Simple Joy of Puttering
One of my favorite things to do in every season is just putter around the house.
In the winter, it’s an indoor rhythm—quiet and cozy. I’ll make a hot drink, light a candle, tidy up a corner or maybe move a few things around just to make the space feel a bit more inviting. It’s not about tackling a big project—it’s about being present and making the home feel better in small ways.
In the summer, I’m still holding a warm mug (anyone else a hot coffee year-round person?), but the experience feels a little different. The doors are always open so a fresh coastal breeze comes through. I might step outside on a whim to clip herbs or snip some flowers, and come back in the kitchen to put them in a vase. While I’m there I might clear the counters or rearrange a shelf, but only if I’m inspired to. Most of the time I’m just puttering around the house, doing any small thing that makes me happy but also doing nothing in particular.
Puttering is not about productivity or getting things done. It’s more like a hobby or activity I look forward to. A slow ritual that helps me feel more at peace and connected to my home (and myself).
People often ask, “What do you do for fun?” For me, this is it. :) Puttering. It’s simple, but it brings me joy.
puttering (verb): to occupy yourself in an unhurried, pleasant way with small tasks, without focusing on anything in particular.
Whether it’s winter or summer, puttering always feels like time well spent! It’s like home therapy for a HomeBody like me!
Are you a putterer, too?
Yes, I love to putter! And I often think of you as you coined this phrase in my mind! With a busy house of kids, I still find time to putter but I often look back and wonder how productive I was. It brings me joy and is peaceful but then I feel bad I didn’t tackle more on my to do list. I also realize that having lots of young children at home is more the source of my lack of being able to get a lot done. I am just curious if you have any thoughts on having that balance – especially with kids?
Sure, I think of puttering as the restoration of my own peace but we also use the “Four Daily Routines” to restore order to the house every day–I use these to create structure in my days and make progress when I had young kids too! Also in HomeBody Gathering Place this summer we started a monthly “Putter Declutter” home reset that combines BOTH the peace of puttering and the intentional time to get things done! I love doing both. As a mom who had three young kids and my nephew the same age as my young one at home all day (and another work from home job ha) I needed a rhythm to get things done AND maintain my sanity. Of course, everything is more challenging with young ones so grace is also needed. They are certainly the priority over the house, but I loved my dailies for making our home a sanctuary for them and me!
this is where I share rhythms and routines for creating a sanctuary http://homebodygatheringplace.com
Thank you for your response Melissa! You always give a good perspective on things. Your post this morning put me in a good place to process my goals as a mom and for my home. I hope to have some better clarity moving forward! I love the idea of puttering declutering – giving a task to my puttering. You have given me lots to think about! Thank you! I always appreciate your intentions for slowness and simplicity. There can be so much satisfaction simply at home when we create these rhythms! xo
You’re very welcome, Ashley! I always appreciate your thoughtful comments and questions, too!
Puttering is one of my favorite things to do! Not many people really understand that!
It is true. It’s a delight and peaceful practice few seem to understand!
With a kitchen this beautiful, who could resist spending a morning puttering about? I love your kitchen! I, too, own a similar bar cart, but I like the way you’re using yours. Most of my puttering consists in deep cleaning the counters, moving appliances and getting into the corners. It never feels like a chore, it’s always pure pleasure.
Thank you! And I feel the same, I always say to not call caring for your home “a chore” or it makes it feel like something to dread or avoid.
Love the simple joy of pottering in the kitchen. Brings a cozy, creative vibe to summer!
Your kitchen is beautiful! What is the paint color for your kitchen walls and cabinets?
Thank you! It’s Classic Light Buff Sherwin Williams color (matched in cabinet paint for the cabinets).
My husband went to Heaven in May of last year and I am contemplating getting a puppy. I see your cute new puppy and I wonder if you are having a time with his training. I have my eyes on an Aussie doodle and wonder if I would be able to adjust.
Hi Diane! I’m so sorry for your loss! It is a lot of work to have a puppy, but you can sometimes get a pup trained before bringing them home which could help with some of the initial things like potty training or socialization. Finnegan was partially trained when we got him, but it was still an adjustment acclimating him. The main challenges were keeping up with taking him out a lot for potty training (we got him a bell which helped a lot). Now it’s just taking him for walks, grooming and feeding! But if you have the time, patience and ability to care for a puppy, they are wonderful companions. We love having one!
Gorgeous and inviting kitchen and dining area! Can you tell me how tall your ceilings are?
Thank you yes they are 9 feet!
Yes! It makes me feel relaxed and happy, like my hair is combed. But my southern mama called it “just piddling “ so that’s what I call it.
It’s the best activity, whatever you call it!
This is such a nice little reminder to myself to take it easy and enjoy the little things, especially when it comes to decorating!