Initial Hesitation & Concept
The idea of 'recluttering,' or 'cluttercore' as it's sometimes known, initially sparked a bit of skepticism. It sounds counterintuitive, almost like an
invitation to amass more unnecessary things. However, delving deeper into its principles revealed a more nuanced philosophy. Recluttering isn't about haphazardly piling on possessions; rather, it's about intentionally keeping and showcasing items that hold personal significance or might be useful in the future. This perspective resonated because, like many, the author had experienced the regret of parting with objects only to later wish they had them back. Opting to try this opposite approach to spring cleaning, the author embarked on a journey to reimagine their shelves.
Confining the Project
To manage the perceived overwhelm of a new decorating philosophy, the decision was made to concentrate the recluttering efforts on a specific, manageable area rather than an entire room. This focused approach aimed to prevent the project from becoming too daunting. The chosen location was the built-in shelving units flanking the television and fireplace in the sitting room. This strategic selection allowed for concentrated experimentation without requiring a complete overhaul of the living space, providing a controlled environment to test the principles of recluttering and observe the results.
The 'Before' State
Before the recluttering experiment, the built-in shelves presented a landscape of family photographs and noticeable empty spaces. The homeowner had envisioned a wall of books, but the shelf dimensions—being both deeper and taller than standard book sizes—made this vision impractical and visually awkward. Consequently, the shelves had been primarily functional, housing personal mementos and a few select coffee table books. In preparation for the recluttering process, a conscious assessment of these blank areas was undertaken, recognizing the ample opportunities to introduce new items and fill the voids in front of existing displays.
Midpoint Challenges
The midpoint of the recluttering endeavor proved to be the most challenging phase. Living in a relatively compact space necessitated a high degree of intentionality regarding possessions and their storage. This made the prospect of adding more items feel particularly daunting. To overcome this, inspiration was sought from existing storage, specifically turning to cabinets that housed tablescape items. This exploration yielded the necessary elements to begin infusing the shelves with a more curated, collected feel, shifting the project from a daunting task to a more intentional act of display.
The 'After' Transformation
The final 'after' state of the shelves showcased a significant transformation, incorporating elements that brought life and personality. Greenery was introduced first, with two houseplants placed on the top shelf, immediately imbuing the space with a sense of intention. Smaller decorative items followed, including two bud vases by artist Richard Pomeroy, chosen for their aesthetic appeal even without blooms, and a vase aligning with the 'unexpected red theory' trend. Additionally, two visually appealing coffee table books, 'Painted Travels' and 'Interior Portraits' by SJ Axelby, were prominently displayed. These additions were deliberate choices to fill the space with objects that evoke happiness.
Lessons in Display
The recluttering process revealed a valuable lesson: it serves as an excellent rationale for displaying items that might otherwise be relegated to storage. Beyond the bud vases, the author rediscovered a collection of glass candlesticks from a close friend, small votive holders, and a charming porcelain match striker, all of which were brought out from cabinets. This approach not only freed up valuable storage space but also ensured that cherished items, previously hidden away for special occasions, could be enjoyed daily. The core takeaway is that home décor should ideally feature objects that bring personal joy and add character to the living environment.
