The Artist? Just a Homeowner Expecting Dinner Guests

The Artist? Just a Homeowner Expecting Dinner Guests.

By Catherine Strange

“Who is the artist?”

We’ve been asked that question many times about the piece hanging above our dining room mantel at Henington House.

I always enjoy the answer.

There was no commissioned artist. Just me—a homeowner preparing for dinner guests, looking at a blank space and thinking, Something needs to go there.

The solution? An empty frame in the Henington House attic, a leftover piece of sheetrock, some joint compound—what we usually call “mud”—remaining from a project, and ninety-nine-cent craft paint.

That took care of it!

What began as a practical answer to an empty wall has hung there for years, quietly becoming part of our home’s story.

A Little Resourcefulness, a Lot of Possibility

Look closely at the photograph and you’ll see the uneven texture, the soft layers of color, and the cross within that generously sized gold frame. Below it, the dark wood mantel, glowing lamps, greenery, and collected pieces bring their own textures and warmth.

The frame gives those humble materials a sense of importance. The texture catches the light. And the cross feels right at home in a house where faith is part of our daily lives.

But its beginnings were wonderfully ordinary.

I had a space to fill. I looked at what we already had. And I gave it a try.

Sometimes that is all the invitation creativity needs.

What Do You Already Have?

At Henington House, decorating often begins with that question.

An empty frame tucked away in the attic. A bowl that could hold greenery. A platter that deserves to come out of the cabinet. Leftover materials that might have one more purpose.

Before you dismiss something, take another look. Turn it around. Imagine it somewhere else. Consider what it could become.

In this case, a frame, a scrap of sheetrock, and a little paint became something our guests have noticed and enjoyed for years.

That’s a lovely return on ninety-nine-cent craft paint!

Give Yourself Permission to Try

I think we sometimes talk ourselves out of creating before we ever begin.

I’m not an artist.

I wouldn’t know how.

What if it doesn’t turn out?

Well, what if it does?

Try a little texture on a scrap. Experiment with colors you enjoy. Use an empty frame to help you picture the possibilities. You can learn something simply by putting your hands to work.

Your home gives you room to experiment, to express your faith, to surround yourself with things that mean something to you—and to enjoy the results.

A Home With a Story to Tell

When someone asks about this piece, I get to share a story of dinner guests, a blank wall, and a little last-minute resourcefulness.

I love that.

The next time you see an unfinished corner in your home, let it stir your imagination. Look around at what you have and give yourself permission to make something of it.

Years later, someone may ask you, “Who is the artist?”

And you may find yourself smiling as you answer, “Well… that would be me.”

Henington House & Gardens

Historic Downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Simple Ideas for Living Large

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