Not a garland in sight.
Yesterday I spent the entire day cleaning the bedrooms out. Vacuuming dusty corners. Dumping junk drawers. And carrying out piles of jeans and various size pants that I’ve been saving, “just in case” one of them happens to fit either Patrick or Michael. In the meantime it occurred to me that I spend a lot of time never knowing the status of any of these clothes I’m saving. Either I forget they’re even in the closet, so they never get worn, or if I remember, I can’t seem to corner my boys long enough to make them try a few on.
They’re awful about trying on clothes. And I’m not great about staying on top of my clutter.
But I’ve decided that attacking clutter is my new thing.
via housebeautiful
In fact, I just read THIS interesting article that suggests we all have our own clutter comfort level, depending on our personality. According to this article, if you have the soul of an artist, you would tend to feel right at home in an English country home that’s laden with antiques, vases, textured pillows and rugs. And lots of patterns.
Only what you think is cozy, might be jarring for someone who has the soul of an engineer.
via othisisglamourous
Because according to the author if you have a soul of an engineer,
living around bold, saturated colors might make you nervous.
via vintagerosegardentumblr
You would NEVER want a bedroom like this.
Instead, you would gravitate toward a cleaner, minimalistic look. You’re a person that likes more symmetrical orderliness in your surroundings.
via english muse
A bedroom like this one would feel more comfortable.
Although, personally I think we’re all a blend of both these types.
While I’m drawn to deep colors and wonderfully worn patinas, lately I’ve been craving the peacefulness of white around me.
And although I’m a total “tactile person” who enjoys blending textures inside a room as much as inside a floral arrangement, I also require a balanced feeling in my surroundings. To me, it’s more of a sensation of “what feels right.” In addition to what looks good.
Do you know what I mean?
via crushculdesac
But whatever your clutter comfort level, we all need to find ways to stay on top of it.
I sure do.
And it felt so good that I finally tackled some piles of clothing. And I took down every last bit of garland and labeled this year’s Christmas stuff in big bins. I loved Yvonne’s idea about using clear bins for Christmas decorations, but I was too cheap to go out and buy them when I have my big ones sitting here.
So I’m using lots of labels for my big obscure bins.
my unfinished mantel, ready for change
I’ve always found this time immediately after Christmas to be a quiet, in-between period for decorating. My mantel is a blank slate now. I keep removing items. And waiting. I like to give myself time to get inspired by something. A color or a photo that grabs me or some quirky, found object.
I don’t mind that my house feels unfinished at this moment.
It actually feels good. Like when you get home after a night out and you wash all the make- up off your face. And your skin is free to breathe and now looks fresh and ready for some simple moisturizer. That’s how all my spaces seem now that the wreaths and shiny bulbs and colored ribbon are all gone.
And it’s nice because now I’m free to imagine new possibilities. Like the idea of painting my brick fireplace a fresh, creamy white, which is my next big project (gulp).
How about you? Do you have any new projects on the horizon?
Tell me, I’d love to hear.
xoxo
Leslie
Places I party :
http://www.cedarhill-ranch.com/2013/01/cowgirl-up-48-with-guest-host.html?
