For A Beautiful Home...Edit...Edit...Edit
Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 10:24AM
We've talked about this before, but have been reminded again this week that MOST of the time it is NOT what we add to a home that makes the biggest difference...it's what we take away.
Editing for clients is often a challenge... Diplomacy is essential not to offend.
When asked the question ...How does a person update a space with items they already own?
We recommend emptying the space completely. Clean thoroughly and paint if needed. A radical change to the background color will make a huge difference and alter the appearance of everything. Most of our clients need to lighten things up right now for a fresh look. To achieve continuity and peaceful flow , use one paint color throughout the house.
Next rearrange the furniture with a completely new relationship and a new focus in each room. As you add furniture and accessories back ...edit fearlessly...Ask yourself the question?...Is this adding any interest or value to the space. If not, sell or give it away.
You might start in the kitchen...Remove things above the cabinets...Clean off the counters and start over...
Don't stop there...Stand and take a good long look at every room in the house...
January is a great time to go from room to room and start editing. You will be surprised at the things you have accumulated or have not placed properly in the course of the year.
Beautiful spaces don't just happen...and unfortunately they don't remain that way forever.
It's time...I need to do some editing myself!
It's your turn. Let's talk!
Images via, The Enchanted Home, Cote de Texas,Laura Casey Interiors, Things That Inspire,Caldwell Flake,google, Pinterest
Reader Comments (21)
Mona,
Danni and I have been on several consultations lately where the client just wants to edit and freshen. You do have be so careful with how you say things. It becomes very personal.
Beautiful post, Mona! Love the cleaning out idea. It's the only way.
So many beautiful images here.
Have a nice Thursday.
Teresa
xoxo
This is excellent advice - I'm going to start this exercise tomorrow. A great New Year project. X Sharon
Terrific advice.
Diplomacy is one of those skills we learn and hone on the job - along wtih many others...
:-)
Theoretically, Sally and Iike to change things out on a seasonal basis, or at least a spring fall cycle.
The reality is. as you say...
We are often surpirsed how our roooms clutter up over time.
Cheers,
John
guess I'd better get to sorting!
This is a beautiful and inspirational post! Love every single image! I'm definitely encouraged to edit my rooms now!
~ Wendi ~
Hi Mona, great topic and I could not agree more! I worked with a client two years ago on a beautiful apt. in NYC, we completely redid 2 rooms soup to nuts but in the others she wanted to reuse as much as possible from their former apt. So thats just what we did, took everything out of those rooms and basically reinvented all kinds of pieces. It was a fun exercise for me and really great for her to see new life put into her possessions. Love this topic!
I couldn't agree with you more on the editing. I see that in image #2 the window has a pop of the color tangerine in the blind...the color selected for 2012 as most popular.
The diplomacy thing is hard! :/
Wonderful post. I have been in the process since
taking down Christmas. Have removed some of
the furniture in Living Room and changed and
edited what remains. Next on list are a new rug
and drapes. Going room by room taking away!
Enjoy your post so much. Have a wonderful
New Year!
Great post...so true. Less is more. Moving things around and editing can make old things feel new. Great way to start a new year!
I have THE hardest time editing for myself! It is so much easier for clients, but , ah, then the diplimocy comes into play! It is the perfect time of year for a good, stringent editing!
Thanks, Mona!
I'm a strong beliver in editing since I hate clutter but I like stuff. Everytime I dust gives me the chance to edit or move something if need be. Wonderful advice Mona. Enjoy your weekend!
XX
Debra,
Excellent post Mona! I find myself editing around Casa de Moore regularly.
xo
January is the perfect month to do just this! Edit..edit..edit applies to fashion too, doesn't it? The golden rule of Coco that she'd,take off one piece before she'd leave the house' Great advice for us all to remember Mona, thank you.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Cheers ~ Deb
Soooo sorry Mona, I meant to type that Coco would take off one piece of 'jewellery'!!! Can you tell it's Friday?
: )
I would LOVE to be able to do this for clients! Even if we didn't have a budget to buy a thing, there's something about starting over that makes so many things seem new again if you rearrange them (or even better change the room they're in!). And as you say if you update/change the background that changes everything too. My guess is you are very good on the diplomacy front. :) That's one thing that I love about moving - getting to re-evaluate all that I have in a new environment! Have a great weekend...Barbara
It's so easy to get used to the way things look in our own homes, so I always have Kristy take a look around and purge whatever doesn't need to be there...she doesn't hesitate to help!! Wishing you both a lovely weekend!!
I couldn't agree with you more..
love to clean and edit my home after the holidays..
it's also a great time to decide what needs to be let go of permanently..
or at least stored for the time being...
best,
maureen
Just from observations from reading design blogs, it seems that kitchens are the most difficult spaces to accomplish serious editing. I often wonder why people are so intent on cluttering up counter space with possessions that have little relationship to the space. If it truly is a working kitchen, one needs the optimum amount of work space free of roosters, chickens, pigs, you name it, I've seen it. Great post, I wish you had posted a video demonstration.
I wish you'd come over and help me edit! I wouldn't get offended by anything :) I'm in a purging and organizing frenzy, but it's nice to have fresh eyes, too. Great post :)