Simple Summer Decor & Learning to Lose the “Stuff”
How’s everyone’s Summer going!? Like I mentioned before we have a ton of projects going on around here, and I’m trying to pull pictures together so I can share some fun things this week!
I don’t know about you, but I’m a bit obsessed with details. I love the small things that make a space unique and special. That being said, I’m NOT a clutter person. (you probably may not believe me, after seeing my garage sale post, featuring my home decor hoard. ha!) But things have changed…especially this past year. I have been trying hard to ONLY let the things that I really have a space or need for, into my house.
(much easier said than done, when you’re addicted to beautiful home decor).
Books: Consignment Store (Home Again), Finial: Rod Works, Decorative Jars: Down to Earth
That being said, when I was changing things out a few weeks ago for Spring/Summer decor, I noticed that I started eliminating things a lot quicker than I normally would. Basically I kept thinking to myself… “Self… you don’t have a junk room anymore, because now it’s “the new” toy room, so if you really don’t think you’re going to use ________ (fill in the blank with some kind of decor item), then you need to just get rid of it!” And that’s what I did!
Even after de-cluttering an entire room filled to the brim with 7 years worth of home decor, for a massive garage sale… I STILL had little bits of decor here and there, that I never really liked/used but kept holding onto. Maybe because I could still remember HOW MUCH I paid for them, or because someone gave something to me and I was worried that they would come over and ask where it was… I don’t know, but for whatever reason, I just don’t care anymore.
If it doesn’t FIT, WORK, or GO with how I want my space to look and feel… then it’s outta’ here!
Even after de-cluttering an entire room filled to the brim with 7 years worth of home decor, for a massive garage sale… I STILL had little bits of decor here and there, that I never really liked/used but kept holding onto. Maybe because I could still remember HOW MUCH I paid for them, or because someone gave something to me and I was worried that they would come over and ask where it was… I don’t know, but for whatever reason, I just don’t care anymore.
If it doesn’t FIT, WORK, or GO with how I want my space to look and feel… then it’s outta’ here!
Now that I think about it, maybe “losing/getting rid of stuff” is becoming like… “a thing” for me.
(In my best Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S impression)
Losing Weight – Good
Getting rid of lots of stuff to free up an extra room in my basement… Good
Realizing that I can de-clutter even MORE, which means less dusting… Gooood!
Okay, in all reality, it does feel SO “Gooood” to get rid of MORE, so I can have less! (which sounds a bit ironic, but it’s true).
Excuse the weight loss reference…
I don’t know if it’s from my mindset now about food, but really, you learn that you can survive with a lot LESS than you think! For many of us, most of our day is filled with unnecessary treats, snitching and one-biters. Nothing that really “matters”, until you step on a scale a year later and realize that your up 30 or 40 pounds. (who’s with me? ha!) It’s been just like that for me, with home decor too. Pick, gather, stack, layer… and all of a sudden my house is getting fuller and fuller!
Me?…a minimalist now?… nah, but a wife/mother/woman who is a LOT happier when her space is free of avoidable little clutter?… Yes!
๐
So, think about it this Summer…
– Are you good at editing your home?
– Are there things in YOUR space that you keep, but should probably just get rid of? (Ex: you don’t really like them, they are outdated, worn, or the wrong color)
– Are you holding yourself back from redoing/restyling a space, because you’re scared of having to get rid of all your old stuff, for the fear that you won’t be able to find/afford anything new?
My advice? Don’t be scared… just DO IT! As The Nester puts it, “quiet down your house.”
For me, I only tend to feel TRULY creative, when I’ve got a blank canvas to work with. Plus it motivates me to think outside the box! Lots of people email me with the question: “I want to change the style of my space, where do I start?” The first thing I always say is… EMPTY IT. If you can pull almost everything out and clear your space, it will also help to clear your mind… making room for new ideas and thoughts, without things getting in your way. This doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of all your old stuff, it just helps you start with a fresh pallet! Next I say, think about what your IDEAL space would look like and THEN try to work back in the pieces that MUST stay… asking yourself, “Can I re-purpose them, recover them or creatively recycle them somehow… to make them work with my new design plan I want?”
This Summer my advice, is not only to get going on redoing/redecorating that room/space you KNOW you’ve been putting off, but to also keep it simple and clutter free. Only let the things that REALLY matter, stay. Find those special details in your home that make you the MOST happy, and put them front and center.
Having a clutter free space filled with beautiful, meaningful, happy decor can make a world of difference in how you feel about being in your home each day.
Mary says
So true! Where did you get that darling hot air ballon print?
B's Mommy says
I couldn't agree more! We had a huge multi home yard sale Saturday. Big success. I feel relieved, lighter and happier. Thank you for inspiring me.
Quick question, where did you find the darling hot air balloon quote? I would love a copy. Will it be available in your shop?
Happy Week ๐ Enjoy!!
Unknown says
Great post! I actually just de-cluttered the entire house for a yard sale this past weekend. Feels good! And all the leftovers have already been donated.
I'm with you. If I don't use it, I get rid of it!
live and luv says
I need to do just that DECLUTTER!
Unknown says
I just love this… first of all, you are COMPLETELY inspiring me on your weight loss journey. A few of your quote roll around my head in a GREAT way! And yes, I completely agree with how great it is to "quiet down your house"!
Holly @ abakershouse.com says
Thanks for the advice and the reminder that less is more…especially when it comes to clutter. I've been cleaning up kids' toys that we've outgrown and taking them to the consignment store hoping to save up for something special– a dslr camera!
Classy Clutter says
Oh my gosh that is one of the funniest episodes (I'm a FRIENDS addict!… and proud of it!) ever!!! "Phoebe, I'm sorry, but I think Jacque Cousteau is dead…" HAHAHA! Love this post! ๐
Mallory @ Classy Clutter
CoLiE-O says
Two questions….where did you get your entry table? Also, now that you got rid of your kitchen table, what kind/color did you replace it with? Or plan to replace it with? Thanks for sharing your darling home!
Megan R. says
I needed this post. Also loved all the friends quotes. Best show ever.
Amber and Travis says
I just have to tell you how much I LOVE your blog! I check it daily to see what new ideas you have come up with. I find myself thinking, "I wish Shelley could come decorate my house" all the time. I love your style and how you motivate everyone around you. Great job!
Stephanie says
I love this post! Great advice! I've been trying to do the same thing lately…getting rid of stuff that I just don't need and/or like anymore. It's tough! Especially when I come across stuff that family members have given me…But I've found I feel a lot better after taking a garbage bag of old clothes to Goodwill or giving some baby stuff that my son's outgrown to a friend who has a new baby. It's definitely an ongoing process, and I'm glad to know I'm not the only one picking up a photo frame and thinking, "This is a nice frame, but it's not my style anymore. I'm getting rid of it." ๐
meleana says
I love me a good house purge. ๐ I have to ask: Where did you get the darling "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing"? Must have!!!
The OCD Lifestyle says
I LOVE those pierced jars. I have looked everywhere for a white one and haven't had any luck. I have found every color, but white. Gorgeous decor! Your house looks so beautiful. ๐
xoxo,
Kristin
Melanie@Crafty Cupboard says
My husband is the de-clutter-er around here. In fact, I have to watch things carefully to make sure he doesn't toss things I need! He is notorious for tossing holiday decorations the day after… when normal people put them away for next year. Regardless, being married to him has helped me unattach myself to inanimate objects much better. It does pose a problem, however, when I do decorate a table surface and I come home later to find it all gone because he "put it away" to clean up, ha ha!
Laura says
So…. I have a wall in my new house that desperately needs some Shelley Smith TLC. I have no idea what to do with it, and right now it is naked and not cute. Help.
Jessica @ Home and Faith says
I am trying to do this as well. It started in January for me when I was really cleaning up the house! After seeing all the stuff I was cleaning I decided I could do without a lot of it. Plus, if there is a lot of stuff, it looks cluttered to me, and I don't like cluttered!
Kates says
Oh my gosh, I LOOOOVE the hot air balloon print in the last picture!! Is that one of your items? If not, where can I get one? ๐
Crafty Texan says
Great post Shelley! I try to follow the Do I love it? Need it? Does it make me money? rule. If it's not in one of those categories, then it's outta here! ๐
Nathan and Megan says
Love this! How can we purchase the balloon printable?
Nessa the Procrastinator says
I try not to live a cluttered life. Maybe it stems from all my apartment living and moving. You realize what is important and what isn't.
Also, if you've ever lived in a small place (our house is 1200sqft) you learn that it's best to buy functional items over decorative. Sure, I'd love an entryway table, but where would it go? Yes, these large vases are beautiful, but the dogs run through this room and there's no safe place to put them… you see what I mean?
And I hope I don't offend you, but after seeing your yard sale and Mandy's/Brooke's yard sale, I don't want that much stuff in my house ever. ๐ I'm pretty sure my husband would kill me.
Good luck with having an intentional home. It's the best kind!
Emily says
Shelley, This was such great post. You have given me that pep talk i needed to clear out our front room that has somehow turned into a storage room! ๐ I am LOVING that awesome saying you have in your chunky frame. Where did you get that???? Your fabulous and I enjoy your blog so very much! Thanks for being a true inspiration!!!!!
Vintage Romance Style says
Thanks for being so motivating! Needed this today as a reminder that its ok to get rid of things even if they are nice. If you aren't using it let it go! Now off to clean!
Anonymous says
I just love the decorative jars and the yellow frame!!! Where did you find those at??
Anonymous says
I absolutely love the decorative jars and yellow frame!!! Where did you get those???
Carol-Anne says
Boy! I am SOOOOO with you on this one!
I spend a lot of my time helping people to de-clutter and they inevitably say that they feel 'lighter and freer' afterwards…..although it's excruciatingly hard for them to let go! I'm convinced that we carry all that 'stuff' around with us on our backs all day!
Pitter and Glink says
Love this post! I have been de-cluttering this summer as well! I have a long way to go, but I'm starting to feel better about my house already! I always enjoy reading your blog, so thanks! ๐
Unknown says
Okay, so I'm kind of an idiot and every time I visit your blog I totally check to see if you hit 10,000 followers yet and you are getting really close. It could be any day now!!!
I might be as excited about this as you will be…or maybe even more.
Duh.
Natalie says
You are my kind of girl. I loathe clutter and I am minimalist. Having less stuff means a tidy organized home making it easier to clean and maintain and with 5 kids I need that!
Anonymous says
This is the perfect summer motto, thanks for this post!
Christine F. says
I love this! Will definitely try to do this during the summer!
rachel white says
I love that Helen Keller quote! Did you make that yourself? I'd love to know where I could buy a print out like that – the hot air balloon is incredible! Thank you!
Melanie says
First of all, I am *loving* your summer decor – it is gorgeous! Secondly, your post about clutter and getting rid of stuff is making me sweat, lol. We just recently had most of the rooms in our house painted, so we had to move EVERYTHING from those rooms into the basement. I'm still slowly getting things back into place and totally starting over with re-decorating the living room, but all my previous "stuff" is crammed into my basement. I have so many knick-knacks, pictures, art, etc. I guess one of my goals should be to bring it all to a home consignment shop.
Laura at Ms. Smartie Pants says
I love that little little picture in the yellow frame, where did you get that?
Kathryn says
Very inspiring! I just had my own garage sale recently, and it inspired me to get rid of more than I usually would ๐ I still have a long way to go, though… I have an entire storage room waaayyyy too full of decor, most of which is probably no longer my style :/ I've just been hesitant to get rid of things that aren't really my "style", because I know how fast my style can change! lol ๐ But really, I need to get rid of the old in order to make room for fresh, new inspiration. Thanks for the reminder! ๐
Anonymous says
This seems to be the thought of the week in my life this week. The sermon at church on Sunday was about letting go of "things" so that God can fill that space with blessings. Giving those "things" could really be a blessing to someone else.
Miss Kitty says
I know what you mean! Recently I HAD to get rid of some things just to be able to have a clean house for company coming over and once I got started letting go of things, it got easier. I still could do better so thanks for your post as encouragement to keep going.
Barry and Rena says
Love this!!! Great advice thanks
Unknown says
Such great words of wisdom! I so appreciate your candor- less is more! Also , where did you get that beautiful quote in the frame? (life is an adventure) I would love it for my house- so fitting as we have our only child going off to college in a month. Such bittersweet times for us- if we all think of it as a new adventure for all of us! Thanks so much!
{annie_loo} @ The Farrar Four says
Now you're making me excited for our new start. We've sold our house and are moving into an apartment. I have SO MUCH JUNK that is NOT going to that aparment to our new home. I AM going to get rid of it, no matter what. There is soooo much stuff I'll never use again! Thanks for the motivation!!!!!! AGAIN!
I just wish you could just come and help me! WE'd have fun! I PROMISE!
Steph Gittins says
I love the idea of "editing" a room. And one more question- where did you get the adorable hot air balloon printable?
SJ says
Great post. I have tons of junk hidden here and there that I save "just in case" but end up never using. Clothes, decor, books, toys, etc. What a great reminder to edit out the unnecessary extras in our lives, even when it comes to sneaking an extra bite here or there. Thanks for the inspiration as always!
girl3of8 says
Hi Shelley, Thanks for cheering me up this morning. Love this post and appreciate your suggestions for decluttering. I tried "removing everything" and was surprised how much easier it is this way. Now think about Rhonna Designs — the spring circus tags kit — it scares me. Should I be scared? If I order, it is self explanatory? I don't have photoshop, but I'm good with paper and frames and a knife.
Curtis and Whitney Giles says
You should read the Joy of less. It is an awesome book that is right along these same lines you are talking about. It will motivate you more! I don't even like reading but it was an awesome book!
troll says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown says
Thank you for sharing! My husband and I reference that Friends episode all the time! Too funny!
joanna says
Loved this post! Being a decorator I can appreciate how easy it is to have a hoard of decor! I am looking for a great sideboard table-please tell us where you got it, oh and the hot air balloon print and the blue round rug from an earlier post–you are killing me with your great but simple decor and not telling us where we can score the same loot! Much love!
Lynn says
Beautiful entry! I was wondering where u got the shelf with baskets and hooks that can be seen in the mirror – I want one like that for my entry and haven't been able to find it…. Thanks.
Melissa says
Very inspiring! I am actually in the middle of de-cluttering my house now for a huge garage sale next weekend… It is such a relief and good feeling!
Sonja says
It is getting close to winter now, so it is the best time to get holed-up at home and do some redecorating! My husband thinks of me as a borderline hoarder, but I actually only keep little memento pieces. I suppose I can use some de-cluttering though. Great post!
Tracy says
Looks great. I have a whole section of shelves in my basement that have "extra" home decor sitting there that I can't bring myself to part with… I am loving the mirror on the wall above the table. I've been looking for a new one to hang above my dresser and that would be perfect. Did you make it or buy it somewhere?
Unknown says
I am curious what yellow you used on that frame? I can't seem to find the "right" yellow!
Unknown says
I am wondering what yellow you used on that frame? I can't seem to find the "right" yellow!
Mama Mimi says
Browsing your blog for decorating ideas and this is SUCH A GOOD POST!!! I feel like my decor style has completely morphed over the years (I'm sure partly due to the fact that when we first bought a house we had no money for decor so I used what people gave me….not all my style). But I'm having a really hard time mixing what I had with the new stuff I'm finding I like b/c its SO DIFFERENT! But maybe I've just changed and need to clear this old "not me" stuff out. Thanks for the advice – you are one clever lady =)