Tuesday 15 February 2011

Comfortably Cluttered







This morning I received my digital copy of the latest Canadian House & Home magazine.  I did my usual quick flip through and then happened upon this article with the title - Comfortably Cluttered.  I liked the sound of it.  When I read articles about people who live their lives without clutter and are neat and tidy I feel like I am such a mess but I'm not a mess.  I feel most comfortable when I am surrounded by the things I love.  This afternoon I took a photo of the pile of fabrics and trimming sitting on my desk here at work which I am currently working on   {bottom image above},  That's how it is for me and I don't think I will ever change...I am comfortably cluttered!!

26 comments:

Unknown said...

That is very cute ... I like it. I am honestly one of those people who needs to be in a clutter free zone but I can appreciate the thought behind this. Comfortably cluttered... yes, I like the sound of it. I will pass this on to my friends and family that appreciate having a few more things around them than I can handle.

Infatuated with Homes and Gardens said...

Clutter the difference between a House and a Home:)

mj said...

inspirational.

Lisar said...

I love this term...I usually refer to myself as a maximalist....as I certainly am not a minimalist....but I too liek to have the things I love around me....comfortably cluttered...I am going to use this term from now on...

whereorwhat said...

Like the imagen n2!

Have a good day =)

Charlotta Ward said...

What a wonderful title. Wish I could read the whole article.

I too like the sound of 'comfortably cluttered' and feel quite uncomfortable in homes that are overly orderly and neat.
I am not a messy person, but I do feel my best in a creative home where there is a nice and aesthetic level of 'structured mess'.. If you know what I mean?

How are you guys doing up there in Brisbane? Thinking of your beautiful state and all that you have had to endure so far this year..!

x Charlotta

Exquisite Accessories said...

I am the same i have ribbons fabric every where it drives my hubby mad some times carnt wait to move into my new home so I can have my own space to have organised clutter around me :))

Mish Mashh said...

I can completely relate! My space just does not feel like me if I don't have my clutter around me! x

Life love, clutter and other beautiful things. said...

Oooooh!! Clutter. Perfect.

The enchanted home said...

I am somewhat in the middle, I like to call it my organized chaos....it works, I know where everything is, but I do like it hidden, don't like walking in and seeing everything strewn about...makes me nervous. But you are right, everytime I see, especially super modern house with not a paper or book in sight;..I am wondering "where is all your stuff"!!

pve design said...

I walk the line....I am most content with just what I need and then something quirky....a stack of books, an artfully displayed collection....in a minimal setting.
pve

I Dream Of said...

I'm with you, Anna! Being surrounded by the things I love is home for me. I admire those who can live lives of chic minimalism, but that certainly is not my style. Comfortably cluttered for me too!XO
Jeanne

Anchor Cottage said...

All my clutter is prettily arranged no matter what it is! It's just habit from setting up the store:-)

la la Lovely said...

I think I like that term too.. I'm trying my best to de-clutter some and feeling much stress from all of the minimalists but I'm not a minimalist. I'll join the comfortably cluttered club today!
xo Trina

la la Lovely said...

I think I like that term too.. I'm trying my best to de-clutter some and feeling much stress from all of the minimalists but I'm not a minimalist. I'll join the comfortably cluttered club today!
xo Trina

Blue Muse said...

I'm in good company, then! I too, am comfortably cluttered! CHEERS!
xo Isa

Unknown said...

great article

lookwhoswearing said...

agreed! Some form of clutter is always good for the working soul. I need a lil clutter around to help me feel cozy in my lil space! u could probably see what i mean by clutter in my pics of my room on my blog :P

xx G

http://lookwhoswearing.blogspot.com/

Luciane at HomeBunch.com said...

Comfortably cluttered??? That's so my Husband!!! LOL

I love your pictures and I'd be ok with the 1st one, but I can't see myself having a pile of books. I know it's nice to see, it looks great in a magazine, but to live with it, having 2 children at home.. well, I can just imagine all of that books all over the place, all the time. ;-)

Have a great day, Anna!

xo


Luciane at HomeBunch.com

Post of the Day: Jennifer Aniston's is Selling her House! How much???

Catherine said...

and your photo is the best one of the bunch. Love that blue trim on those fabrics, especially the red. You are so lucky to work with beautiful fabrics all day in your lovely shop.
Cat

Faux Fuchsia said...

I feel my commitment to Never Knowingly Undercushioning can coexist happily with my commitment to only have things in the house that I absolutely love and have meaning for me.

That house doesn't look cluttered to me- it looked beautiful and colourful.

xxx

Anonymous said...

It is funny as I'm currently de-cluttering and reading the book by Peter Walsh - "lighten up".
I could never be a minimalist as I love having my favourite objects around me, particularly those I've picked up on my travels. I like the idea of being "comfortably cluttered" instead. I wonder if I can achieve the balance required. Given the fact you own a fabulous design store, I'd say you have a greater challenge than most. I'd want to take it all home!

annie@mostlovelythings said...

I love that magazine and love the sound of "comfortably cluttered." The fabrics and trimmings on your desk look like a piece of art...they colors and textures are so beautiful together. I could never live without a little clutter...

btw...I love your brother's new blog!

Jackie said...

What a fantastic term! I am sharing your blog post with our Facebook fans (search 'Color-Coded Organizing) - they will love it and totally relate!

Spanola said...

Anna,

I totally agree with your need to have beauty, clutter, add to that colour, charm, elegance and all the wondrous things one collects. After forty round-the-world-trips home to visit my family in Australia there are so many things. But living in NY, as you have just experienced, the winter is icy and cold and the beauty of those things that are the clutter makes life everyday beautiful.

Lemeau

DecoratorsInsider.com

Seema Persaud said...

Glad you enjoyed the piece!

Have you seen the video tour of Karen Cole's space? http://houseandhome.com/tv/segment/karen-coles-bohemian-chic-home

Cheers,

Seema
H&H Web Promotions Editor