“Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful” —- William Morris
Building on the theme of authentic design style, let’s think about how we can subtract rather than add to our decor in order to improve our homes. The goal is to restore order to our homes and by so doing – simplify our lives!
Simplicity and serenity go hand in hand.
Like detectives examining a crime scene, we will look at the decor that surrounds us daily. Okay my design CSIs – let’s get down to work! Our journey begins with a walk through your home that will lead us to authentic awareness.
Supplies
• Camera
• Courage
• Fresh Eyes
• Energy
• Boxes
Tackle one room at a time, or one area of one room if you are overwhelmed. Travel through each room with fresh, objective eyes.
Truly look at your surroundings, the furniture and accessories, or take a picture of the room if you truly can’t be objective at this stage.
View the photo to see if you can step back and be objective.
With a thankful heart, ask yourself about each item –
1. Is it useful?
2. Do you find it beautiful?
3. Does it have sentimental value?
Would you be sad if you didn’t have this item, does it have sentimental value for you, or someone else in the house – if so, give it to that person, or put it in her room.
Make a schedule to continue this process, area by area, room by room. Commit to this schedule. If you need to break it into 30 minute projects so as to not overwhelm, so be it!
The boxes are needed to start separating the items you are subtracting.
Remember, if it isn’t beautiful, useful or sentimental – it is now time to release the item from your home – pay it forward.
Now bless the box of donated items knowing that more good will come into your life because you have made room for it.
This is a vital exercise in creating the home of your dreams!
Tami Smight Interiors is available to offer an objective set of eyes in your decorating detective work! 661 430-0127
Tami Smight Interiors, a full-service interior design firm, has been gracing southern California homes with warm, accessible designs since 2004.
As a certified professional interior designer, Tami Smight shares expert design tips, tricks and trends in her column. Check out her articles in our SCV Your Home Inside And out Section