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Housepitality Designs

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August 1, 2016 By Shirley

It’s Like Jewelry

It’s like jewelry . . . step back, take a look and eliminate at least one item

of accessories . . . one piece of jewelry, maybe nix the scarf.

This past weekend, I did this, but with items on a shelf or table

and in one case, something sitting on the floor.

I kept walking by the sofa table and it bothered me.

I knew it just wasn’t just right.

This is what it looked like AFTER I made the adjustment.

Sofa Table Vignette - Housepitality Designs

This is what it looked like BEFORE I took away the bowl of pears.

As you can see it was a bit crowded. The more is more scenario.

In the background you can also see the bookshelves in which I have

made an effort to keep things simple with the large white items and some books.

I also took away some gold brackets that I used for bookends on one of the shelves.

Great Room/Sofa Table - Housepitality Designs

Around the corner of the sofa table at the end of one side of the sofa,

is a vintage tea table in which I noticed I had lots of “littles”

Great Room Tea Table - Housepitality Designs

I took  a couple of the “littles” away, substituted a less heavy piece to place on top of the books,

thus lightening up the feel of the table surface.

The Father’s Day card to my hubby that my granddaughter made will remain on the table

until I find a way to frame it. She drew it based on the photograph on the table of her and her “Pop”.

Tea Table - Housepitality Designs

On the same side  of the Great Room there is a narrow table and shelf.

Great Room Shelf - Housepitality Designs

I took a look at the shelf and could definitely eliminate two items on one shelf.

The other two shelves had groupings of threes, so eliminating two items on the middle shelf

allowed for a less crowded look and keeping with the grouping of “threes”

Great Room Shelf - Housepitality Designs

Now that I am looking at the table and shelf together, I can definitely see

that there is a possibility for items that can be taken away on the table . . . or not.

Great Room Blue and White - Housepitality Designs

On the other side of the this table is a candlestick that I purchased

for a great price at the High Point Market last year. I thought it needed to be re-located.

Great Room - Housepitality Designs

I removed it from that area, gave it a facelift and placed it in the sunroom.

Sunroom - Housepitality Designs

I didn’t stop there. I moved on into the master bedroom. Stay tuned!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend. I have a very busy week ahead

which includes hosting a dinner party for the Boys of Summer gang.

Have a wonderful day!

And I leave you with this:

“You are never wrong, to do the right thing” . . . . Mark Twain

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Blue and White, De-Cluttering, Great Room, vignette 23 Comments

Previous Post: « Imitation . . . The Sincerest Form of Flattery
Next Post: Master Bedroom Sitting Area Refresh »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. mary says

    August 1, 2016 at 8:24 am

    I love your decorating method of subtraction to lighten up your decor for summer Shirley! Your white candlestick looks perfect for summer with its facelight and coat of paint too! Hope you stay cool with your busy week ahead πŸ™‚

    Reply
  2. Cecilia says

    August 1, 2016 at 8:27 am

    I have a hard time with the less is more…mainly the other (cough) person in this house will junk up any empty spot. Lol. I’m constantly having to move his stuff. Oh well. I can at least enjoy your pared down spaces. πŸ™‚ Your home looks lovely as always, Shirley!

    Reply
  3. lISA AT CELEBRATE CREATIVITY says

    August 1, 2016 at 8:33 am

    Shirley, you have such a great eye and a beautiful home. I love your ability to make small, subtle changes that have big impact. Such inspiration.

    Also, I love that cabinet with the basket inserts. Gorgeous and functional too.

    Happy day!

    Reply
  4. Kim says

    August 1, 2016 at 8:33 am

    I like you am always moving things. Keeps things fresh and yes editing is a must. I use way less stuff than I use to.

    Reply
  5. linda says

    August 1, 2016 at 8:45 am

    Shirley I love all your blue and white ! It’s funny how it looks good at the time, till you
    leave and look again. I do that with my painting. I think it’s done and then when I come back I tweak it some more.

    Reply
  6. Shannon@Belle Bleu Interiors says

    August 1, 2016 at 8:53 am

    Shirley your house always looks beautiful. I love all of your vignettes, and that candlestick turned out gorgeous. What a perfect addition to your sun room. I have been like you lately editing things around the house and switching things up. I get this way sometimes, but I think that is what keeps your house and decor from getting that tired look. I hope that you have a wonderful day and good luck with your busy week!!!

    Reply
  7. Kym says

    August 1, 2016 at 9:18 am

    I seem to feel the need to fill in every space with my ‘treasures’-your small changes make such a big impact and inspire me! thank you for sharing your beautiful home.

    Reply
  8. Pinky at designs by pinky says

    August 1, 2016 at 9:28 am

    You and I must think alike sometimes. We were having guests on Sat. night so I was looking around and thinking I needed to “edit” too. It is very hard for me to remove some things though but I know I have to do that. I LOVE that candlestick, and you brought out the beautiful details of it with the paint. It looks beautiful!!!

    Reply
  9. Pinky at designs by pinky says

    August 1, 2016 at 9:29 am

    Forgot to say, have a great week and dinner party!!!

    Reply
  10. Pam Richardson says

    August 1, 2016 at 9:33 am

    Shirley, I love that you can subtract…I have a hard time doing that! The candle stand turned out beautiful and looks great in your sunroom! Gorgeous vignettes, stay cool in this heat and humidity!

    Reply
  11. Penny at Enjoying The Simple Things says

    August 1, 2016 at 10:02 am

    Delete, delete, add… It is funny how sometimes we add to much and then we make some breathing room. Your adjustments are perfect!

    Reply
  12. Liz @ Infuse With Liz says

    August 1, 2016 at 10:14 am

    Isn’t it fun to do this! Everything looks great. I especially like what you did with the candlestick!

    Reply
  13. Cindy says

    August 1, 2016 at 10:32 am

    Like the changes and facelift to the wood piece.

    Cindy

    Reply
  14. Cindy Skarin says

    August 1, 2016 at 10:59 am

    Thank you for sharing and for explaining why you make the changes you do and the thought process. It helps me and others with our own edits!

    Reply
  15. Shenita says

    August 1, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    Shirley, I’m with you on the editing.Yesterday, I started in the dining room; and I am working my way through the house. I refuse to buy another accessory…for now. My cabinets runneth over!

    Reply
  16. Michelle Mortensen says

    August 1, 2016 at 2:58 pm

    Love all the blue & white. Classic!
    Best & Bisous,
    Michelle from Simply Santa Barbara

    Reply
  17. KATHYSUE says

    August 1, 2016 at 3:31 pm

    I am a less is more big is better girl so taking things away is always a plus in my book. You are doing a great job, keep up the good work!!! You have a beautiful inviting home, Happy Monday Shirley and thank you so much for your faithful visits and comments on my blog!!
    xo Kathysue

    Reply
  18. bonnie morgan says

    August 1, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    Shirley, I like the lightening up you did. It’s fun to move things around and you have lots of pretty things to move around and enjoy in other spots.
    Love your candlestick painted.

    Reply
  19. Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says

    August 1, 2016 at 8:27 pm

    I love your style girl. Taking away to get a whole new look is awesome. You have so many wonderful pieces throughout your home. Beautiful my friend.
    Kris

    Reply
  20. Donnamae says

    August 1, 2016 at 9:17 pm

    I love what you did! And to paint that candlestick…brilliant! I have a collection of crystal…your pineapples reminded me…it’s hard to decorate with littles. I finally grouped them in a curio cabinet….that way they act as one item….instead of ten! πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  21. PAM says

    August 3, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    Ingenious ideas, Shirley.

    Reply
  22. Linda says

    August 3, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    Taking away can be a very good thing. Sometimes I get the feeling of too much stuff and it begins to make me crazy so I have to start subtracting. You have change down to a fine art!

    Reply
  23. lorb says

    August 8, 2016 at 7:39 am

    I love the white and blue… Just a little change makes such a difference…

    Reply

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About Me

Hi I’m Shirley and I am here to share my love of classic interiors, french country style, my passion for flowers and making our home, The Hickory Cottage, a warm and hospitable home for family and friends.

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