Many of us look externally for ways to update our spaces – everything from new furniture and decor items to new artwork, linens and more. But before spending on yet more decor accessories consider a good decluttering to make your space look updated.
Over time many of us accumulate items that may have fit a previous home, coordinated with a previous taste in decor, have been passed along to us or just simply seemed a good purchase at the time. However there does come a point when spaces fill up, our tastes change, life circumstances change or we are in a different home that won’t contain the number of things we have. When this happens we often think the addition of different throw furnishings, pillows, decor accessories, lamps, etc. will make the space ‘feel’ better (yes, my hand is up!). The reality is that until a cluttered space is cleared and tidied up, you don’t really know if or what your space needs to refresh and update it.
Cluttered spaces are chaotic and overwhelming (Photo Credit: Onur Bahcivancilar)
I know the prospect of decluttering a space can be overwhelming but when broken down into small chunks, the task is much more manageable. Following are a few ideas to get you started:
Remove and discard books, papers and magazines. Some charity shops will accept books but also consider seniors facilities, day care centres may take magazines and recycle the newspapers (recycle the magazines too if you can’t find a place to donate them)
Clear counters, tables and other surfaces of piles of paper and mail
You may enjoy your collectibles but select a few items to display, not the entire collection! Take the less is more approach and ensure displays have an odd number of items (3 or 5 is ideal). Alternatively, if you no longer like a collection or are tired of it, sell or donate it
Clean. As you are clearing away the clutter, a good deep clean will go a long way to making your space appear fresh
Remove unnecessary furniture; rooms that are crowded with furniture feel chaotic and overwhelming. Are there pieces that can be used elsewhere in your home? If not, consider donating to a charity organization or posting in online buy and sell groups or give away sites
Organized, uncluttered spaces are calm and serene. (Photo Credit: Simply Swank Decor)
And don’t forget to consider the walls of your room. Is there too much artwork? Is the artwork poorly hung (too high, too low, mismatched frames and matts?)
Remember that less is more and a decluttered space will instantly feel brighter, more open and less chaotic. With the unneeded and unnecessary items gone, you are now better able to ‘see’ the room and decide if it is fine as it is or if the space still requires more to update and refresh it. If it is the latter you have less to move and work around as you carry out the updates – just remember to avoid the temptation to add too much!
For more tips, ideas and inspiration, follow Simply Swank Decor on:
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/simplyswankhomedecor/)
Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.ca/simplyswankdeco/)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/simplyswankdecor/)