"Simple Surroundings Create Room For The Mind" from a Chinese Proverb
While visiting with Shannon and Elizabeth in San Francisco, we had occasion to sit in their living room both in the early morning and in the evening after the sun had set. We were struck by the beautiful light, the simplicity of the seating, and the sparseness of the space. 
We decided that we, too, wanted to create a living space that would make us feel open, creative, and uncluttered. And so, these photographs are the result of our "clearing out" after we got home. Our living space can tend to get cluttered and unkempt because both Janet and I are voracious readers, have books and magazines everywhere, and indulge in various art projects all at the same time.
But we have found that a cluttered space clutters our brains. That we are not as creative either in thought or in deed when the space does not allow room for it. And so, we took the television and one recliner out of the living room. We also moved the reading material that often consumes us. We then rearranged the furniture and created a coffee table from two separate pieces that we had in the house. 
We think we have created a space that fosters creative thought, conversation, and restfulness. We love it in the morning, at mid-day, and in the evening as the sun is setting on the back garden. From this space, we can watch the birds, the flowers, and the cows on the other side of the fence. 
When we need a place of solace, we come here. When friends visit, this is where we sit. It is an eclectic blend of many different furnishings and styles but we don't care. It accomplishes for us what we set out to do. And as the title states, "Simple Surroundings Create Room for the Mind". We love it.
While visiting with Shannon and Elizabeth in San Francisco, we had occasion to sit in their living room both in the early morning and in the evening after the sun had set. We were struck by the beautiful light, the simplicity of the seating, and the sparseness of the space. 
We decided that we, too, wanted to create a living space that would make us feel open, creative, and uncluttered. And so, these photographs are the result of our "clearing out" after we got home. Our living space can tend to get cluttered and unkempt because both Janet and I are voracious readers, have books and magazines everywhere, and indulge in various art projects all at the same time.
But we have found that a cluttered space clutters our brains. That we are not as creative either in thought or in deed when the space does not allow room for it. And so, we took the television and one recliner out of the living room. We also moved the reading material that often consumes us. We then rearranged the furniture and created a coffee table from two separate pieces that we had in the house. 
We think we have created a space that fosters creative thought, conversation, and restfulness. We love it in the morning, at mid-day, and in the evening as the sun is setting on the back garden. From this space, we can watch the birds, the flowers, and the cows on the other side of the fence. 
When we need a place of solace, we come here. When friends visit, this is where we sit. It is an eclectic blend of many different furnishings and styles but we don't care. It accomplishes for us what we set out to do. And as the title states, "Simple Surroundings Create Room for the Mind". We love it. 
2 comments:
Very nice space indeed. How I wish to start from scatch. We have toooooo much stuff and don't know how rid myself of it. Well done Shirley. Enjoy and I hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
A true challenge. Most rooms in my house are ok except my 'creative' room which is cluttered and I don't know how to fix it!!!
Magazines are the bane of a neat room. Let me pass on a tip I fell in love with for magazines. When one comes in, go through it and tear out every page of interest: stories, recipes, decorating tips. Don't bother to read them yet. Put them in your purse or by your reading chair. Throw out the magazine and read the articles when you have a chance. Throw them out when finished, or file the recipes and tips if you really like them. I went through an entire year of mags in 1 week doing this. Felt great!!
Post a Comment