How to Romanticize Homemaking: Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

Romanticizing homemaking isn’t about creating a picture-perfect life—it’s about delighting in the gifts God has given you and being intentional with the way you live. It’s about cherishing the small, seemingly mundane moments, knowing that they will one day be the memories you hold close. It’s about making the here and now a life you love, embracing every second of it—the good, the bad, and everything in between—while giving all the glory to God.

It’s the simple beauty of tacos for dinner on a Tuesday night while the children build block towers and the baby is nestled in the wrap, the anticipation of your husband’s arrival making the evening even sweeter. It’s the quiet of the morning, the first hints of spring carried in by birdsong. It’s the blissful treat of reading six pages of your book before little feet come padding down the hall. It’s the big Saturday plans to do nothing but stare into your children’s eyes and soak them in.

But romanticizing homemaking isn’t about curating a perfect aesthetic, nor is it about glorifying suffering. As Christians, we know that hardship will come, yet we are called to rejoice in it: Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12). Contentment isn’t about having the ideal circumstances—it’s about trusting that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

So how do we embrace this? How do we make the everyday feel special?

Making Your Home a Place You Love

The first step in romanticizing homemaking is creating a home that you love—not through expensive décor or elaborate cleaning routines, but through atmosphere and intention.

In our home, we light a morning candle while Bible songs play softly in the background—yes, on an actual CD, because nostalgia is a gift and because it helps keep my phone out of reach. In the evenings, we light an evening candle and gather for Bible story time.

Every Friday, we celebrate the start of the weekend with Special Drink Day. It’s nothing extravagant—just something different from our usual water—but that tiny shift makes it something to look forward to. We play our weekend playlist and clink our glasses together, a simple tradition that marks the transition into rest.

Having daily rituals—like morning coffee with your Bible—anchors your day. And mamas, this doesn’t need to be a quiet, solitary moment. Let your children see you in the Word. Let them witness you taking care of yourself. These rhythms are as much for them as they are for you.

On Tuesdays, we do Tea Time Tuesday—a little snack, a warm drink, and Bible time together. It’s small, but it’s something we all look forward to.

Part of romanticizing your home is also about curating what comes into it. I don’t buy things just for the sake of buying, but when something needs replacing, I choose something beautiful. Sometimes, this means going without until I find the right thing, but I would rather wait than fill my home with things I don’t love.

And speaking of clutter—romanticizing homemaking is about delighting in the not-so-aesthetic parts of life, too. The scattered toys, the brightly colored toddler cups, the little letters scribbled onto the shower wall with bath crayons—these are reminders of God’s blessings. Instead of rushing to “fix” them, take a moment to see them. These are the markings of a life well-lived.

Finding Joy in the Everyday

The next way to romanticize homemaking is to add more joy and whimsy to your life.

If you want to live a joyful life, you need to create a joyful life. Joyful people aren’t joyful because they live without struggles—they are joyful because they embrace life fully, regardless of their circumstances. It’s a decision. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).

One way to bring joy back into your days is to rediscover the small things that used to make you happy. Sometimes, we let go of simple joys in the overwhelm of motherhood—not because we have to, but because we forget.

For me, one of those things was painted nails. I used to love them, but after having children, I stopped—thinking I didn’t have the time. And it’s true—I don’t have time to sit for an hour with special non-toxic polish drying. But I do have time for Sally Hansen Insta-Dry, which is most definitely not non-toxic, but you know what? The joy it brings me outweighs the toxins.

This isn’t just about nail polish—it’s about getting ready for the day. Not because you have to, but because it makes you feel put-together. I love wearing dresses and skirts at home—they’re comfortable, practical, and make me feel polished no matter the season of life I’m in.

And don’t underestimate the power of an everything shower—you know the one. The kind where you deep-condition your hair, exfoliate, dry brush, and use that special lotion. I take 45 minutes once a week to go the extra mile in grooming myself, so I can feel polished as a mother.

Living for Others

One of the fastest ways to romanticize life is to stop focusing so much on yourself.

Elisabeth Elliot once said, “Let yourself be wronged.” In a world that tells us to fight for every ounce of justice for ourselves, there is something deeply countercultural—and deeply freeing—about simply choosing kindness, even when someone wrongs you.

Make it a habit to encourage others. Leave kind comments on someone’s work—whether it’s your son’s LEGO creation or a friend’s online post. Send a sweet text just to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Bake a loaf of bread and drop it off for a neighbor. Involve your children in acts of kindness so they grow up others-focused as well.

Savoring Nostalgia & Slowing Down

Fall in love with each season.

I used to scroll Pinterest, mesmerized by seasonal aesthetic boards—fall picnics, cinnamon rolls, cozy blankets, stacks of books. And then I realized—why not just do those things? I can make cinnamon rolls. I can have a picnic. It doesn’t have to look like Pinterest to be beautiful.

Now, I create seasonal bucket lists inspired by those images. I don’t get to everything, but I get to enough that each season feels rich and full.

One of the best ways I’ve slowed down my life? I switched to a flip phone for a few months. And it was absolute glory. It helped me put my phone in its rightful place and develop better habits.

Without the world at my fingertips, I found myself caring less about it. I took the kids to the park without the lingering thoughts of what emails needed answering—because I didn’t have the option. I felt like a 90s mom, and it was wonderful.

The only reason I got my smartphone back was because I was having my third baby and wanted it for pictures. But I still use Assistive Access Mode to turn my phone into a “dumb phone” when I need to step away from the noise.

I’m not saying you have to switch to a flip phone (though I highly recommend it). But find a way to remove the temptation to be on your phone all the time. Leave it in another room. Lock it up. Set time limits. Do whatever you need to do to be present.

Romanticizing Homemaking Starts Today

Romanticizing homemaking isn’t about making life perfect—it’s about making life beautiful in the way God intended. It’s about cultivating joy, slowing down, and savoring the everyday blessings He has given you.

If you’d like to take this journey deeper, I invite you to join me for my free Homemaking Reset Workshop—a space where we learn how to bring peace, joy, and rhythm to our homes.