Cindy Aplanalp Interiors.... By Design

Anyone who has read my "Styles and Designs Page" knows a little about the time when I went from having a lot of "stuff" to not having much at all.  After my divorce, I moved out and left a lot of my life behind.  I dragged the patio furniture I had acquired into my living room and that's where my children and I ate meals.  We had no TV, only each other for entertainment.  

This period posed a very serious question to the new life I was about to lead...."how much 'stuff' do I really need?"  

My previous home had been very traditional in style; every nook and cranny was finished and had some form of decoration or accessory.  But suddenly, my children and I were getting along just fine in our new and surprisingly bear environment.  

This is when my personal style took a drastic change.  I went from heavy traditional to something more streamlined, personal and eclectic.  I feel that many people my age moving away from the stuffy traditional and into a more clean and streamlined transitional look.  

Now I learned the hard way how to achieve this, but now I can help you do it easily.  

My tips for clearing the clutter and turning a traditional house into an updated one:

1.  Making More of Less: I know there are items that we all like to collect- but how many sets of dishes do you really need?  Every year I go through my closet and if I find something I didn't wear during the past year- its out the door.  We tend to use and wear things that are comfortable to us and make us feel good.  Chances are, if you haven't used or worn something in a while, its not having this affect on you.

2.  Clear the Clutter:  Hang on to those personal items you've collected throughout your life, but take some time to carefully consider what furniture and accessories you really have a strong connection to.  What really brings you joy in your home?

3.  Use What You Have:  We all love shopping, especially for a bargain- but what good is panini maker even if it is on sale if you're probably only going to use it once?  Chances are, you have most of what you need.  And if it doesn't quite go along with your new style, it can be refurbished to have a new function or passed on for someone else to use.

4. Sometimes the Best Gifts are Hand-Me-Down Treasures:  Some of my favorite gifts are things that people gave me from their homes.  Antiques, homemade, or unique items from personal collections are true gifts from the heart.

5.  Only give consumable gifts:  This one might be tricky for some people, but I really try to only give gifts that can be consumed: wines, foods, lotions, candles, etc. That way I don't add to the clutter of someone else's home.

6.  Invest in Items that Will Last a Lifetime:  When it comes to revamping your space, it is inevitable that you will have to purchase something new.  Items like furniture and accessories are things we want to last a lifetime.  Investing in pieces that will handle your lifestyle will help make your space comfortable and functional for the years to come.