Legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel once famously said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”
While some designers and homeowners are able to get away with a carefully cultivated “cluttered” look, many times too much stuff is just that: too much. Here are a few ways to apply Coco Chanel’s advice to your own home.
Horizontal Surfaces
Be careful not to have too many things on horizontal surfaces (coffee tables, end tables, and bookcase shelves). If you’re not implementing a symmetrical arrangement, tchotchkes look good grouped in threes. However you decide to display them, they need room to breathe (in other words, have negative space around them) in order to be a feature (not clutter).
Too many pillows
Pillows are a great way to accessorize and pull a space together, but too many pillows can actually be uncomfortable. Leave enough room to sit down without your guests feeling like they need to rearrange things.
Too many chairs
We all want to be flexible when it comes to accommodating guests, but the truth is that you probably don’t need a ton of chairs in one space all the time. Find creative places to stash your extra chairs – like a foyer or in the bedroom – and then take them out when they’re needed.
Art and Photos
If framed and hung properly, you can fill an entire wall, floor to ceiling, with your favorite pieces. But many times it just looks like a mess. Pick your favorites and then remove the rest. Cycle through them on a regular basis to change the look and give yourself a refresh. Things that are there all the time just turn into wallpaper and eventually you barely notice them.
If you’re having difficulty reimagining a room or are looking for help in incorporating treasured pieces with new design, let’s talk about it. And if you’re feeling “stuck” in your current design it might be time for fresh eyes to take a look at how we can create a space that you’ll love to come home to. CLICK HERE to schedule a call.