At a recent gathering for the Surf Coast women in business, I had the pleasure of experiencing a fantastic presentation by local interior designer Michelle Greene from Pure Greene Interiors about the new minimalism of owning what matters. I hope you find this concept as inspirational and life changing as I have!
Recently my family and I moved house – we all know how daunting this can be. I was
overwhelmed at the realization of just how much stuff we had collected over a short
period of time. I began thinking about all the time and energy that had been put into
the “stuff” we owned. So many items never even used.
We spend far too much time, in our ‘time poor lives’, tidying our belongings, moving
things from one place to another, storing items that never see daylight.
How would you prefer to be spending this time? Perhaps playing with your kids,
spending it with your partner or friends, being creative, resting or pursuing things you
are passionate about.
What if you could reduce ‘your stuff’, so that what remained were only items that
have meaning or purpose?
But how?
The start of the journey takes you right through your home, removing material
possessions that no longer belong and any other clutter that has built up over time.
As you work through your items, there are 3 questions to keep in mind.
1. Does this have meaning?
2. Does it have a purpose?
3. Do I really think it’s worth having this in my home? (cost, space, maintenance,
time and energy, etc).
Many of the things you will find have no purpose, value or joy, but have just been
distracting you from the things that do.
Your home may feel a little bare after this exercise; your linen cupboard will probably
look under nourished and the living room may feel a little sparse. But before you can
start to create a statement with meaning in your home, you need to give yourself a
blank canvas to work with. Something you can build on, something that will grow with
you and your family, something that will truly represent you.
You can now create mindful spaces that tell your stories, align with your values, taste
and style; plus you’ll no longer battle with useless utensils in the kitchen drawer to
find a vegetable peeler. (Stats show that we waste one year of our life looking for
things!)
As an Interior Designer, people initially call on me to create spaces in their home that
look great and function well. But before I can do this, before I can really create
something that represents the people who live there, I encourage them to take this
cleansing journey. In my opinion, it’s essential.
Later this year, my family and I will be moving back into our renovated home. I
already have an image of what each room will look like, the layout and the
practicalities of every day life in each room. I’ve already decided what will go back to
the house (from furniture and 40+ boxes in storage). Most of all, I’m excited about
what I can leave behind to start a fresh home that’s uncluttered, flowing and only
contains items with meaning or purpose. A home that will give us time and energy in
return for it’s simpleness and a home that will truly represent who we are.
Guest blogger Michelle Greene from Pure Greene Interiors
Interior Designer and Simply Living Consultant