To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition, the end to which every enterprise and labour tends. — Samuel Johnson, the Rambler, No, 68.
That’s the very first quote in Gretchen Rubin’s brand new book, Happier at Home (affiliate link) which — like its predecessor The Happiness Project — is sure to be a blockbuster. The Samuel Johnson quote immediately hit home for me, because 
golly, isn’t this blog about finding happiness in our sweet little midcentury homes… about loving the house you’re in, instead of pining after what it may lack… and about giving our houses our tender loving care — so that they can give theirs back?
Crikes, sorry to get all mushy there. But in case you haven’t guessed, I am hugely enormously, gigantically, sentimental about happiness in house and home. It is kind of… all that I think about. I also just read Gretchen Rubin’s first book The Happiness Project (affiliate link) in July. I thought that the book was hugely enormously gigantically brilliant. It was a #1 New York Times best-seller for good reason. The book is NOT self-help FLUFF. This woman is a take-no-prisoners serious, avid researcher. She wrote lauded history books about Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy before she turned to the more prosaic, yet elusive, topic of Happiness. In a nut, with The Happiness Project, she synthesized amazing amounts of research on the topic… and then… and this was the especially brilliant part: She put her findings to work in her own life, small-step-by-small-step, over a 12-month period, and chronicled her experience. The book is super easy to read, super encouraging — but at the same time, it’s deeeeeep. How often can you say that.
Now, Gretchen (I don’t think she will mind my familiarity) has followed up her first best-selling happiness book with a second one that focuses even more specifically on cultivating happiness within your home and with the creatures who may live there with you. UPDATE: Happier at Home has just hit #2 on the New York Times best-seller list, in just its FIRST week on sale. THIS BOOK IS A MUST-HAVE!
One more happy thing: Gretchen once gave a shout out to Retro Renovation on her blog — and send several hundred new visitors our way. She like the retro. Can ya believe it. I can: Retro is Happy!
Rebecca@MidcenturyModernRemodel says
Lucky you for that lovely shout out. We all like poking around on RetroRenovation.
Elaine Marshall says
I listen to soothing music on Pandora and wear noise-cancelling headphones so I don’t hear unnecessary background noise.
Danielle says
I’m happy because the Bible Study I go to just started back up tonight, I came home to the fresh pear crisp I made earlier, I’m reading all the great comments on RR and I bought my dream 1950’s Monarch stove yesterday!
Kim says
I am happier at home when I accomplish the to do list and personal goals I have set out to do for that day,so then feel calmer and more put together to gather my kids and take the time out to read books, watch a movie,play polly pockets or just listen to my 4 kids as they talk about the joy and trials of their day, and then at the end of the day with a big sigh reflect back on the day and feel good that I don’t have many regrets of what I didn’t do and should’ve done…. that is happiness, peace and accomplishment.
Lindsay says
Im happier at home when I leave the chores and mundane tasks alone for a moment and instead dance around the livingroom with my one year old daughter to 50s music.
Lisa says
I just could use a little boost today. I’ll likely end up reading the book either way:)
carol says
Count me in. I’d love a copy. Thanks!
Jane says
I’ve been trying something that I’ve taken for granted most of my life and have only recently come to appreciate. My aunt has always taken the time to really greet me when I arrive at her house to visit; and when I leave, she stands at her door, waving until she can’t see my car anymore as I drive away. It always makes me feel that she really “sees” me, and it’s a very different experience than when someone gives you a quick hello without looking at you. Her warmth and love greet me when I arrive and send me on my way when I go. I’ve tried to do the same with my guests, friends and family (though I don’t normally kiss my guests or friends!:)) It really does make a difference if you step away from what you’re doing to look your husband/sons/daughters in the eye and give them a hug and kiss when they arrive. It’s a true homecoming. I’m happy to hear about Gretchen’s new book. I really liked her first one.
Paula says
Happiest home is filled with people I love. My goal is to make a home that is welcoming and comfortable. Of course, there is always more to learn. After reading your post, I want to read the Happiness Project!
I painted my entire house in warm neutral colors. People visiting for the first time always say the house feels warm and welcoming.
TatteredSpinner says
Believe it or not, I started doing laundry and dishes twice a week each. I’m a live-at-home college student who was never expected to do chores growing up. Both activities give me a really nice grounded feeling, and keep me from vegging out in front of either the tv or the computer.