"Well you get down the fiddle and you get down the bow,
Kick off your shoes and you throw 'em on the floor.
Dance in the kitchen 'til the morning light:
Louisiana Saturday night."
~ Don Williams
A couple of years ago when we bought new carpet, we decided to have a "no shoes on the carpet" rule. It had some pleasant side effects. What is the first thing people do when they come home to relax? They kick off their shoes. I have found that guests do the same thing; you're much more inclined to put your feet on the furniture, goof off and just relax when sans shoes. It's a small thing, but it works.
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11 sweet little love notes:
I bet it really saves the carpet and the furniture as well!
We have the "no shoes" thing going on at our house too. I didn't grow up that way, but my husband did and we've just always done it that way. I always kick my shoes off when I go anywhere else too. Some people protest that I don't need to but it's just such a habit that I feel weird walking in a house with shoes! :-)
Oh I have been trying to instill that rule, but Mr. Hughes can be forgetful... my deal is all the places your shoes go (public restrooms) and I don't want them on the floor with my little guy that constantly picks up stuff and puts in his mouth. So I will remind (nag) Mr. Hughes until he gets it!
Smiles!
Michelle
The no shoe guideline is in effect at our home. I grew up this way as well. When I actually do find myself wearing shoes in my house (having to run back in to pick up a forgotten item as we are heading out of the house), or leave them on at another's home when welcomed to do so it FEELS COMPLETELY ODD!
No shoes, from my perspective, saves on wear and tear on the house as well as makes a home much easier to keep clean.
Janell
We tried that.. and for the most part me and the kids are on board. We have a hard time getting my husband to remember to take off his shoes though. I agree, guest would feel more relaxed by taking off their shoes as well. :)
Just found your blog and love it! We banned shoes 2 years ago when we moved into our brand new house and it was one of the best things we've done! You are right- it just makes people feel comfortable immediately! Looking forward to reading more of your posts! XOXO
Why is it that men are always more resistant to the "no shoes" rule than women and children are? (As a sociologist, I have some ideas on this, but I won't bore you. :P )
But you're right - No shoes = comfiness. I type this, shoeless, with my feet tucked under me on my leather computer chair.
Have a great Wednesday!
Cool idea!!
Hugs, Lisa
Good song. :)
I am always "sans shoes" but I'm also always "sans socks" haha!
I never thought about it being a nice thing to make guests more comfortable. I like that.
We have also this "rule" at home.
And if any gest would protest, we have in our lobby a box of slippers to choose from.
I think it is not only about saving the furniture, but also you save yourself because you don't have to sweep or vacuum-clean every single day.
I have a no-shoes rule in my home too.
In fact, I have an whole blog about removing shoes in homes: Shoes Off at the Door, Please You might like to take a look.
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