At Home With Laura Petrie

They had invested all their spare money overtime and always watched their nickels and pennies. Grandmother bought food with ripped labels and crumpled box corners because it was cheaper. She kept spare dry storage in the cellar.

She shopped at thrift stores religiously. She scanned the racks and shelves for quality items. She would never settle for cheap materials, even at a bargain. Why waste your time and money on something that won't last?

My grandparents splurged on two things. Traveling and art. They would take trips to Europe regularly and buy paintings from artists on the streets. When my grandfather passed my family had some of the pieces appraised. None were sold, but many of them are worth a lot of money now.

Everything in their home felt timeless. It had stayed exactly the same for 50 years, and would be just as pristine in 50 more.

Nothing was trendy. Nothing was flashy. Everything was white and creme and dark stained wood. A few green or orange chairs, lovely Persian rugs, and a cuckoo clock with the batteries removed.