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.
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.
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”
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”.
On the same side of the Great Room there is a narrow table and shelf.
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”
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.
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.
I removed it from that area, gave it a facelift and placed it in the sunroom.
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

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 π
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. π Your home looks lovely as always, Shirley!
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!
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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!!!
Forgot to say, have a great week and dinner party!!!
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!
Delete, delete, add… It is funny how sometimes we add to much and then we make some breathing room. Your adjustments are perfect!
Isn’t it fun to do this! Everything looks great. I especially like what you did with the candlestick!
Like the changes and facelift to the wood piece.
Cindy
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!
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!
Love all the blue & white. Classic!
Best & Bisous,
Michelle from Simply Santa Barbara
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
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.
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
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! π
Ingenious ideas, Shirley.
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!
I love the white and blue… Just a little change makes such a difference…