In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often crave simplicity and tranquility when we come home. It’s a place to unwind, recharge, and feel at peace. One way to create a serene environment is by minimizing decor, removing unnecessary items, and embracing a simplistic aesthetic. In this blog post, I’ll share the 15 decorations I removed from my home to create a simpler, more peaceful living space.
1. Excessive Wall Art
While art can add personality and style to a room, too much can make the space feel cluttered and overwhelming. I’ve opted for fewer pieces and focused on ones that hold personal significance or create a calming atmosphere. Rather than having a gallery wall in every room, I chose one or two large-scale pieces for each room. The result is a less cluttered and more visually appealing space.
Reducing wall art doesn’t mean your walls need to be bare, but rather, thoughtfully adorned. Consider your color scheme when selecting art and try to avoid pieces that are overly busy or chaotic. Remember, the aim is to create a relaxing and serene environment.
2. Unnecessary Throw Pillows
Throw pillows can add comfort and visual appeal to a room, but too many can make a space feel cluttered and untidy. I removed excessive throw pillows, keeping only a few that provide comfort and complement the color scheme of the room. This not only simplifies the look of the room but also reduces the time spent arranging and rearranging pillows.
When selecting throw pillows, consider quality over quantity. One or two well-made, comfortable pillows can have a greater impact than a pile of purely decorative ones. Choose pillows that coordinate with your room’s color scheme and add texture and interest without overwhelming the space.
3. Excessive Photo Frames
While family photos and cherished memories are wonderful to have around, too many photo frames can contribute to a cluttered, chaotic environment. I’ve opted to keep a few select photo frames on display and store the rest in photo albums or digital storage. This not only simplifies the look of the room but also makes the displayed photos more special.
Consider creating a photo album or digital slideshow for the rest of your photos. This way, you can enjoy all your memories without taking up physical space. For the photos you do display, consider black and white prints for a more cohesive, less distracting look.
4. Knick-Knacks and Souvenirs
Knick-knacks and souvenirs can quickly fill shelves and surfaces, making a room feel cluttered and untidy. I’ve chosen to remove these items, keeping only a few that hold significant sentimental value. This not only simplifies the look of the room but also allows the remaining items to stand out more.
When it comes to knick-knacks and souvenirs, consider their importance and relevance. If they’re simply collecting dust and not adding joy to your life, it might be time to let them go. You could consider photographing them before parting ways, creating a digital keepsake that takes up no physical space.
5. Decorative Rugs
While rugs can add warmth and texture to a room, they can also contribute to a sense of clutter, particularly in smaller spaces. I’ve opted to remove non-essential rugs, focusing instead on the natural beauty of my floors. This not only simplifies the look of the room but also makes cleaning easier.
If you choose to keep a rug, consider its size, color, and pattern. A large, neutral rug can actually create a sense of space in a room, while a small, brightly-colored or patterned rug can make the space feel busy and cramped. Consider the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for when deciding whether or not to keep a rug.
6. Extra Furniture Pieces
It’s easy to accumulate furniture over the years, but too many pieces can make a space feel cramped and cluttered. I’ve chosen to remove non-essential furniture, keeping only the pieces that provide function and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the room.
When considering which furniture to keep, think about its function and usage. If a piece of furniture is rarely used or doesn’t serve a specific purpose, it might be time to let it go. This can create more space in your home and make your rooms feel larger and more inviting.
7. Cluttered Bookshelves
Bookshelves can quickly become cluttered with not just books, but also knick-knacks, photo frames, and other decorative items. I’ve opted to simplify my bookshelves, keeping only the books I love and plan to read again. This not only makes the bookshelves more visually appealing, but also makes it easier to find and enjoy my favorite books.
Consider donating, selling, or swapping books you’re no longer interested in. This not only clears space on your bookshelves but can also provide others with the opportunity to enjoy these books. Remember, a tidy, well-curated bookshelf can be a beautiful addition to any room.
8. Distracting Window Treatments
While window treatments can add style and privacy to a room, they can also make a space feel smaller and darker. I’ve chosen to simplify my window treatments, opting for sheer curtains or simple blinds that let in plenty of natural light.
When it comes to window treatments, consider your needs for privacy and light control. If possible, opt for treatments that are easy to open and close and that allow you to adjust the amount of light entering the room. Remember, natural light can make a room feel larger and more inviting.
9. Excessive Lighting Fixtures
While lighting is important in a home, too many fixtures can create visual clutter. I’ve chosen to simplify my lighting, opting for fewer, well-placed fixtures that provide ample light without overwhelming the space.
When it comes to lighting, consider the function of each fixture. If a lamp is rarely used, or if a room is already well-lit by other sources, it might be time to remove that fixture. Remember, the goal is to create a welcoming, well-lit space without adding unnecessary clutter.
10. Unused Kitchen Gadgets
Kitchen counters can quickly become cluttered with unused or rarely-used gadgets. I’ve chosen to simplify my kitchen by removing these items, freeing up counter space and making cooking and cleaning easier.
Consider the utility of each kitchen gadget. If an item is only used once or twice a year, it might not be worth the space it takes up on your counter. Remember, a clean, uncluttered kitchen can make cooking and meal prep more enjoyable.
11. Overly Ornate Decorations
While ornate decorations can add a touch of elegance to a room, they can also make a space feel cluttered and busy. I’ve chosen to simplify my decor by removing overly ornate items, opting instead for simple, elegant pieces.
When it comes to decor, consider the visual weight of each item. If a decoration is large, brightly colored, or intricately detailed, it may be best to remove it in favor of simpler, more streamlined pieces. Remember, the goal is to create a peaceful, relaxing environment.
12. Collections
Collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but displayed collections can also add visual clutter to a room. I’ve chosen to simplify by storing or displaying only my most cherished items, making the collection more meaningful and less overwhelming.
Consider the value and enjoyment you get from each item in your collection. If an item doesn’t bring you joy or has lost its meaning, it might be time to let it go. Remember, a well-curated collection can be a beautiful and meaningful addition to your home.
13. Seasonal Decorations
While seasonal decorations can add a festive touch to your home, they can also add clutter and require extra storage. I’ve chosen to simplify by reducing my seasonal decorations, keeping only a few favorite items for each holiday.
Consider which seasonal decorations you truly love and look forward to displaying each year. If a decoration is just filling space or is a chore to put up and take down, it might be time to let it go. Remember, the aim is to create a warm, welcoming environment, not a cluttered, overwhelming one.
14. Fussy Tablecloths and Placemats
While tablecloths and placemats can add color and style to a dining table, they can also add unnecessary clutter, particularly if they’re fussy or difficult to keep clean. I’ve chosen to simplify by opting for a beautiful wood table and simple, easy-to-clean placemats.
Consider the function and style of your tablecloths and placemats. If they’re just adding to your laundry pile and not enhancing your meals, it might be time to let them go. Remember, a clean, simple dining table can be just as beautiful and inviting.
15. Unused Candle and Soap Collections
While candles and soaps can add a pleasant aroma to your home, they can also contribute to clutter, particularly if they’re unused or just for display. I’ve chosen to simplify by using up or giving away my unused candles and soaps, freeing up space and reducing visual clutter.
Consider the purpose of your candles and soaps. If they’re just gathering dust and not contributing to your home’s ambiance, it might be time to use them up or pass them on. Remember, a clutter-free space can be more relaxing and calming than one filled with unused items.