Community Chat

[Trinity11]

When I first married I wanted a home that was full of country casual things. I decorated with a lot of accessories and collected Hummels and Lladro's. I had a lot of china and sterling silver to polish and maintain.

Now more than forty years later, I have a minimalist approach to decorating. I don't have the energy or time to maintain a home full of "stuff." I am happier with a streamlined home with few accessories except photos of loved ones. Gone are the Laura Ashley comforters with matching dust ruffles and Ethan Allen furniture. I enjoy a modern approach to decorating and like cleaning surfaces without all the clutter....

[Mominohio]

It depends on what we are looking at. When it comes to clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, beauty products, I own very, very little compared to today's standard. I just am not interested in that kind of thing, don't live a lifestyle that I need much of them (or high end versions of these things) and I hate loosing the space too much of that kind of stuff takes.

When it comes to home decor, I ramp up the meter a bit. I have more than I need, but  I am one of those people who changes my vignettes and displays out quite often. I love mixing and matching and moving things to constantly create new looks. So while I have a lot, I do rotate and use it, and when I no longer do, I'm pretty good about moving it on.

When it comes to dishes/bakeware, I'm a total mess! I have enough to comfortably furnish 5 kitchens. I do rotate those things at least four times per year (I know, I know, but this is 'my thing') I enjoy them and most sets get used. I have recently moved on several patterns of dishes and bakeware that simply were never getting used, and I have several more that I'm in the process of looking for a good home to place them! Some of these sets are quite extensive, and I'd like them to go to someone who would want them, in complete sets, rather than part them out. Some of the smaller or incomplete sets will be donated this winter.  

I guess some people would find the condition of my rooms to be cozy or interesting and tasteful, and I'm sure others would be nervous at the quantity of things I choose to display. The one thing I have never liked is hutches or display cabinets/curios crammed so full of some type of collectible that you can't see and enjoy the beauty of the things.

I have, over the years, collected a number of different things, but the larger collections are ones that serve dual purpose, both decorative and functional (like my Longaberger baskets and my Rowe salt glazed pottery, and my Temp-tations bakeware). They are 'on display' tastefully (to me anyway) in my home, but are grabbed and used on a regular basis. I have pretty much stopped all my 'collections' as I feel I have enough. Any more and they would be overcrowded on display, or in a box unused, and I'm moving past that point. Many of the things I collected, I only accumulated about six pieces (my antique rolling pin collection and my vintage enamel coffee pot collection) to use as display pieces somewhere in my kitchen or family room, and never did go off the deep end with acquiring more and more. 

[wilma]

I have a collection of bells in a curio cabinet, and my aunt willed me her glass blown animal collection which is also displayed in a curio. We have some photos in frames, a few plants, and a few large statement pieces on tables. I have pillows and throws in most rooms. I would not want my house to look too sterile and sparse. That is fine for some people, but for my house to be a comforting home I need some stuff around me. 

[Oznell]

mominohio, your post struck a note with me as I also "rotate" things in and out, and keep my collections to a limited number.  I do get restless with the same arrangements, and it's great fun to move things around and refresh.

In the last few years, I've eliminated the less meaningfull collections, and will prune further.  I do like breathing room between vignettes.  Family keepsakes of course and some select personal items of my parents will stay forever...

[Oznell]

Wilma7500, you sound like you've struck an especially good balance for yourself.

[RainCityWoman]

I am a collector of various things. My biggest collection is related to Arthurian Literature and wizards. My home office is decorated with wizards in various forms that I have collected all over my travels, plus I have sculpted some myself. They complement my extensive collection of books themed around Arthurian fantasy, mythology, etc. In addition, I have small collections of various things decorating my home: English tea strainers, American Brilliance period cut glass, bone china tea cups, pitchers in every color and shape, tea pots, crystal liqueur goblets all different patterns,  art deco artwork and art deco vintage jewelry, and of course vintage embroidered linens. These things all make me happy. They may or may not be of huge value. it just depends on the item. My other large collection is seasonal: i have a huge display of snowmen from porcelain to stuffed, to paintings. You can't be sad looking at a snowman, no matter how hard you try.

[RetRN]

I probably lean towards minimalist.

[Shanus]

@Oznell  Back to wardrobe: Anyone who's read my posts know I'm a wardrobe minimalist. Many years ago, I realized I was 20% of what was in my closet to wear. I studied what I loved about those chosen outfits, considered that to be my style and donated all the rest.

What I have left is what's called a capsule wardrobe. Basic pieces like blazers, slacks, tees, sweaters, blouses, jackets, jeans and sweats, but not 6-8 of each. All are in neutral colors of black, white and grey with pops of red or wedgewood blue. Shoes, boots, ballet flats, etc. are black and a few pr. in animal print (leopard). Accressories make my clothes seem like more than I have...lots of scarves, jewelry (especially pins & antique pieces inherited from my aunt) that I wear on an old, frayed jean jacket w/ black jeans & blk. sweater or tee underneath. 

This "system" makes getting dressed a snap. Everything goes together. I can see what Imhave and wear everything in my closet in various combinations. Never have been sorry that I pared down to minimal wardrobe. 

The plus is that I now have so much extra room in large walk in closet, put in a built in dresser (bedroom roomier) and added a chair. 

[RetRN]

"Junk, clutter, stuff" make me nervous. I really like to be organized as best as possible, however I do not always succeed.

[aprilskies]

Somewhere in between. I have decluttered so much in the last 10 years across all categories.  It has been a slow process but a great one. I have never counted items but I will say I have reduced my stuff by 70% and I still have too much. I am left with the extra hard decisions but this year I want to start making them. I have collections I am having a hard time parting with.  Not so much because I love them, moreso, that I never really appreciated or used them.  But, I would really like to let them go. I only want to keep things I use and appreciate. Nothing more stuffed in boxes that the light doesnt see.  But, it will take some time to get things where I want them.

Minimalism to me is so different for everyone. I dont think it is a one size fits all.  I dont want to count my items and only have 50 things. I do want things I use, clean spaces and just space.  I dont want to continually manage stuff, which sometimes seems to be the case. 

I am at a stage where if something happens to me, I want my family to be able to get my place in order without much of a burden.