Simplify and it's Perspective(s)

The one thing I wanted to do before I die is that of simplify and learn to breathe.  

Thankfully, I am NOT dying, but realize that I have sort of lived a death of sorts, by the things I owned and life I lived.

I like many other Americans, had a big house with a lot of stuff.  Meaningless stuff, really.  Antiques, lots of bric a brac, rooms filled of furniture, some lovely, some not so. Closets filled with clothes, some current, most old and worn.

While thankful for these things, the one thing they all created was work, bog down.  Big time.

After putting my home suburban McMansion like home on a pond, on the market, which sold very quickly, I endured as a result 4 solid months of purging, packing and the like, resulting in missing some of the most beautiful days of summer passing me right by.

At the moment am renting a small cottage in another town nearby, whilst building a smaller home. Here the square footage and charming simplistic possessions allow for a walk with my dog..something not done in the 2 years I have owned her.  Here the people have less, here the people smile, here they say hello.   Moral of the story, MORE IS NOT BETTER.  

When the home is finished, all the boxes of my stuff will arrive for an unpack. I have already made the commitment, before unpacking one box, that half of those will be tossed..to someone who needs them more or wants them more.

Life can suck the air right out of your lungs, with the busyness of a career, raising your family,  maintaining your too large of a home and managing all of your stuff.  

Living a simpler life, although temporary due to circumstances,  puts perspective on how to really live.

The Wonder of Monochromatic Spaces of Beige and Gray

Fifty Shades of Grey....that is where the industry is at the moment. Although, easy on the eye, and expansive in its feel, and hot in its trend, keep in mind that it is a Trend at the moment, and will most likely remain strong for sometime..however, one must keep in mind that depending on the region of where you live, gray or grey needs to be used in small doses. http://www.greyorgray.com/

For instance, here farthest North where our skies are dotted in the palette of, gray, so of you are revamping your interior gray as predominant needs to be strongly considered.

The wonder of a monochromatic space containing beige and of gray is that these two mixed are not only soothing to the eye, transitional in style, clean it its appearance, but lend to a feel of a larger space, even in those of the smallest.

When using any of these together or alone, remember to ALWAYS incorporate a punch of color, a Titan of black and/or cream or white. These infused combinations, can make a world of difference to your space and lend to that other than that of muted or boring.

So get your Fifty Shades of Grey on and while some may view your space as safe, if is actually anything but!

Best.

Why Not Get Moving & Shaking...Spring's Coming!

Spring brings with it renewed energy physically & spiritually.  Perhaps it is the BEST time to assess how you feel physically, fashionista-wise & how your home's environment appears.

If you feel physically sluggish and blah-then react on that with some lifestyle changes in the form of nutrition and exercise.

If your home's environment is outdated or even for that matter your wardrobe - then get out the 3 bin system- KEEP/DONATE/TOSS! 

Looks for Spring 2013 are, in the industry, anything from what I coin as Jean Harlow meets industrial..with creamy neutrals..nailhead embellishments...whitewash wood frames & burlap..jute..texture with a splash of stainless steel! Check this tidbit out from 2013 Highpoint .... http://irisinteriors.wordpress.com/tag/2013-interior-design-trends/

Like that of Nate Berkus..featured recently past in House Beautiful in action doing a redesign...Why not become your Own House Whisperer or if you can't handle it - hire one.  Whether it is a professional organizer, decorator or interior designer.  Your home should NOT read "A Home's Appearance speaks of its character - and you should see those that LIVE here" - but rather, be a nurturing, updated, streamlined and timeless space.  Now those ARE characters you should want to flaunt!

A Gem to Posses In 2013 - Emerald Green

                        

Pantone has made the official announcement and has hit the airways ..runways and newsstands and for fans of this color way the possibilities will be endless.  

Let us embrace the fab Emerald Green with additional compliments of trendy popular colors of this exciting year..possessing that of my lucky number.

The properties of emerald green are those depicted in Pantone's caption of their selected color for this year.  So why wouldn't one want to embrace a color possessing a mark of luxury; harmony; sophistication; powerful and universally appealing.  What could be a better manifestation for a New Year..to be universally appealing!  And remember ..however or wherever you choose to use it in your space, use it with my mantra...that of none other than adherence to timelessnessnaturally!

Cheers!