perfectionist streak in me could go on and list what would have, and could have been done but I shall not. They weren't living lavish lives, yet were comfortable, contented, and full of love. This was evident in their interactions with one another, their body language, and in everything they did.

It brings me to recall the times I snapped at my family members because I felt that they refused to help me in cleaning the place (I'm a clean freak), or didnt exercise any effort in keeping the place as clean as possible(I'm a clean freak) or my poor brother who bears the brunt of my frustration when he isnt tidy enough for my liking (I'm a neat freak). All these had accumulated much frustration within me and added much un-needed tension within all of us at home. And I thought I was doing all these so that a clean house will bring us happiness, time together, and not to mention, healthier noses.

Not that it didn't, but I guess my approach was far from ideal.

I tried to stay away from cleaning up today, but ended up doing some minor housekeeping, but with a heart of love instead. Lo, my mood was much lighter and I was certainly taking everything on a lighter note.

The brief for my new house? Easy to maintain, so its less of a hassle for all of us! I'll so miss my idea of an art-gallery based home for sure. But the tradeoff is worth it, as long I as I don't suffer from a heart attack again.