This article explores the role of baskets and crates in home decor, focusing on their versatility and practicality in adding warmth and organization to living spaces. Baskets can be used in various ways, such as picnic baskets, bicycle baskets, market baskets, and baskets filled with fresh produce. They are versatile in all aspects of life, from transporting goods to adding texture to room design.
The Lifestyle of Love blog hop showcases various creative solutions for storage, organizing, and adding texture to room design. This month, the blog hop features ideas for using baskets and crates in vintage decor, vignettes, and gaining much-needed storage. Trays and baskets can add an extra touch to your decor by combining furniture with accessories.
Fall basket decorating ideas for the porch and home are also featured, creating a pretty fall style throughout your home. These ideas are affordable, lightweight, and textural, adding warmth to your space and looking great when proudly displayed in a room.
Incorporating baskets and crates into your home decor is a timeless and practical way to add warmth and organization to your living spaces. Enjoy the variety of baskets and crates available and learn tips for collecting and refreshing them.
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What is basket style?
Traditional Basket Setting is a classic style where the center stone is held in place by a basket-like structure made of metal strands. This secures the stone and allows light to enter. Cathedral Basket Setting elevates the center stone above the band, adding a sense of grandeur and height. Open Basket Setting is a minimalistic design with fewer metal elements, allowing greater visibility of the gemstone. This lighter and delicate structure gives the ring a contemporary and airy look while still providing sufficient support for the center stone.
What do you put in a home decor basket?
Decorative baskets can be filled with various items, such as fresh or dried greens, branches, flowers, or potted plants, to create a clutter-free space. They can also be used to organize large floor baskets with throws, magazines, or toilet paper. To group decorative baskets on a wall, center the largest basket in the center and arrange smaller ones around it. Hang baskets in odd numbers for an organic look, and mix and match them with varying weaves, patterns, or color accents for an eclectic look.
What style is a basket wall?
A basket wall is a collection of baskets grouped together and hung on a wall, suitable for various styles like boho, traditional, rustic, or coastal. These inexpensive and easy-to-recreated designs can be created using a variety of baskets in different styles, colors, and textures. To create a unique basket wall, use a loose triangle arrangement on your wall. An example of a loose, expansive basket wall is shown, where the baskets and accessories completely eliminate the need for artwork. This is a smart way to save money in your space, as baskets can often be found at thrift stores.
What is home decor examples?
This list of 50 top items in home decor includes wall prints, clocks, table lamps, cushions, candles, rugs, vases, and art. When decorating, it can be overwhelming to find other items to make your home feel like home. This list aims to help you find inspiration for your room when you’re feeling overwhelmed or have decorator’s block. By focusing on wall prints, clocks, table lamps, cushions, candles, rugs, vases, and art, you can create a visually appealing and comfortable space.
This list is perfect for those who want to add a pop of color to their home decor, and it’s a great way to keep your space looking fresh and inviting. Save the image to Pinterest or share it on Facebook for easy access.
Are baskets on walls still in style?
The basket wall decor is a timeless and versatile choice in interior design, blending form and function. It is a popular choice for creating visually stunning spaces that reflect personal style. However, there are four signs that your home wall decor may be outdated.
The wall decor is outdated or trending. The basket wall is no longer in style, and it may not be as appealing as it once was.
The basket wall is not as functional as it used to be. The basket wall may not be as functional as it used to be, and it may not be as visually appealing.
In conclusion, basket wall decor is a timeless and versatile choice in home design.
Why do people put baskets on the wall?
Hanging baskets on the wall creates texture and interest, providing depth and a natural touch. These baskets can elevate your space and take less than an hour to create. To hang baskets, follow these four steps using a durable plastic thread from Amazon. The spool is less than $10, and you can hang hundreds of baskets, making it a unique and time-efficient way to add texture and interest to your wall.
What is an example of a basket option?
Basket options are a crucial investment tool for diversifying portfolios and managing risk effectively. They allow investors to capitalize on the collective performance of multiple assets, providing increased flexibility and potential for profit. Basket options offer various benefits, including enhanced diversification, cost efficiency, and simplified trading strategies. Understanding the usage and benefits of basket options is essential for navigating investment and maximising returns.
For example, an investor in India could invest in a basket option with stocks from sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance, believing the technology sector will experience significant growth.
What type of home decor is most popular?
The interior design profession has evolved over the years, with various styles such as modern, contemporary, art moderne, mid-century, minimalist, Scandinavian, shabby chic, and eclectic. Each style has its unique characteristics, flavor, finish, and experience. The process of interior design, including the use of interior design software, has existed for as long as humans have been constructing homes and decorating them based on their needs and available materials. These styles have evolved over time, with each style having its own unique characteristics, flavor, finish, and experience.
What are the 4 types of baskets?
Basketry methods include coiling, plaiting, twining, and wicker, with specific terms like loops, twining, ribs, and spokes. To give the finished product a polished look and protect the owner’s hands, it is common to lash the rim and wrap the handle of the basket. In wicker basketry, many basket makers “upset” the spokes by carefully bending them upwards from where they meet in the center.
Various sources provide information on basket weaving, including Basket Weaving for a Living, Facts about Oakwood Baskets, Black Ash Baskets, Traditional Basketry in Native California, How to Construct a Basket, Cahuilla Basketry, Basketry of the Pomo Indians, Pomo Utility Baskets, Appalachian Basket Weaving, Native Basketry in Canada, History of Traditional Basketry, Kentucky Basket Weaving, Virtual Basket Weaving, Basketry of the Northwest Coast, Basketry Methods, Introduction to Wabanaki Baskets, Basketry Methods, Introduction to Plant Fibers, and Traditional Japanese Basket Making.
These resources offer a comprehensive understanding of basket weaving, its history, techniques, materials, care, and techniques. They also provide examples of different types of baskets used by native tribes along the Northwest Coast, as well as tutorials on making baskets in ten steps.
In summary, basket weaving has a rich history and uses in various cultures, including Native California, Native Basketry in Canada, and the Northwest Coast. These resources provide valuable insights into the art of basket weaving and its various applications.
Is Wicker furniture outdated?
Wicker furniture is a classic and resilient addition to any outdoor setting, due to its distinctive weaving technique which enhances its durability. The material is lightweight, sturdy, and easily transportable, rendering it optimal for patios, terraces, and gardens. Such furniture is particularly useful for the storage of items during inclement weather or periods of inactivity. Should you require further information or wish to make an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact a designer.
What is traditionally put in a hanging basket?
Summer bedding plants like petunias, geraniums, calibrachoa, trailing fuchsias, verbena, and lobelia are popular for hanging baskets due to their beautiful color, aromatic herbs, and delicious fruits. These baskets can be hung in front gardens, balconies, or anywhere to highlight nature. They can be paired with beds and borders for a matching look or raised for gardening glory. The best time to plant a hanging basket depends on the plants it features. The process involves simple steps to create eye-level show-stopping color.
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At my house bookshelves are for books and items that are meaningful to me.. In my living room, the books are the ones related to the life I actually lead there, no matter what their size. And I can’t wrap my mind around buying a book just because it looks good on a coffee table or a book shelf. (Tom Ford anyone?) Nor would I banish a book I actually read. In my view decorating and living one’s life should be integrated.
My response is an eye roll, with a sarcastic “whatever!”. I am a maximalist. I am also a gardener, an artist, a grandmother of 8, and a COLLECTOR OF THINGS! I try to combine function and form. I love nature, water, woods, rocks, and plants. I grow all of my own herbs, which are hanging in small bundles to dry in my kitchen/dining area. All of these things tell a story about my life, the places I’ve been, and the things that help me live a wholesome, simple life. My house is not picture perfect, hardly ever. But it’s cozy and interesting, welcoming, and reflects my personality, which is also not picture perfect. I don’t just sit there, looking at my stuff, I use that “stuff ” daily.
I don’t always agree with everything that you say, but I don’t always share that either. Because I understand what you’re saying can be valid. Maybe not for me, but valid for others. I don’t have children I don’t have trophies, but you talk about getting rid of “clutter”. And therefore, hiding the trophies in something, that’s lovely, and they are unseen. And that brings calm to your life. I disagree strongly. I think that if a child has won a trophy and you hide it, that does something that’s not good for their mind. I think it’s encouraging for them to see it. I don’t think you need to keep it in the living room. However, displaying it in the child’s bedroom or even if there’s more than one, even if they run marathons all the time and they have a hook that has all of their marathon numbers on it. I think that that’s encouraging to them and let them know that you’re proud of them to allow them to hang it on the wall. And I’m not “coming for you” lol I’m just respectfully disagreeing.
I appreciate your style and decorating advice. I understand and agree with the concept of reducing visual clutter; however, I think there are many ways to decorate. Your home should be a reflection of your personal aesthetic and interest. Some people might prioritize allowing their children to display awards/trophies so they can be proud of their personal accomplishment over aesthetics and decorating. I think their should be a balance. I mean we don’t live in a magazine.
I can not be comfortable without my books. When I want to look something up, find the cookbook with that recipe, sink into a comfortable chair with a book on philosophy or a good thriller, I do not want to search through a rental storage container, basement boxes or other. A house with no books is an empty place. Your pictures of books with the spines turned to the back in bookcases are a ridiculous decorator affectation. How can you find a book if you can’t read the spines? Decorators must not be readers. Who else would do such a foolish thing. It seems your spaces are for impressing others and not for living in. Books are as necessary as the dog bed you have to find room for or the cat box, the toys we all live with (kids and adults) and the coffee pot we leave on the counter that is not a shiny espresso machine, but the standard drip unit most of us use daily.
Your home is a reflection of your personal style, what is important to you and it’s also a reflection of your state of mind. You can choose to live like Valentina and have an absolutely gorgeous home (even on a budget) or you can live completely opposite. No one is judging. Personally I stand behind all of her decorating principles and let me tell you, it is absolutely a joy to wake up in the morning, look around and be absolutely in love with my environment. There’s no stress, no clutter, no chaos in my home but it is warm, welcoming and peaceful. The beautiful thing about life is that you get to choose how you want to live and decorate. It’s sad Valentina feels anxiety for sharing her decorating principles with us out of fear of backlash. If you don’t like what she has to say then her message isn’t for you, just move on. No need to be rude, and no she isn’t being rude like some other commenter stated. She’s telling you the secrets of having an amazing home. Who doesn’t want that??
One day I folded my last load of laundry but didn’t feel like carrying it upstairs so I put the folded clothes back in the dryer. When my husband came home I showed him that the dryer now has a “fold” cycle! We kept it up the whole week that our grandson was here it was a hoot ‘ “Grandma’s folding dryer!”
What is the fear of living in your home? When people are coming to my home I pick up. But if I leave the remote on my table it does not bother me. I don’t have have a large kitchen so appliances must be on my counter. If I am reading a book or a magazine its ok to leave it on the table. I also leave the yarn out so I finish my project. I live in my home not in a magazine. Bless you for making this content, but please add some content about living in a home. Thank you
With all due respect… How people want to decorate their homes is a matter of personal preference. Now… with that said… if someone is more interested in impressing people online by following the ever revolving trends then that’s their prerogative. I’ve lived in cringe mode for the past few years with all of the “Modern FarmHouse” aesthetic flooding the articlesphere. It’s been like Stepford decorating 101. The best advice I’ve ever heard was from Bunny Williams… “Surround yourself with objects that you love and that bring you joy” “Break the rules and never let anyone tell you you can’t do it your way.”
Valentina asked us to comment, so i will. This is my take on MY house. I don’t like mess,but I’m definitely a maximalist. I’m extremely sentimental and adore being able to view my families objects and some are a hundred years old. I also find that friends are interested in them. I also love old books,no matter how small or worn they are. I generaly display these in little baskets and they look sooo cute. I cook EVERY day and it is one of my great passions,so i definitely display my kitchen aids. Herbs can look attractive if cleverly displayed but as i have so very many most are in a draw. Valentina is a modern lady but personally her objects say nothing to me. They have no soul and no story behind them. Anyone can buy those and many will have the exact same object in their homes. Families with children cannot possibly follow her advice so just forget about it all,enjoy your little ones whilst they are small ( they grow up so quickly)and attack the house when they are older😂. She does have some good points though,but always remember this. It’s YOUR home and YOU must love it and as it isn’t open to a paying public you and your family must find it cosy and welcoming. At the end of the day that’s all that counts.
I love a beautiful home but my home isn’t a show home. It’s a representation of who we are as people and a family. I want to see our memories and the things we have done together displayed so our home tells a story. So if we take a family trip to the mountains there will be pictures,souvenirs,books about where we visited. I couldn’t live in a home that feels like a mueseum. Kudos to those who love it but it’s not for me.
I prefer less visual clutter and just stuff. I however can’t get behind decanting everything.. if it’s out like soap yes but cereal and stuff in cabinets I’m just not wasting my time. If it’s something like spaghetti that once open it’s torn plastic then yes decant. It just adds so much time to a chore I hate. It definitely is nice to look at but I’ll just put things up.
Agree with everything expect the dried/dead flowers. Some of them are quite lovely, but it does land better in the dead (pun intended) of winter in Michigan than other seasons. When no flowers are growing outside it can be strange to see a live/faux floral inside. And their is beauty in the end of a cycle or death, as well.
My kitchen cabinets are sea glass green, the backsplash is white, my kitchen aide mixer is the only appliance that’s out and it’s my favorite shade of pale yellow— it literally makes me happy. I do dry all of my roses, lavender, and eucalyptus when I get them fresh, so I have that hanging from spots or tucked away. But that’s part of my spiritual practice and, again, makes me happy. I don’t invite many people over to begin with but when I do I often hear how my home is “peaceful”, “zen”, and “storybook chic” so whatever I’m doing makes me happy and puts people at ease. So it’s a win in my (story)book.
To be fair, I don’t think people are intentionally ‘decorating’ their home with things like laundry and remotes. They are just stuff we all use on a daily basis and are easy to leave lying around. This article should be called something more on the lines of ‘how to keep your home looking aesthetically pleasing’ instead of ‘things you should never decorate with’.
For the first time in the 9 years I’ve lived in my house, I walk in and go, “Yes! I love this! I live here.”, and it’s largely due to you and your website. Your use of black and attention to detail really caught my eye when I first decided to remodel, and I’ve created a personal style that I LOVE. And, every day is like a little adventure in my home, finding new favorite “moments” and just in awe of the space I’ve created. Thanks for all the advice and cute ideas!
I think our homes should be a reflection of who we are. If you have certain things you love or things you’ve done in your life that you are proud of, it gives you an opportunity to showcase those things in a way so you can converse with people visiting your home. Valentina is a decorator and so her home is going to reflect that. I am a decorator wanna be so of course I’m going to appreciate the advice she gives in order to reflect who I aspire to be. I don’t like clutter and intentional things left out, I.e., cereal boxes, laundry, magazines, etc. People do have to live in their homes and functionality can be more important than a perfectly tidy home. I’ve seen a lot of interiors and most people live with clutter, but I’ll bet they have cluttered minds as well. Removing the clutter and chaos provides an opportunity to free your mind. I think the main thing is to clean out, clear out and just have a home that reflects you and who you want to be! PS. I put a hinged ottoman with storage in my closet that doubles for dirty laundry and a seat for putting on shoes.
I think there is a difference between dead flowers and dried flowers. Dead ones that were once alive are just disgusting (sometimes they even have a rotten smell!), but dried ones are often treated in such a way that they look nice in fall and winter bouquets. My Mom used to collect milkweed pods and teasel from the surrounding countryside and spray them gold or silver and use them at Christmas along with some greens from our hemlock tree, holly bush, or from the lower branches of our live Christmas tree. Faux flowers can be pretty but you have to wash them to rid them of dust because nothing looks worse than a dusty bouquet. I keep some small books in our back bedroom. But books on my interests such as Russian culture and general history are on the den shelves. These often have archival and color photos that I do not want to get on kindle because the whole point of these books are the glorious photos. And I also have many books on my kindle so that keeps me from being overwhelmed with paperbacks. We keep our stand mixer and sugar and flour containers on the kitchen counter because we use them often. We do keep other things stowed and I always wash dishes in the evening and dry them and put them away. I do not need or use a dish drainer because I think they are unsightly. Same with laundry. I wash, dry and fold on the same day. Only one or two items need ironing and I wait til I have several to get out the ironing board. Piles of laundry in the LR just lowers one’s mood. I also don’t have a lot of knick knacks, just a few family photos, and things from my grandparents and mother.
Everyone is different, but I definitely agree on clutter and being conscious of what you decorate with. A home should reflect who you are, but it can still be neat. I remember a friend remodeling her whole kitchen, brought it into the current century, then she put about five boxes of cereal on top of the refrigerator. She was just so used to having them there that she missed them when she put them in the pantry. My sister has a formal living room with a fireplace, she decorated it like a library with bookcases that she keeps very organized, and it’s so cozy in there, especially on a cold rainy day. I love seeing how people decorate, and enjoy different styles, and there is definitely a difference between storage and display.
I love having my books out! We have a library – a full floor to ceiling wall of books and everyone in our home loves it!! Each of my kids have books in their rooms too! I also have a small stack of magazines in our interests that sit out in the living room so that my family has something they might be inclined to look at close by. I don’t decorate with chores – that’s for sure!! I love coming home into a clean environment!
While i get the concept of uaing larger books rather than smaller books, many of us are avid readers who view books as a necessity not decor. Never been in a position where I was shopping for a book and they gave me the option of buying the small version or the giant coffee table version – not typical aside from paperback or hardback. Buying books based solely on their size and how aesthetic the cover is rather than the topic and your level of interest, is like wearing a band tshirt for a band you dont listen to (thinking back to younger days)….its silly.
Agree with most of your suggestions! I stopped decorating with small books a long time ago and my shelves feel and look so much better. Ahh, magazines! When visiting my family ( Mom and sister) I noticed all the stacks of outdated magazines and the stuffiness it created. I immediately stopped “saving” mags and it has made a huge difference in my home.
I think it’s funny when you start out with “A little below the belt.” lol! I like your designs because you make everything look sophisticated ; having, revealing or proceeding from a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture, this is why we are all here, we can see your heart&soul in your work and thank you for making a difference in peoples lives Valentina! We don’t always have to agree or disagree, that’s the beauty of Design.
Some of us have no choice when it comes to having appliances out on the counter. I am curious to know how you’d go about working with the realities of a tiny english kitchen, as apose to the warehouse kitchens you guys seem to have in the US. My kitchen is so small, there is no island, one counter, and my washing machine is in my kitchen too. my sink pretty much takes up one wall, my fridge is on the other, I have a cooker and hob. 2 useable under the counter cupboards and no overhead cupboards. I have eliminated all the uneccessary appliances i can, such as a standing mixer (i use a little hand held mixer) my bread maker (i make bread by hand) a liquidizer, smoothy maker, (i use a stick blender), toaster (i use the grill setting on the oven) most of those smaller things i can fit under the counter, along with plates, bowls, glasses, mugs etc etc, but kettle, crock pot, Microwave, I have to have out. How do you make those look pretty? curious to know. thank you.
I take it this one has been brutal for some. I hope you’ll make a article on stylish bookshelves that actually contain books😅. While you do not have your smaller books on display (And btw, I totally get it. All of my paperbacks are in closed cabinets), I simply love seeing the beautiful sets of hardbacks I’ve collected over the years. They are like art to me and I’m so very happy just looking at them. So, what advice would you give to a book lover about displaying their collection of books in a beautiful way? PLEASE Valentina, I know you can save book lovers from that overplayed rainbow bookshelf trend. Consider this a challenge 😊. Love your work and expertise. ❤️
I agree with you in many ways. However, you can display memorabilia in attractive ways. In addition to this, please keep in mind that less is more. Clutter is not attractive. I have to say, though, I’m not a fan of books being used as risers for decor items. There are other rises that you can use. You shouldn’t have to move objects to read a book.
Unpopular opinion: Life over Likes, but then again I’m a maximalist, an artist and a lover of color, memories, history and living. I’m glad people can find joy in her aesthetic, it’s comforting to some people, and anxiety inducing to others. But at they end of the day, you do you…because of you, not fear that someone is going to shame your style on YouTube. There’s a million different styles, pick someone else’s or pick your own, just don’t put other people down for their choices…(sees remote sitting on the table…good lord hostess, are you an animal???!!!!😂)
Dead flowers!!! Just throw them away!!Negative energy!!!Thanks for the info,this is the first time perusal your article!! I read and watch lots of articles reguarding interior design.The problem is when the kitchen is not so big!!! I agree with you about clutter,when you declutter you feel good and energy flows!!! Widhing you the Best !!!🌲🌲🌲🎀🎀🎀👍👍👍😊😊
I have a very designed and curated home… Between travels around the globe to antiquing and it’s always “show room ready” but I miss when my children were young and toys were overflowing and there was laundry to fold and life took over. It all goes by so fast, so as much as I love and live for design and aesthetic, these articles come across mean and condescending. It’s honestly unnecessary. Live your life full of joy and mess and cereal boxes cause it all goes by so quickly.
First time seeing you Valentina, I totally agree on the appliances being put away and laundry but at the same time, I actually live in my home, not a magazine or a staged home, so I just don’t get this kind of decorating for everyday life. While I can appreciate that some people do live this way, I do think it wouldn’t be wrong to assume most people don’t .. your home is beautiful but not realistic in most homes.
Thank you for talking about the display of memorabilia. I am the youngest of four children and have been given a lot of family items. Then, I’m pressured into putting those items on display and keeping them forever. My book shelves look like a tornado has hit them but I have been guilted into this predicament. And yes, their presence is a constant distraction and mood killer. My house is tiny, so I don’t have space for the pretty box idea. Maybe I’ll figure it out someday.
Completely agree! Try it before you attack it because now when people walk into my apartment their jaws drop. It looks so high end. If that isn’t the look you’re going for don’t listen. If that’s what you want to achieve listen to every word Valentina says. It works. She’s changed the way I shop and decorate
Wow..I can tell a full moon is right around the corner…some comments sound so childish and jealous. This website is about guiding us to have a sophisticate and classy home. Altho my style is not the same…I have more of a Pacific/California style, the tips I have gained for free here are long lasting. It actually has been proven that less visual and physical clutter in ones home does wonders for us…better sleep too. Its about putting things away and being clean and tidy. And if being too busy and rich is a crime…lock me up. 🙄
I love books too…always have. My large hard cover books are on display with the covers off. I keep the latest copy of my favorite magazine, “Life Beautiful” on display for my guests to flip through. Whenever staying overnight at someones house I always appreciate current issues of their magazines to read while relaxing.
For years, I have used 2 or 3 long shelves in the pantry for all my appliances. I like that they are all together, not spread out all over the kitchen in different cabinets, high and low. Open the door and get out what cha need, even multiple appliances to get the job done. Then clean up and they all go back into the panrty ☺️ Same here- only my upscale coffee machine is out 24/ 7. Have an area next to it with a beautiful small plate as a spoon rest for my coffee spoon, cream and sugar bowl. That entire coffee area IS part of the decor. I collect small plates to put undar plants, feed the cats, jewelry etc… Shallow bowls as well for keys, change, glasses and remotes. They are pretty and more interesting than a basket. Wooded are nice as well. I do use baskets but don’t what them everywhere. Change these ALL out and move them around all the time. (Use the bleander and the toaster daily but prefer them put away) Decanters all glass, ceramic and nice so while they are out they look cohesive with the look. It’s a calmer look/ feel and if ya get busy and they stay out… its still great looking.
Sorry, disagree about the books. A bookshelf full of knickknacks is just as busy, if not more, as one with small books, and it serves zero function. A library adds warmth to any home. I love seeing the books I’ve read and be able to consult some of them once in a while. We have a floor to ceiling set of bookshelves with a sliding ladder and I think it looks wonderful.
Definitely inspired by the idea of hiding the remotes in my bedroom and the living room in a beautiful box. I will be on the hunt for that! 💜 I am guilty of having dried flowers in my home especially the ones in a bowl with essential oils aka potpourri. I’ve learned the dried flower look is only temporary as it does after a while get more dried and decayed and that’s when I will throw them out.
I think this is great points. Everyone should decide how they choose to live. But I think this article is spot on if and only if you care about having a home that looks put together. If this is not important than I would just ignore the good advice. Valentina is trying to help out and these are all good tips.
Thank you for the good advice. I do think there are some other magazines that can be left out as decor. I think AD(Architectural Digest ), House Beautiful, Kitchen and Design are a few that have beautiful front covers that look good on a coffee table, a console table behind the sofa, and a front entrance table I believe placement is key. Oftentimes, the colors of the covers blend well with a home’s color scheme. Also, guest love to pick them up and read them as well. Great conversation, especially for Interior design enthusiasts. I do think you don’t need many out. Let me know if you agree, maybe 😉 just a little.
We homeschool, have 5 kids, and 1300 sq ft. No garage, no attic. Finding ways to store books so that we don’t feel like we are in a classroom all the time is very difficult, but I’m leaning into the baskets with labels idea. As much as I love my books, it’s become too many items to process all the time.
I don’t decorated with books and magazines . I even read Better Homes and Gardens on occasion stacked along with Southern Living next to my favorite spot for morning coffee.. I could never understand covering books with coordinated wall paper or lining them on shelves with the spines backwards. As to the appliances on the counters, my kitchen is for serious cooking and I want an efficient organized work space. We have our meals in the dinning room. I enjoy eating from mother’s china. Furniture pieces and carpets have been collected over the years. I cherish items that belonged to my mother. There is a difference between a home that is inviting and one that is staged for YouTube.
I’m going to totally disagree with you on memorabilia. I deal mainly with people who are neurodivergent. Many people have issues with object permanence and sticking their memorable items away means they will be permanently out of mind. Also, I firmly believe your small decor items should be personally meaningful. I don’t need to see some generic vase your decorator picked up from C&B (especially if you never really use it). The art glass paperweight you were given after an event (or your late grandmother’s candlesticks, or the small ceramic piece you made yourself) is much more significant. Put those out on display shelves instead! (Of course, photos belong in photo boxes or albums, with the occasional special piece framed, matted, and hung on the wall.)
I used to have my KitchenAid on the counter, but that is used only once a week or so, so I put it into my cupboard. Same with the espresso machine, not on display anymore. I have now 2 items that I use all the time. My toaster, we use it every morning, its a smeg, so it is pretty. 😉 The other thing is a microwave! What you might say, but yes, I use it a lot. I went for something that is not so visible. A corner model of Whirlpool, its in stainless steel, and against my carrera flower tiles it doesnt stand out at all. 👍 I do have a cat however, and two small dogs. She has her feeding bowl at the end of the counter. (Away from the dogs) Its an inherited antique crystal bowl from my grandmother, it looks pretty 💕 I put cuttings off plants and put them in a vase, just change the water now and again, they will grow roots, and stay fresh forever. Not exactly flowers, but nice green leaves.
Can’t remember when I last bought a magazine but when I was finished I threw it away, why would i decorate with it? Same with books. So every time you change the website you have to put the remote back in a box or in a drawer? I hate clutter and have nothing unnecessary in my property – everything has to earn it’s keep – but even I keep the remote out. Not to decorate but bc I use it – a lot.
I think you should do what makes you happy. I have many books. I use bookshelves for books. My home is small. Appliances are on the counter…no choice. I keep bathroom clutter free for hygiene. I use fake flowers. Can’t afford real ones .. not much of a gardener. Home is neat and clean. Laundry is done same day… all put away. Kids were doing laundry at age 11. We all had our week to have kitchen and laundry duty. One night to cook. With 4 of us i did laundry once a month. I’m slowly decluttering. I “live” in my home and am not concerned about being house beautiful. Don’t care about trends. I have evolved over my 60 years. Can’t believe how i decorated in my past. Just do what makes you happy and enjoy your life.
I really like your style. For me, I like my home to tell the story of my family’s life and reflect personality/soul rather than the staged look. Both are fine, but when someone comes to my home, they’ll get a sense of who we are. Books/magazines, family (and pet) photos, and yes, trophies… in moderation and tastefully placed, of course 😊
I agree! Remote controls Drive me nuts! I bought a really nice stylish box @ Pottery Barn! Hampers should be stored in the closet! I grew up with wall to wall bookshelves ( encyclopedias, dictionaries, Readers Digest, etc.) 😂😂😂 I get it Martina! I love elegance, organization, and a leather sofa with 2 elegant cozy chairs I’m in a 3800 sq ft home Less it’s best and looks CLEAN 😊 No plants I live in Fl All go outside! This was a funny article 😂😂😂
I’m with Valentina on the dried flowers. I see YouTubers doing this all the time. All I see is allergies, allergies, allergies! I’ve had a terrible experience with dried arrangements and I’ve never used them again. I think the small books idea might be ok for her (look at her house) but for the rest of us we like our book cases filled with books. My husband would have a spasm if I removed all the books. I am not a minimalist by far, however I understand what she means by visual clutter. It can drag you down sometimes. But it depends on what you want your personal space to feel like.
1. I don’t normally buy magazines. If I were gifted one, I’d probably recycle it. Same for greeting cards; I recycle the ones I can and the rest go into the shredder and garbage). I rather give and receive e-cards. 2. I don’t decorate my kitchen, my appliances are my tools and I keep them out on the counter because I don’t have much storage space and that’s why I don’t like/have open concept. 3. Again, my bathroom is functional, basic, and clean. I don’t spend a lot of time in there. 4. I’ve never heard or seen any real person use laundry as decor. Maybe back in the 90’s at some Italian restaurant (underwear on a clothesline) and not many of them. And, if I ever did see laundry out at one of my friend’s house, it was because they were actually doing laundry. If you have a problem with that, then don’t show up to your “friend’s” house uninvited. 5. I don’t mind the remotes…it’s that obnoxious telly that takes up most of the wall. 6. I don’t have a problem with trophies as long as it’s 1st place. Nor do I have a problem with memorabilia as long as it brings you joy. 7. Small books and big ones too…I’d donate to thrift shops. My mother-in-law loves to gift my son books that he’s not interested in. We have a bunch that are waiting to go. 8. I don’t mind cereal boxes, etc. nor coffee and condiments that come in glass jars (yes, I drink instant coffee). I have canisters for sugar, flour, pasta, dry beans, rice, and spices. Chips don’t usually last that long to merit a container.
I rolled my eyes and thought “come on, nobody decorates with laundry” and then later realised that I’ve been doing exactly that 😅 Using radiators to dry small items, the corner of doors to air dry towels or bedding, hanging clothes from the architrave between the living and dining room… Oops. All clear now so thank you in particular for that one!
I agree with Valentina. I am a very serious reader also. I read books everyday of my life. Small books add visual clutter, not to mention dust and odors. Have you ever walked into a used book store and noticed the “unique smell?” I also realized I rarely pick up any books I’ve already read. Why keep them around? I think I can do better with some beautiful decor, rather than used small books, that I’ll never read again.
Some people cannot have a home that easy to keep things so orderly in fact most people need functuality I appreciate the advice but i actually love decorating with a few home decor table top magazines & I’m guilty of using my coffeemaker on my counter for easy access and my bathroom is a neat haven of my jewelry & some small items of laundry that I neatly stash in a cute basket until laundry day lol I try😌
What I think most in the comments (being negative) are missing is that the tips she is giving are mostly suited for homes of a certain stature. Most of us live in regular homes that are not designed like her. She has a large home withlots of different spaces.I live in a normal home but i still enjoy her tips and design comments. Even if they elevate my home a tiny bit it helps. Never hate on people who have more than you.
I would love for you to do a kid edition. I’m planning on having them and honestly can’t stand clutter and love a clean., stylish and fresh home. I just don’t know how achievable this is with kids, without being THAT mum who doesn’t let’s their kids be kids. I’d love to know what you did when yours were young. Thanks and love it if you did a article on this! ❤
Being organized is important. You are so right about what the eye perceives in a room. There should be a place for smaller items, books etc. Laundry is a pet peeve of mine. Wish builders would put laundry rooms near the bedrooms. Not at the back door, not near the garage or, in/next to the kitchen. I don’t keep my clothes in the kitchen. Does anyone? Get a clue, builders. I do have a very large collection of home magazines, some of which are no longer in print; Southern Accents ( love these and drool over them all the time). Along with years of Trad Home, Southern Living, Veranda. BUT, they are contained, chronological and not openly visible. It just takes a little effort to keep our “stuff” in a more gracious format. Good article, thanks Valentina. Stay cool. Another tropical summer. I am in NC.
Awesome! My favourite greenery on Pinterest are the lighter green leafy stems. I find them more calming. Never been into dried flowers. Love the therapy and would love a article on changing up the house after divorce to make it your own focusing on a new mind set. For me your articles are about creating boundaries about what I will and won’t accept in my home both aesthetically and living my best life. Thank you for that as you have totally changed how I want to live a life I enjoy ❤.
Wow, you’re a tough customer! I realize it’s your job to create beauty & harmony for people’s spaces but sometimes real life intrudes. I’m all for putting away or camouflaging things that aren’t used daily but if I had kids I wouldn’t have the heart to say they couldn’t display their trophies. And as a librarian for 30 years, my home would feel unfinished without books. Most of the things on your list I wouldn’t consider to be decor but I’m all for placing the nicest items in the most public spaces & relegating the rest behind the scenes. As for flowers, I always prefer live ones but as a result, I’m guilty of the dead flower dilemna, but dead flowers are not the same as dried flowers. Dead flowers are bad feng shui but dried flowers are more natural looking to me than fake flowers, though I do think the quality of fake flowers has greatly improved in recent decades. Like others have already said, take what you like & leave the rest, and decorate in the style that suits YOU. These are first world problens, as we spend more money on storage options for our stuff than third world people spend on the stuff itself. 😮
Putting away Laundry . Yes it feels like a chore, however, I suggest setting a timer to see just how long it actually takes. One load probably takes 5-10 minutes, not a daunting task or time sucker. I used Mari Kondo’s folding methods a few years and organized all my drawers. I have maintained that system ever since. My 38 year old daughter does not follow my lead and her bedroom looks like a rummage sale. I couldn’t rest peacefully in a room with all that chaos.
I agree with ALL of them, except the small books 🙂 love my books. However I do need to find a better bookshelf to display them nicer. Everything else is put away. Toothbrushes, appliances. even my laundry basket I can’t have out in the open. Inside the bathroom closet it goes. I CANNOT stand clutter. Only thing I need work on is my packaged goods, like getting a bread box. That’s pretty much the only food item that stays on the counter, besides the fruit bowl. Everything else is put In the pantry. Future plans.
I agree with MOST of this advice. I never leave out remotes or food packaging or less-than-commonly-used appliances and do also decant several things. I don’t understand people who leave their toothbrush and toothpaste out on the counter. It’s clutter and also sitting there to pick up germs. However, I LOVE dried flowers (not dead, still sitting in gross water)! They remind me of when people dry herbs for cooking or preservation and I’m really into that. I think they’re beautiful. And, I agree that really small books don’t look as majestic as large coffee table books; but, I don’t care. LOL. I ACTUALLY LOVE books! I am always ready several at a time (yes I do finish them all, usually) and I want to see and look at them…ALL of them. I do admit that I stored away my small collection of classics in bins because I couldn’t find a good way to display them (they’re SO SMALL) but as soon as I can make them look like a cool collection, they’re coming out. I think your advice might work better for massive homes like yours but I live in a little 2 bed-1 bath bungalow and my smaller to medium books feel to scale here. One last thing, some of us are maximalists, not minimalists, and do NOT get overstimulated with a lot of collections around, especially when they are tastefully done. If you’re familiar with the MBTI personality system and associated Carl Jung cognitive functions, then you’ll know that there are 2 types of sensory that humans experience/prefer. Some people use the “Introverted Sensing” cognitive function and others use the “Extroverted Sensing” cognitive function.
This is low key making me laugh. 😂 okay, so basically … you are telling us to not live in our homes and not have any personality and that our homes should be show rooms every single day. I mean don’t you think this is kind of ridiculous to say we are decorating with remotes and packaging ? I do understand cleaning the house up – put your cereal boxes behind a cabinet door – but I think a lot of this is a bit much for any normal person. This feels like such a chore just to live in my own house. Love your articles but dang girl 😂 and I love my dried florals – I cut my own out of my yard to enjoy them fresh and then let them dry out and still like them dead for fall 😂
I’m a home health nurse so I have to bring paperwork/notes home with me all the time. Eventually after a week or so I can throw these papers away, once it’s all been submitted and loaded into computer system, but what do I do with it in the meantime?! I do not have an office space. I have such an issue with this! What are some ideas/ways to store this stuff, while it is in my home?
I normally love the advice – but really don’t leave cereal boxes out as decor advice 🤔 and I much prefer fresh flowers of course, but I do have a vase with dried flowers in my dinning room, and it has beautiful muted colours that look great with my decor, it definitely not the same thing as leaving your once fresh flowers dead in the vase on display
Why are books now being placed on shelves with page edges showing rather than the name of the book. I’ve been seeing most designers doing this. I don’t really agree with you especially the kitchen counters and appliances and other items. There’s only a small percentage of people who have large pantries and large kitchen with lots of storage. On that subject, I feel like you’re only talking to elite or 6 digit incomes. 😢😢
I have been known to strategically place RH catalogs on my coffee table.😆Seriously though, I have those magazine boxes, but they’re turned around so you only see the solid surface. We have our small books sequestered to the landing alcove shelves, so they’re at least not in the living room. And I would definitely rather have fake greenery than dried florals – with you 100% on that!
Currently my home is a reflection of my families not-so-organized brains and it’s driving me a little nuts. I have 3 painting projects started but not finished, a lawn that is half mowed because my husband got distracted by a mushroom last week and as I speak, my son is bringing his bike into the living room so he can watch tv while he repairs it.
Yea I like my “dead” flowers. I get kind of tired of hearing only do live plants. No only do faux. No only use dried. I have all kinds because there’s a difference between dead and dried just like there’s beautiful faux flowers but you’re not going to find them at the dollar store! My dried flowers are from my gardens where I spend most of my time. I dry them myself so they have a beautiful shape. I feel good knowing I grew these beautiful blooms myself. However once they start looking dusty and crumbly I replace them.
I’ve seen modern evolve. The new modern trend incorporates less black and white, and embraces more earthy woods, earth tones, green accents or blue for that pop of color, and charcoal grays. Everyone’s style is different and no one should follow any trends because trends move too quickly. Beiges and tans and black accent walls aren’t a thing anymore. Designers are saying black is too heavy and depressing and beiges make a room feel dirty. I’ve seen modern done in dark earth tones with dark accents and modern done in light earthy grays and subtle splashes of color. Haven’t seen the creams and black and white modern homes in a while. It is dated but if people love it, then that’s all that matters. It’s a misconception that modern has to be just black and white and variants of beige. Higher end homes have moved away from black walls. I disagree about the books . Books are a form of art, especially if someone gets enjoyment out of reading them over and over throughout the years. Hiding them in a basket on a shelf is disrespectful to the author and almost seems like one is ashamed of liking novels. What one person finds busy, another person might not. I don’t find books on a shelf busy, I find them practical. I do find random empty vases spread everywhere a little too busy, so I wouldn’t do that, but that’s okay, because we each have our own preferences. There’s been many high end homes I’ve seen online, where people display one or two or a few of the art pieces their children created.
Some of us have too many books of all sizes to store them away, out of sight, or confine them to just one room. (Even after a post-home-schooling purge!) In cases like that, embracing the books as the ”unavoidable” element in the room makes sense to me: Go more modern perhaps. Clean lines and a simple room allow the books to be the Element to draw your attention. This can be as elevated as you like or as simple as Ikea. Glass doors can simplify dusting. Half doors covering the lower part of the bookcase helps keep it clean looking. How you style the books expresses your personality (adding a neutral Coordinating paper dust jacket with a title in a font that resonates with your style, adding plants or little lamps inside the bookcases for evening illumination, turning them backwards… Which to me is stupid if you want a functional Library…Using old classic books instead of garish modern paperbacks, etc.) it’s not a look that will give most people a positive impression of your “decor” unless they are book people, lol, but a lot of people enjoy getting a glimpse of who you are through your home. Looking at the books you choose to keep on your shelves is part of that….And they have the potential added value of getting to gossip about your terrible ”book” decor on the way home… or your wonderful “book” decor, depending on who they are. You get to have the home you love, and you get to entertain people who come to visit you… Sometimes long after they have left. Win-Win!
I do have some dried roses and sage in my place but the sage was picked on a special trip and the roses are from a loved one who passed so I’m going to leave those. I also have a lot of dried herbs hanging which could go, they don’t have sentimental value, they are sort of hiding some fixtures to hang up a tapestry but i have some fake cherry blossoms that could go there instead and potentially look great. Thanks for the idea. Also, whoever displays their books binding side in needs to be institutionalized. 😄I don’t know why that trend started, but it is WRONG. 🌹🥀
I’m sorry, but magazines are full of artwork. It’s always fine to display artwork; just don’t get carried away with it like a hoarder. Small books are fine to decorate with. Just use them in a vignette and limit them. These could be good in Dark academia. Please stop decorating in dark grey, light grey and white. Spice it up, and use color! The magazines portray a new trend, then ladies follow the trend forever.
The average person is not going to live in a home where everything is perfect, nor do they want to. A house is the life of the people who live in it. It is full of things that make waking up in a place to relax and be you. It should be filled with things you do, and I love appliances in the kitchen it is a thing I do because I use them all the time. I am not going to drag out daily all the things I use. Also, I have a small house. Ralph Lauren is a classic who taste in golfs you and invites you to come in. His homes tell a story of fun times, relaxing. You actually feel rich looking at his design. I like it when people are more important than sterile cold environment, I do not want to live or invite people into a decorated high-end hotel. Then I am an old woman, but I am a country girl. I like magazines, especially books, and I want people to feel they can come in and put their feet up. My children were more important than things. So are people. Taste is subjective. Peace!
Every time I watch you, I learn something to make me want to just love my home and being home. Whether it’s how I store things, what I can do without…etc…it just makes me think. Honestly having things you don’t love and habits that bring stress to your life …they need to be sorted through and priorities set on how you want to feel or live in your home. We all go through stages in life and they change us and how we see things and deal with “stuff.” I now love less and calm colors and this website has opened that door up for me. I don’t do black normally, but a deeeeep dark tate olive (BM) wall has so changed the mood and the calm in my home, along with setting priorities, and taking better care of myself. Young grandkids (6 under 4) have challenged my coffee table, but they are learning and I don’t put breakables where they can reach. They need to learn that it’s nice for things to look beautiful and cared for:):)
It’s funny I’m a librarian I love reading! From books to magazines! But I can’t stand keeping anything!? I’m the rare odd one! I just rarely ever read a book more than once! And don’t feel the need to show off what I’ve read in the past 🤷♀️ so I would display coffee table books of art or fashion but my literature? I’m a library gal! And I do display on a table the library books I have atm.
Re-evaluating one’s space with less emphasis on shopping/product promotion ALWAYS appreciated! ( Even “panting” worthy!) Still…there are those advising that your home should in some manner (tastefully) tell the story of those residing there. How this is accomplished will be widely varied…but fodder for development!
I thank you for your article and I liked some of your ideas; but wanted to comment on some of them. If a kitchen has enough cabinets, it’s nice to put ALL the appliances away, but that isn’t always an option, and some people cook every day and may want more appliances sitting out for convenience, like your coffee machine. Decorating is personal and shouldn’t be judged. One of my fetishes is that I don’t like so many open bookshelves. They’re dust catchers and I don’t like cleaning them every week. What’s important or valuable to one person may not be to another.
Um, yeah, people are not using laundry as “decor.” Maybe perhaps consider that some people are truly very busy –for example, at one point I was working two jobs –one full-time, one part-time–AND going to night school, AND raising a child as a single parent. Give me a break. If I have some laundry on a chair in the bedroom it is called LIFE.
I do have to disagree on the soap dispensers. A pretty soap dispenser in the bathroom is fine. However, I think a kitchen soap dispenser should be kept out of sight. Also, when we leave appliances used every day on the counter, they are put away when company comes so functionality and decorating can work together.
My kids display their trophies/medals in their own rooms. Recently my teen organized his room and only kept the really important ones on display and put the “participation trophies/medals” in a decorative box and asked me if I could get him a jersey display frame. He even felt it was too much clutter, and I didn’t even tell him to clean his room!😂😂
I think when you strip away the things like trophies and small books, Etc, it takes away from what’s really important to a person. I think your article is interesting but I don’t have the same point of view about quite a few of those things. Plus your whole home is basically black and White and although it’s very stylish and beautiful, it reflects a lack of tolerance for color. The idea of things being in excess is one thing, but the other extreme is sterile.
Interesting content, which I appreciate. However… I prefer to decorate with memorabilia (things that have meaning to me) versus items that are — and were purchased as — strictly decor. Such decor items have no meaning or relevance to me. Also, they will probably need to be replaced within a few years, when they are dated. But, to each his own!
Appliances used everyday must be on the counter or accesible. I just make sure they’re pretty. For me, that is a coffee maker, and toaster. Both are beautiful, on a shelf in my pantry area. I would rather have it out then pull it out every single day because of their sheer size. All other appliances are tucked away.
Great article! ❤ Loved the advice. I’m going to start implementing them. There were a lot of comments about books. 😮 The husband likes his books, so I keep them in his office, but when we put our house on the market, I turned all the spines to the back of the bookcase only exposing the white pages. It cut down on the visual clutter.
Much of what you’re referring to as decor, I would call clutter. Visual clutter. I do like that you call it decor tho….it reframes it and reveals the overall effect. When you line up remotes on an end table, even tho they are necessary and functional, they are being displayed. I wholeheartedly agree with the dried flower sentiment….most look dead…..like they need to be discarded.
I’m half and half with you on the “dead flowers” thing. Flowers that wilted and died in the vase definitely don’t look good. However, when dried properly (cleaned, arranged and hung upside down), they can look very beautiful and retain their shape and color. The type of flower is also a huge factor because some types don’t dry well no matter how you do it. I avoid flowers like carnations, lillies, daisies, etc, because they don’t retain their shape or color. I typically only use roses and a few greenery stems for mine, and they look very nice. I will say however, even with roses, they don’t last forever. Mine usually last about a year, maybe 2. Once they crumble too much or get too dusty (since you can’t wash them like you can with faux flowers), that’s when I’ll toss them and start again 😊