A simple tip I recently learned for simplifying and decluttering a space is to look at all of the things in your house and determine: What makes YOU happy?
Is it family, travel, coming home to a calming environment, entertaining friends or even all of the above?
Choosing elements that make you happy is helpful for the art of decluttering, but it’s also essential for interior design and creating a personalized space that’s tailored to your lifestyle.
As you travel through your home, take note of what pieces you are naturally drawn to, the elements that give you pleasure when you look at them or touch them. If a piece of furniture or art doesn’t make you happy, donate it or upcycle it. Approaching each space and noticing which pieces “speak” to you (such as a beloved family photo or a newly acquired piece of arts from a recent vacation) will help you determine the key elements in your home that you want to highlight.
Fill your house with things that tell your story and share your memories. An often-quoted line from architect, artist, and furniture and textile designer William Morris is, “Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” The notion of beauty is wonderfully individual, and your aesthetic is what will make your home unique and, ultimately, a reflection of you and your family.
Clients often know that they love a certain piece, but they are having trouble making it “work”. By balancing scale and proportion, we are able to highlight [or incorporate] those pieces in the overall design of a room. Our design works creatively with your sensibilities and your personal history to reflect your needs and desires. When new items are being considered, we give much thought as to how we can enhance your collection and complement it.
Our job is not to determine what makes us happy (we have our own homes for that purpose!), but rather to help you curate a home that combines the elements that you love to create a living space that makes you feel happy and welcomed whenever you are there.
So what do you love? Make a list. You may be surprised at the simple way your happiness preferences can act as a North Star of style and allow you to focus on enjoying all aspects of your life.