Clear Spaces at Home

So far, so good with keeping the kitchen counters clear.  Now, I’ve moved on to the other areas on our first floor.  I plan to keep the dining room, wet bar, entry way and under the stairs relatively clear so the spaces can “breathe” and I can let the decor ideas simmer and brew.  I also made up my mind not to purchase anything new for the house for awhile.  It’s a money saving move, and also a way to relish in releasing things from the house (donations, garbage, recycling) as opposed to bringing more things in.  
Under the stairs, after removing the tree, all that was left was the starburst mirrors on the wall. I added back in the round jute rug that defines the space and the Ikea table that was previously in my office.  I haven’t been in my office as much lately, so my son wasn’t using the table either.  A single urn with some winter sticks and faux blossoms feels pretty yet sparse.  

I don’t know what this area will morph into over time, but it’s a good spot to play with and create something cool.  
The wintery branches add the height I like, but I’d prefer something alive and green.  Maybe flowers or leafy branches with a lot of volume like this or this.  I already had these faux hydrangea, and wanted to see how they looked.  Good, but need more and taller- the vase is only about half full in this picture.
The dining room is empty again too after removing the Christmas decor.  I was a little sad to see it go, I liked it so much.  I still love the drapes and furniture in the room, but it needs to be livened up again. A couple of different chairs would be nice to break up the set. 
I want to paint the walls and add something to either side of the mirror- sconces perhaps? Art?  Photos?  A couple of drawer pulls need to be added to the console too. 

The mirror and console in the entryway are likely temporary.  That’s why I haven’t hung the mirror.  The console table was from Pottery Barn about 5 years ago for our townhouse.  PB no longer carries it, but this one looks nearly identical. For now, the table has been cleared out and sits empty.  
Clearing out these areas has helped me see them anew again.  It’s funny how we let things sit in the same place for ages without considering something different.  I even changed the direction of our breakfast table, a small move, but it made the whole room look different.  
I’m enjoying the emptiness for now and not putting any pressure to figure out what’s next.  I’m just cataloging ideas and knowing that something fun will strike probably sooner than later.  I still have a bunch of organizing and cleaning to do upstairs. . . .
_________
I have a big hug and thank you for all of you who helped us plant 1,235 trees!  That is way beyond the 1,000 tree goal I set and I am so very thankful to you!  I’m sure the earth thanks you too. 🙂

You Might Also Like

Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

20 Comments

  1. I think grass cloth would look awesome on the walls in your dining room. And have you ever considered an indoor fountain? Maybe a freestanding one where your table is by the stairs? Just thoughts…your house is beautiful. Have fun creating!

  2. Your entry way already looks great but I'd go with something BIG and TALL on that table. You could even get a great, funky piece of fabric and cover the table for more color/ texture and to ground the space. No matter what you do, it'll be fab! xo

  3. Love the table in that space. I have the same urn, and it is a bit difficult to fill because it is so huge. I do love the height and little bit of rustic that the branches provide though. I have similar ones in my family room and love them. I just add other branches to them for different seasons. At Christmas it was dried winter berry branches. I cleared off our entry table as well and have yet to really style it. I am loving the clear space!

  4. Starting from fresh is good, it's what the new year is all about 🙂 It's great to get a fresh perspective sometimes – and you're bound to come up with something even better than before.
    Brandi @ Nest of Bliss

  5. I really like the tulip table in the entry. Like you, I'm focusing on getting stuff out and not bringing more in!

  6. I love how light and airy your house looks! I do love the branches on the table though! Your entry is so dramatic that I think the height makes the table more a statement. Love all the neutrals!!

  7. I have to say that it really makes me feel better that someone with such a beautiful home still feels the need to tweak and update. I guess it really is never ending. 🙂

  8. I think some baskets would like nice in the console and give it a fresh update. I feel the same way now that all of the Christmas items have been removed.

  9. I love your dining room table! Where did you get it (I realize this post is old, so it may not be available still)

    1. Hi Jess, that table is from Restoration Hardware about 8 years ago, so I’m not sure if they still have it. Thanks for stopping by! That post took me back!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *