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Friday, January 10, 2014

QUIET


For the past few days since I've packed up the Christmas decorations I've had most of my surfaces completely cleaned off.


This concept is so foreign and unnatural to me, but it's actually felt like we have room to breathe.  No scooting lamps over each time we need a coaster, propping feet on the two available inches of coffee table, or shuffling things on and off of the kitchen table at every meal time.


I think I've enjoyed it the most in the kitchen.  I only have a few things on the counters rather than all of the accessories that are usually there too.  I've actually had lots of room to work...what a concept!


Over the next few days I'll be putting things back, but I think I'll be very selective and intentional with what I put on our most used surfaces.


I think completely clearing a space provides a great blank slate for a fresh start in your decorating too, allowing you to consider options you may not have realized before.


How do you feel about totally empty surfaces?  Have you ever tried living with a cleared out space?

P.S.  I'm still having fun moving this around from place to place!


Have a happy weekend, friends!  We'll be celebrating a birthday...our oldest is officially stepping into the teenage years!

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Would you like to comment?

  1. I love clear spaces sometimes. Most of my surfaces are clear right now too (except for the kitchen of course :)). Have fun celebrating this weekend!!

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  2. We have a blank slate every time we move....it takes time to decide where things should go. It also helps purge the unused/unnecessary. We have a new 11 year old celebration this weekend- have fun ushering in this new season!!

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  3. your home looks so beautiful in any state, unless my kids visit. ;) i could look at pictures all day!

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  4. I wrote a post somewhat about this at the beginning of that year. I love the idea of clearing it all off and then starting fresh. I don't think I could like very minimal, but I am becoming more and more selective (both because of a change in my style and because my cat leaves nothing untouched). Love your home, no matter what, though!

    Angela @ Number Fifty-Three

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  5. I am constantly changing things !!! It's so refreshing. Spaces look clean and NEW! I agree about uncluttered kitchen counters. We have the same granite and it's busy enough without a bunch of accessories! Just a few needed items!

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  6. It's so nice to start clean and fresh in new year! Have fun celebrating this weekend! xo K

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  7. This is the one thing I look forward to after the holidays Jennifer - a clean slate. Last year I wrote a post about it around this time. I love the fact that my house went from Christmas overload, to just simple, clean abode. And yes, just like you I'm tweaking my home for the winter, a bit of blues and crystal are coming out to liven up my 'clean slate' again. :-)

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  8. About a year ago as we were preparing to paint, I packed all my wall & surface accessories in my living room up into boxes & left it all packed up for a few weeks. I even took down my curtains. It was quite refreshing, to say the least. {I tend to waver between two opinions in my house all the time -- too much stuff & I can't do without my stuff.} When I went to accessorize the room again, I only put in what I really wanted. I was actually thinking of this a few days ago & would love to do it again...throughout my whole house.

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  9. I'm always in the mood for 'breathing room' after all the holiday decor. I do keep my kitchen counters pretty clear year round, it gives me the heebie jeebies to have clutter all over them. :) Happy weekend!

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  10. Your house looks so clean and tidy Jennifer! (And pretty!)
    Over the years I have really become such a minimalist - I love my kitchen counters cleared in particular. However I appreciate a good vignette and that's the fun thing about post-holiday cleaning….brand spanking new canvas to work with - which you are the master of!

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  11. This is one of my favorite parts about putting the decorations away! The ability to start fresh. I always feel like my house is so bare after Christmas, but I love that it gives me a fresh perspective of each room. Have a great weekend, Jennifer!

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  12. Happy Birthday! I'm scared of having a teenager.
    I agree that it feels good to put decorations away for a while and to have a fresh start.

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  13. I totally agree. I love everything off and starting fresh. I'm in major organization mode!

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  14. I did the same thing and I love it. I'm sure things will start to creep back in but for now it is like a breath of fresh air.

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  15. I always think my house looks bare after I take down the Christmas decorations, which makes it the perfect time to see the same spaces in a new way. Your home is beautiful!

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  16. I go back and forth about stuff. I think I wrote you a while ago that I got rid of all my blue and white and then missed it and have slowly started a new collection. Having said that when I downsized I had to be careful what put out. I think there is a happy medium....what that is I'm still trying to figure out. LOL Your home is beautiful. You have so many pretty things and sometimes it's good to store a few things and bring them out when you MISS them.

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  17. I adore the polka dot wall and the floor in your kitchen. :-)

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  18. I adore the polka dot wall and the floor in your kitchen. :-)

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  19. Doesn't look like your home ~ :) I really can't have a lot of things out anymore...I begin to feel claustrophobic. Of course, my space is much smaller too. I can't have too many things on the kitchen counters either. I think it's good to do this space clearing now and again...really makes you think about what you really love and what can go away.

    xo
    Pat

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