topic Re: Knowing when to stop in Home

Knowing when to stop

Mominohio — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 05:45:09 GMT

I look at a lot of Facebook decorating type groups, and have noticed that in many of the pictures people post of their decor, most don't seem to know when 'enough is enough'.

This is not meant to incite, because I catch myself doing it too. And in most pictures, I can see that people have laid a good foundation.

For example, one page I visit, people post many pictures of their hutches. The pieces of furniture are beautiful, as are most of the things displayed. The problem comes when they don't know when to stop adding things. They will have a beautiful set of dinnerware/serveware displayed, but then overcrowd the piece with everything from glasses to candles to excessive garlands/picks to odd nick nacks that simply don't belong either in a hutch or don't coordinate with the primary items.

I see it in entertainment centers, curio cabinets and just in their home decor in general. The best way I have found to combat this is to photograph my rooms, and it stands out so easily. And I find it really easy to go into someone else's house and 'fix' the issue. I do it at my mom's quite often (she asks me to do it, so it's not like I'm stepping on any toes!).

Does anyone else have the tendency to see this everywhere they look, or, like me, catch themselves doing the same?

Re: Knowing when to stop

chrystaltree — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 05:55:33 GMT

I know people who I think have too much "stuff" in their homes or on display but I never thought of it as a problem. It's just their style,which is different than mine. I suppose there are people who would look at my decorating style and think it's too empty. There's no right or wrong when it comes to things like this.

Re: Knowing when to stop

lOVETOSHOP — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 06:00:21 GMT

Yes, I've noticed this in my own home...too much clutter! I've started paring down a lot of my knick-knacks and other decorative items that I feel are overwhelming my rooms. For example, endtables with multiple items on them, kitchen counters with small appliances and other unnecessary items like unused vases, items like jars of honey, cans of catfood, etc. etc. being out in the open and adding to that cluttered look. I'm trying to streamline and simpllify...to me it's much more pleasing to the eye!

Re: Knowing when to stop

Desertdi — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 10:06:36 GMT

I think I'm getting close to Fred Sanford...............(!!)

Re: Knowing when to stop

Nataliesgramma — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 10:57:07 GMT

I am a collector of Dept 56 and at this time of year almost everyone posts pictures of their 'villages' on FB and the sites dedicated to them. I feel that there is a point where you can have too much to have a nice display.

I see people complain that they 'hate' putting it up anymore because it 'takes so long'.......I think when you have got to THAT point....you have too much.

Re: Knowing when to stop

lolakimono — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 11:15:13 GMT

@Mominohio

Re: Knowing when to stop

Mominohio — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 13:11:50 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
I think I'm getting close to Fred Sanford...............(!!)

Oh dear! Bless your heart I don't wish that for you because I'm married to him. It isn't fun!!

Re: Knowing when to stop

PamfromCT — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 13:32:53 GMT

@lolakimono wrote:
@Mominohio

Now this is what I call the spirit of Christmas! Hey, it's their home, and it makes them happy. My home with what so many folks would call "full of stuff." But to me my stuff is "treasures." Except when I have to dust! My kids have not decorated their homes with a lot of stuff. Wonder why?

Re: Knowing when to stop

pommom — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 13:33:18 GMT

I'm a minimalist, but really enjoy seeing other displays chock full of curios.

Re: Knowing when to stop

jlkz — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 13:38:35 GMT

@Mominohio

@lOVETOSHOP

I know what you mean about clutter. I used to dread dusting time: picking up each item and cleaning it !

Over the last few years, I make it a point to go through each room quarterly and remove one item at least. These get donated or given to someone who collects similar things.

No fear the room will be empty soon: there's always something wonderful at Homegoods or Kirkland's !!!!

Re: Knowing when to stop

151949 — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 14:17:36 GMT

I'm pretty certain my housekeeper would let me know if she thought it was too much to have to dust.

Re: Knowing when to stop

Mominohio — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 14:30:33 GMT

This isn't only about the amount of things that people display, because I can appreciate a very sparse decor, or one with a lot to look at, but more about not realizing when you have brought things together that go perfectly and look perfect (regardless of the quantity) but just don't stop there.

To continue to add things, usually that detract from the original statement/theme not only makes it too crowded for many of us, but undoes the really great start they had.

Not sure I'm really making myself clear with this one.

Re: Knowing when to stop

MoJoV — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 14:39:50 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
This isn't only about the amount of things that people display, because I can appreciate a very sparse decor, or one with a lot to look at, but more about not realizing when you have brought things together that go perfectly and look perfect (regardless of the quantity) but just don't stop there.

To continue to add things, usually that detract from the original statement/theme not only makes it too crowded for many of us, but undoes the really great start they had.

Not sure I'm really making myself clear with this one.

Perfectly clear! I can't live with clutter. A few years ago I had a few rabbit curio things scattered throughout my home. Just a few in perfect spots. Well visitors would say "oh you collect rabbits." Next thing I knew...rabbit gifts started flowing..pictures,statues etc. Ugh. Sometimes itt the goodness of others that clutters your house!

Re: Knowing when to stop

Mominohio — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 14:40:36 GMT

Ok, let's try it this way. Look at the Holiday forum post by @RazorSharp titled 'Holiday Home Photos'.

The mantel is very full. But there is a theme and a colorway that is represented. It is perfect, and a lot of thought was given to texture, height, colors, finishes.

Now what I will notice is that someone will start with that, and should just stop. But they feel some need to add, say a red based Santa, and a couple of reindeer done in a dark brown. And don't get me wrong, if that makes them happy, that is what it is all about.

But to have that complete and finished look, it just doesn't need anything else. Sure, someone could dismantle it, and start over with most things used, and add a 'twist' to it and it would still be 'perfect' but again, they just have to know when things are enough, and what really goes well together and what doesn't.

Again, not critical just noting that I do the same thing all the time, and get frustrated with myself, whether it's holiday decorating or 'regular' decor.

I actually find it fun or a challenge to look at pictures of decor, and figure what I would do to make it 'better' with just the things they are showing (not completely trashing it out and brining in new things, just using what is already there and making it work).

Re: Knowing when to stop

Allegheny — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 14:54:49 GMT

I admire it in other people's homes, but just can't deal with it in mine. During the holidays, I go thru my stored stash and bring out select pieces and create little venues. I vary it from year to year. But I do need to find new homes for a lot of my "stuff" as I have way too much stored away.

Now my Christmas tree is another story. I overload it with color coordinated ornaments and change the color each year. This habit has resulted in 6 large storage boxes in the basement. But this obsession has also started to get too overwhelming. I need to purge big time.

Re: Knowing when to stop

ccassaday — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 16:26:58 GMT

I could do this very easy. I keep thinking of stuff I could ad to my safari room. But I am just going to get a few things and see how it looks.

Re: Knowing when to stop

Noel7 — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 17:05:54 GMT

I think with a hutch it's more an issue of trying to find a place to put things you use a lot, like the candlesticks mentioned.

Now those wreaths are another matter altogether

Re: Knowing when to stop

Snicks1 — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 17:20:29 GMT

This thread is cracking me up. I'll be sure NOT to post any pics of my decorating, lol.

Re: Knowing when to stop

phoenixbrd — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 17:49:49 GMT

@lolakimono wrote:
@Mominohio

This looks like a high end store that is selling Christmas decor! (Forget the name of the store that sells Brighton, but their ambiance is similar to this) In the Christmas spirit, if this pleases this family and makes them happy....go for it!

Re: Knowing when to stop

Trinity11 — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 18:01:05 GMT

I live a minimalist existance. A few years back I got tired of having a lot of "stuff" and got rid of the knick knacks, excess of anything and even rid myself of my curio cabinet. In order to stay current, I figured it would keep me up dated and fresh. Well, years later, I miss some of it so there is nothing nicer than going to someone's home and seeing what I myself collected back in the day.

To each their own and people should decorate however they wish. If it makes them happy that is all that counts.