It's a fact of life that the older we get the more stuff we acquire. It also goes without saying that the longer you live somewhere, the more stuff you will have around you. Some of this stuff is unimportant or unnecessary. But a lot of it reflects where you've been, what you've done and who you are. This article is about how you can share your personal story by displaying the things that matter most to you.
What Are You Holding On To?
Before we talk about shelves, cabinets and other options, let's make sure that we are looking at the right stuff in your home. What we keep is a very personal decision, but there are some things you can drop pretty easily.
Ask yourself these questions:
Is it mine? - Do you have a coat, book or appliance that a friend brought over or you borrowed, but you never gave back? This is stuff you can remove from your home easily. Ask your friend if they want it back. If they say no, then donate, sell or discard. Is it useful? - You can't use this question to assess pictures or other keepsakes. But what about the old remote that didn't get thrown out with the old TV; or the self-help books that never really helped you? These are things that you know don't belong in your life but inertia has kept them there. How'd this end up here? - This one is a little tricky. What you need to ask yourself is why you brought something into the house. Did you buy a pot rack, but never bothered to hang it? Do you have a chair that your parents gave you but you never use it and it takes up a lot of space? What about clothes? Are you still holding on to clothes that you bought 2, 3 or 4 sizes ago because you hope to one day fit back into them. I'm not saying that you won't lose the weight, but you'll probably want new clothes to celebrate the weight-loss, not old stuff that is out of fashion. Am I the best owner for this? I owned a turntable until very recently but I stopped buying records or listening to them long before I got rid of the turntable. When I realized how much space the records were taking up and saw the dust on the turntable, I decided to give it all to a friend who had always admired it (I kept some of the records as mementos).If you went through the list above then you have probably removed quite a few things from home. What is left should be essentials and things that are important to you. The rest of this article is about using shelving and other surfaces to display and enjoy the things that are important to you.
Displaying Your Stuff in Style
Seeing your stuff in your home is one of the best ways people can get to know you. If you have a wall covered in family pictures, then we know that family moments are important to you. If you have a display case full of trophies, then it's obvious that you take pride in your accomplishments. Whatever your stuff is, it's yours and you have the ability to tell a story about yourself with how you display it. Here are some tips and ideas on how to do your storytelling.
Create a small army of small things: Do you have a set of stones you've picked up on distant shores or postcards from friends around the world. Rather than sticking them in a drawer or on your fridge, give them a place of honor on your mantle or a shelf. Frame the postcards like you would pictures or make a mobile so they hang above your desk. By putting all these things together, you create a much stronger presentation. Give each room a theme: This doesn't mean you have to paint and remodel, it just means that you display certain types of pieces in specific places. Maybe all your travel photos are hung on one side of the hallway, so people can see the story of your travels as they walk through your home. Or, maybe, you arrange your art collection around your living room, so you can give people a tour of your taste. Theming a room gives you a much easier way to discuss and explain what you've done and who you are. Build a Shrine to You: Did you do something amazing? Maybe hiked through Yosemite? Or visited the Great Wall of China? Collect everything from your trip - maps, guidebooks, receipts, or the scarf you bought and only wore there - and display them in a small curio cabinet. It will draw people's eyes and offer a great conversation starter. Go Ultra-Modern (or Go Old School): You can make a big statement by using furniture pieces that represent eras or a distinct style. It can be even more powerful if you contrast the new with the old. Look for floating glass wall shelves to display your collection of antique plates, or a wood cabinet from the 40s to store your stereo components. The mix of old and new can help you and visitors better appreciate the aesthetics of your stuff. Use Corners: With a little effort, you can find a corner shelf to match any décor or a cabinet shaped for a corner. Use this type of furniture to take a bland area and spice it up. Maybe focus on some figurines you have tucked away or a set of toys from when you were a kid. Look Up: We often think only in terms of eye-level or lower. In fact, most homes don't have anything higher than eye-level. But this is a missed opportunity: you can run banners, a tapestry, lighting or just a string of ornaments toward the top of the room (where the wall meets the ceiling or a little lower). This is a great way to add a subtle hint of color or something festive. Be Sneaky: Do you have a funny collection of trolls (I'm not judging)? Or some books with risqué titles? Why not mix the trolls in with your books, so people get a little surprise when they are browsing your collection? Or put the books in your bathroom? A little reading material is always appreciated and you will have something fun to talk about later.Keep Working on Your Story
These are just a few ideas for displaying the things that matter to you. The main point is that you can share the things that matter to you in a way that is visually appealing and practical. Why let your mementos and memorabilia languish in a closet? Bring the stuff out for the world to see and you will make your home more welcoming and more pleasurable for you.
Great Designs Using Black And White Bathroom Floor Tiles Best Ways Of Grouting And Re-Grouting Travertine Wall Tiles Slate Indoor Waterfalls Are Worth a Look Are Terracotta Tiles a High-Maintenance Product?
0 comments:
Post a Comment