14 August 2010

comfortable clutter




While spending more time at home lately, organizing, de-cluttering, simplifying, I have noticed that I have been drawn to photos such as these. Cluttered photos. Photos filled with *things*. And yet, there is something comforting, welcoming, even enticing about them, isn't there? What is it, do you think, that makes such cluttered areas so inviting?







If anyone is keeping score, this post adds one to the list of reasons why I should clearly be considered A.D.D. :)

I hope you are enjoying your weekend as much as we are here on the farm. After a big country brunch outside in the shade, we are taking a little rest before heading down the hill to visit one of the MANY wineries and do a little wine tasting ourselves!

xx


32 comments:

Daydream Living said...

It's funny these timezones.... I was on my way to bed, when I saw your post, you are probably drinking wine now, while I am in pj's... I like a little bit of (controlled) clutter, that way the house feels lived in, don't you think? Sleep well,
Maureen

Mikal said...

I think it's organized clutter that looks homey and cozy... good combination of things!

Enjoy the wineries.. I was just thinking I need to plan a weekend with my sweet DB and a winery or two. Let us know what you pick!

savvycityfarmer said...

I call it organized clutter ...

"the way you put together the things you love, comes from the way you feel about them" ...

WhiteWhispers2u said...

G'day~I know I live with clutter but it's all thing's that I love.I think it says someone lives here and welcome, be comfortable and live a lil.If my home is to clean or decluttered I feel like I am just visiting, not a good feeling.

Wine tasting! Sounds like a fabulous kind of day.~Cheers Kim

PCovi said...

Great clutter photos!
I think...it is akin to being carefree :) kinda like being barefoot in blue jeans...

Anonymous said...

Oh... It's simple. Cluttered areas look inviting because they reveal that there is life there. They aren't cold and sterile. They are warm and active, even if no one is in the picture. You don't have to see anyone to know they are there.

Jen said...

That first pic is gorgeous!
I dont know why cluttered spaces feel so homey!
but I think there is a fine line between cluttered homeiness and
complete chaos!!

not wine tasting said...

wish i was wine tasting.
but...i had a nice lola morning and then spent the afternoon cleaning this house of mine.
can't wait to catch up.
xo

Rhonda said...

Amazing photos, yes, they do draw you in. Especially me because I am forever searching for a new way to organize my studio, kitchen, closet. It never ends. The madness and the joy of wanting to display everything!

vintage girl at heart said...

I try and try to Simplify but yes I do love my clutter..I just love things especially vintage and crafty items!!
And I always regret getting rid of things!!!
Glad to know I'm not alone!!
Hoarders unite..I've been called worse!!!
Blessings~

Beth E-R said...

This is friendly, welcomey clutter. Like real people live there. The dish towel doesn't always get hung up kind of realness.

lisaroy said...

there is just something kind of comforting seeing pics like those - they feel homey and real! the desk pic sort of makes you want to create something :)
sounds like you're having a great weekend!

Sarah said...

Trying to declutter my little office space today only took me to making little stacks. :-)
Like you, I think these photos are comforting. We just need to organize our clutter!
Happy Sunday! ~ Sarah

Mumzie said...

I love all of these pictures! Thanks, Mumzie

Victoria Musicco said...

I agree Mimi, these photos invite you in, they are welcoming and yet full of clutter, but it is organized clutter and what makes it all work, in my mind, is that there is enough space between the clutter so that we can breathe it all in.
The first photograph reminds me of a dear friends kitchen in her apartment in Paris where I stayed last fall.

A Lasting First Impression said...

Perhaps its the business and excitement of a new project or adventure in the air...it is a happy busy!

Bohemian said...

Though I can admire a minamalist decor I could probably never live in such an environment because it would be too sterile for me. Perhaps if I had a 2nd Home I only lived in a few weeks a year I could do a simplistic decor style. My beautiful clutter gives the eyes much to take in and explore, it reveals that there is life in our Home. I'm a gatherer by nature and I probably would find it very difficult to edit severely and eliminate too many beautiful things that we've collected over the years, many of which have a story and sentiment. I do Seasonal editing to pass along some treasures that we're ready to let go of and to organize... you can't always bring things in without having other things go out. I'd like to have it ALL but where on earth would I put it!? *wink*

Dawn... The Bohemian

vicki archer said...

Love these images KImberley.....this is very good clutter, xv.

Alicia ~ time worn style said...

I love clutter but only if it is organised like these photos. So lovely to look at!
alicia

Hood Canal Gal said...

Sounds like heaven! Last time I was out in your neck of the woods, I took my mom and sister to see James Taylor at one of the wineries.

as for the clutter, can't live with it, can't live with out
it!!! Happy Sunday!

Anita said...

I think because clutter is real...not edited out or put away for the shot. When I see those minimalist rooms, I think- where is their stuff? The pictures of their kids and their favorite books? Organized clutter is my goal...I have the clutter, now I need the organization!

Seawashed said...

I lOvE love LoVe that first photo. I used it in a post many moons ago. I am always de-cluttering but there is something so warm and cozy about this clutter. What a great post this is.

Lisa of Lisa's Little House said...

Its a nest...little bits of this and that...gathered together to make us happy, secure and safe!
xxoo,
Lisa

Lori said...

I love that last photo Kim ~ hope you had a fabulous time at the winery ~ I had a little drink last night myself! Happy Sunday. xo

natasha said...

I love photos of clutter like these but can't actually *do* clutter in real life - I think I am missing the "pretty clutter" gene.

Ok the word "clutter" is starting to look strange to me now due to repeated use.

Your weekend sounds like it was beautiful - I hope it was! xo

Dumbwit Tellher said...

I agree each photo is so wonderful. I suppose that a bit of clutter tells us of a room well lived in; & if a room is well lived in, it could mean a home with family, love and memories. Hope you had a lovely time visiting the winery. Sounds like the best of Saturday's! x

Destiny said...

I recently had to de-clutter my home to stage it to sell. I REALLY miss my clutter now - all of my collections and "stuff". I think clutter (if it's organized clutter LOL), can really make a home cozier and more inviting : )

Jeanne Henriques said...

This is my kind of mess Kimberly, great collection of photos!! Hope you had a great weekend!!

Jeanne :)

Unknown said...

There is a fine line between chaos and cosy. Generally when I look at rooms with lots of stuff in them, I find it hard to breath. No so with these images Mimi...something different going on here.
Perhaps too we are all getting ready for the seasons of being and focusing inside.

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

Oooh, I love that term - "comfortable clutter". I love those photos and am drawn to them as well. I think those spaces have a real soul to them, and that's what appeals to me...

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

I like this kind of clutter. The desk area photo looks like such a creative space and being surrounded by your things - it can be inspiring.

Beatnheart said...

Organized Clutter!! and this looks as if the person who lives there enjoys their space, uses it productively, and does interesting things there..The kitchen looks cooked in and you know the meals would be wonderful..I love clean clutter and stuff. Your blog is just lovely, pics, words all done with a calming, beautiful focus...