13 Ways to Achieve a More Minimalistic Living Room (When You Aren’t a Minimalist)

In my journey of living more simply, minimally, and contently, I’ve come to a place where I can acknowledge that I don’t think I’ll ever be a true minimalist — at least by the standards set forth in its typical boundaries. But, moving toward a more minimalistic home (and some aspects of life in general) has served me well and has motivated me to continue to move in that direction. The benefits are gradual — as the process is — but meaningful and impactful. And today, even if you aren’t a minimalist… especially if you aren’t a minimalist, but you’re feeling a little overwhelm, we’re chatting about 13 easy ways to achieve a more minimalistic living room to up the serenity factor and diminish the discontentment. Basically, we’re going to run through easy ways to create a little more peace in your main living spaces without the strict confines of rigid rules that are often associated with being a minimalist.

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Minimalistic Living Room — The Goal

I describe my efforts as minimal-ish, which can mean a varied spectrum of aesthetics and lifestyle choices, depending on the person. My main goal is to create a life that creates and supports more peace and contentment. Some of the key objectives I’ve established to help get me there…

  • less clutter
  • less visual stimulation
  • less waste
  • less management
  • less maintenance
  • more time
  • more saving
  • more systems
  • more intention

Getting to a place where you’re happy with how a space looks and functions and then stopping is the key. So… let’s chat about some ways to get us there — visually, internally, systematically, and psychologically. Use one or use them all, below, I’m sharing both intentional and accidental approaches to creating a more minimal family space in the living room.

How to Create Minimalism in an Open Concept Home

Sources: Cone Pendant Light | Woven Bar Stools | Gallery Wall Frames | Large Wood Wall Art (currently on sale!) | Black Leather Arm Chairs

1. Keep it Calm with Neutrals & Earth Tones

There’s multiple reasons a neutral palette makes a space more minimal. The absence of color, soft colors, and colors found in nature evoke an overall calm. There’s literally a psychology to colors and the emotions they evoke. And if you’ve been here a while, I hope you know 1. I still love color, and 2. neutrals don’t have to be boring. When given multiple images, people typically — by nature — gravitate toward neutral scenes, and I think it’s because they want to insert themselves into a setting that promotes relaxation.

If you’re hoping for a space that evokes emotions and images of “fun” and “energy”, definitely explore and experiment with more vibrant color choices. But, if you’re seeking the antidote to overwhelm, neutrals will help get you there.

13 Tips for a More Minimalistic Living Room (When You Aren't a Minimalist)

Sources: Iron Chandelier | Large Wood Wall Art (currently on sale!) | Jute Rug (8 x 10′) | Sofas | Black Leather Arm Chairs | Leather X Stool | Coffee Table | Brass Party Bucket | Faux Magnolia Stems (seven stems) | Large Concrete Vase (currently 57% off!) | Green Linen Pillows | Textured Linen Charcoal Pillows | Window Pane Checked Pillow | Woven Black Tray

In addition to the visual rest of neutrals, they’re also easier to mix and match and coordinate with so whenever you make changes, you don’t have to overhaul your bold choices. It’s easier to bring in a single item you love because chances are, it will already fit with your aesthetic.

And just because the overall aesthetic is neutral doesn’t mean nothing can have color. I have plenty of eclectic moments — coffee table books being one of them. If it feels anchored by a neutral/earthy supporting pieces, to me, it only adds a warm layer.

13 Tips for a More Minimal Living Room

Sources: Console Table | Rattan Mirror (similar) | Quartz Geode | Terracotta Urn (similar) | Large Textured Vase | Black Watering Can

2. Make Your Functional Stuff Pretty & Your Pretty Stuff Functional

I feel really strongly about function reigning over form but I think there’s a compromise and middle ground that’s achievable with almost everything. If your space doesn’t function well and doesn’t support your lifestyle, it can feel chaotic and uncomfortable. We love gadgets, we have lots of housewares, and we live in our home. We shouldn’t have to hide everything. The truth is though, is that if you prioritize making your functional items accessible, there’s probably not going to be a ton of room for general decor (if you’re aiming for minimal physical and visual clutter). So, I try to dress up what I can but I’m not willing to sacrifice things we readily need/use.

For example, we go through a lot of tissues in our house. Even if I wasn’t reaching for them all the time, we have a young child and I love having boxes set in just about every room. Including the living room. For us and our season, that’s where we’re at. So, I dress up the boxes the best I can (THESE look like the woven tissue boxes we have) and accept that having that function item will take up the space otherwise occupied by decor. If I were to try to add decor around it, the table would quickly be overwhelmed.

Functional and Form Tips for a More Minimal Home

Sources: Round Side Table (currently on sale!) | Tissue Box Cover (similar) | Live Beautiful Coffee Table Book | Blue and White and Other Stories Coffee Table Book | Escape Coffee Table Book

In the kitchen, especially, I don’t have the desire to have something displayed that doesn’t serve a greater purpose. I like decorative objects still, but just in much smaller doses.

3. Use Pieces that Transcend Seasons

Not only will you save money, but you’ll save time when you don’t feel like you’re having to constantly change things up. As someone who has built up quite the pillow cover arsenal (see my earlier effort to minimize those this year HERE) moving away from constant rotation has given me back so much self-imposed mental drainage and appreciation for contentment.

13 Tips for a Minimalistic Living Room That's Still Cozy

Sources: Iron Chandelier | Jute Rug (8 x 10′) | Solstice Wall Art | Sofas | Black Leather Arm Chairs | Leather X Stool | Coffee Table | Green Linen Pillows | Pewter Linen Pillow | Textured Linen Charcoal Pillows | Window Pane Checked Pillow | Woven Black Tray

Would you believe that these pillows — all great quality investment textiles with fabrics that wear well — haven’t been changed in… I don’t know — a year? I chose this natural color scheme combo from my arsenal last fall, used them through Christmas, they were great through the rest of winter, but then I decided they fit for spring and summer, too. I still love them.

13 Tips for a Home That's Cozy AND Minimal

Sources: Sofa | Coffee Table | Green Linen Pillows | Pewter Linen Pillow | Window Pane Checked Pillow

And that’s not to say I’ll never change my pillows. A lot of the battle was moving away from the mentality of “I need to change my pillows” and I can now better enjoy small changes when the mood strikes.

I’ve cut way back on season-specific decor in general and I don’t know if it’s permanent, but I can tell you that so far, I love living in a home that transcends seasons, without pressure.

4. Edit Your Surfaces

When your typical method of decorating is to make use of all your surface area — from tables to shelves to ledges and everything in between — things can get filled quickly. I get it… when you have a hefty arsenal of decor — if given the choice of seeing your stuff or storing it, and it seems like there’s room for it to be out, the answer seems obvious. But, here’s the thing. If you have too much on display, 1. your eyes don’t know what to do with everything it’s taking in and it can feel cluttered; and 2. having too many things out detracts from being able to truly see the favorited pieces that are most treasured.

At the beginning of the year, I was over it with decor that wasn’t functional. I still have a basement full of stuff and get overwhelmed at the thought of it. I was at the point of wanting to throw it all in the trash. And, this comes from someone who has refined the quantity of things I keep on display already. So, I went around and edited. If any area or surface gave me the feel of the slightest bit of busy-ness, I took it away.

Grouping just a few things together on display shelves will let your eyes breathe.

13 Minimal Living Room Tips

Sources: Sofa | Green Linen Pillow | Textured Linen Charcoal Pillows | Vase | Pocket Watch Clock | Faux Magnolia Stems (seven stems) | Large Concrete Vase (currently 57% off!)

If you’re used to having a lot on display and you go around and remove just a couple of items, it may feel a little bare. That’s temporary. You’ll adjust and feel like everything is “full enough” with a clearly identified home in no time. It’s a feeling you’ll likely go through in any space you’re working to minimize, declutter, or style more intentionally.

Aside from our coffee table books, the only “decor” I have and have had on my coffee table is an antler we brought back from Wyoming. Everything else is functional and kept to a minimum.

Minimal Coffee Table & Other Tips

Sources: Jute Rug (8 x 10′) | Coffee Table | Black Woven Tray | Candle (similar) | Made for Living Coffee Table Book

Both of my built-ins have different configurations in terms of the items on their shelves, but they’re both balanced similarly.

And speaking of editing surfaces, edit your larger pieces, too. When we purchased THESE wooden/leather accent chairs (they come in a ton of leather and wood combo options and I fell in love when I sat in them a few years ago!), I wanted to bring them in closer to the sofas to create a more intimate seating area. As a result, we had to get rid of a lamp and side table. It freed up lots of space and I love that we were able to omit pieces that weren’t necessary.

13 Tips for a Home Minimalism (When You Aren't a Minimalist)

Sources: Iron Chandelier | Large Wood Wall Art (currently on sale!) | Jute Rug (8 x 10′) | Sofa | Black Leather Arm Chairs | Leather X Stool | Coffee Table | Brass Party Bucket | Faux Magnolia Stems (seven stems) | Large Concrete Vase (currently 57% off!) | Green Linen Pillows

5. Tuck Away the Tools

The remotes, the reading glasses… whatever small tools you need/like to have in the living room, find a way to (conveniently) tuck them away. Remote controls on the coffee table immediately equal visual clutter which sends signals to your brain that the space isn’t tidy.

13 Tips for a a Minimal Living Room (When You Aren't a Minimalist)

Sources: Jute Rug (8 x 10′) | Coffee Table | Black Woven Tray | Candle (similar) | Made for Living Coffee Table Book | Tassel Throw Blanket

The shallow woven lidded box isn’t available anymore but I also have and use THIS deeper version in our home — it would also work well for coffee table tools!

THIS ONE is a great budget find on Amazon for a fraction of the price, and there’s also THIS pretty cane stacking box duo — the largest box having a length of 14″.

6. Consider If You Can Create More Walking Area

I’m not a believer that you have to exclusively use small furniture in small spaces, but I do believe you have to be mindful in determining the kinds of furniture you use to create a conversation area that balances out the room, while leaving plenty of space for movement. If you can’t move, the space will feel cumbersome and overstuffed.

We had space before, but after changing our former wingback accent chairs to the leather chairs with wooden frames, I decided to modify our living room layout slightly. Instead of having the chairs against the wall of windows off to the side, alongside a side table and lamp, I moved the chairs inward for a more intimate seating area, nixed the side table and table lamp, and moved the floor lamp that was formerly on the opposite side of the room where it wasn’t really needed.

I love how it feels, I love how it functions, and I love that I was able to dismiss a few pieces from the living room that ultimately weren’t necessary. And, it created more room to move, walk, and breathe.

Just as you don’t have to decorate an entire surface and you can instead focus on creating intentional, impactful “moments”, you don’t have to fill your space with furniture and accents (or even spread it around evenly, for that matter). If you focus on areas and walkability, the unfilled areas are able to balance out the heavier moments and give you a more minimal feel — even with larger furniture.

13 Tips for Minimalism (In Your Home When You Aren't a Minimalist)

Sources: Sofa | Green Linen Pillow | Textured Linen Charcoal Pillows | Pocket Watch Clock | Vase | Faux Magnolia Stems (seven stems) | Large Concrete Vase (currently 57% off!) | Round Side Table (currently on sale!) | Tissue Box Cover (similar) | Live Beautiful Coffee Table Book | Blue and White and Other Stories Coffee Table Book | Escape Coffee Table Book

7. Choose Large Scale Pieces Over Small Scale Tchotchkes

Larger pieces look like you had to be more intentional about their placement. Also, it takes more small items to take up visual space, making you use more, making it feel like too much. If your eyes are having to jump around too much, it can translate into visual clutter — even if the fewer large objects take up the same amount (or even more) space.

That doesn’t mean you can’t use small things you love — of course you can! There are no rules and you have to do and use what you love! But, fewer, larger scale items are likely going to make your living room feel a bit more minimal than lots of small items. And, if you are using lots of small items, try anchoring them together as a single unit — like in a bowl, on a tray, or somehow adjoined with a more substantial piece.

While I try to use this overall practice as a guideline for surfaces, I also use it for walls that operate similarly. You can find a previous post I wrote with lots of ideas on how to decorate large walls HERE.

Living Room Minimalism & Other Home Tips

Sources: Faux Magnolia Stems (seven stems) | Large Concrete Vase (currently 57% off!) | Pocket Watch Clock | Vase | Cabinet Knobs

8. Go Heavier On Timeless & Lighter On Trend

To me, trends are fun in small doses but a big part of my journey towards simplification and minimization is getting a place where I feel content and happy with my surroundings, and then staying there. Without the feeling of needing to update my spaces. Wanting to and enjoying making changes is one thing but feeling like your home is dated, isn’t you, or isn’t representative of what you love doesn’t feel great. And it keeps the constant pressure to evolve at the back of your mind. At least it does mine.

No matter how many changes my home has seen, the pieces that have stood the test of time have remained unchanged. I still have the same furniture in the dining room (see that HERE) and the big black cabinet in our conversation room was the inspiration for the direction of the entire space (see that room reveal HERE).

If you’re constantly chasing trends, it can feel like a never-ending marathon. My ultimate goal is to find contentment with all my surroundings so making small changes here and there can be fun again — not overwhelming. But, honestly, the more I leave things alone, the more I appreciate and love them — how they serve us and all the work that got us there.

13 Small Ways to Make Your Home More Minimal

Sources: Iron Chandelier | Large Wood Wall Art (currently on sale!) | Jute Rug (8 x 10′) | Sofas | Black Leather Arm Chairs | Leather X Stool | Coffee Table | Brass Party Bucket | Faux Magnolia Stems (seven stems) | Large Concrete Vase (currently 57% off!) | Green Linen Pillows | Textured Linen Charcoal Pillows | Window Pane Checked Pillow | Woven Black Tray

9. Determine What Takes the Most Time to Maintain

Because it isn’t just about the physical stuff or its appearance… it’s also about the space it takes up in your mind and the time you have to invest to care for it. And by “care for it”, I mean maintain it in terms of cleaning it, keeping it alive, keeping it fresh, keeping it styled… This ranges from plants to pillows to furniture fabrics and rugs. Not only does the fact remain that the fewer things you have, the less time it will take to maintain. But also, the more lower maintenance items you have, the less time it will take to maintain them.

I probably have more live plants than I do faux currently, but all of my live plants have been simple to keep alive with no more than 1x/week watering. At this point, if something is too finicky, I let it go. But for me and my own physical and mental capacity, I can handle the easy (for me) requirement of seldom watering. If you’re feeling like your home is too cumbersome or labor intensive to maintain, or you’re overwhelmed by upkeep, plants (as much as I love them) are an easy place to start letting go.

13 Tips for a More Minimal Living Room (When You Aren't a Minimalist)

Sources: Console Table | Seagrass Basket | Black Watering Can

I love my pillows (don’t we all?) but having a ton where it only looks good if they’re all perfectly positioned can be too much to manage. Not only have I cut back on the volume, but I’ve cut back on the frequency in which I change them out (see Number 1 and Number 3) and it feels amazing.

If something always feels “messed up” by your standards or seems to be in constant need of attention, it may be time to consider if it can be cut from the living room.

10. Invest in Finishes and Fabrics You Can LIVE with

Piggybacking off of Number 9, I am at peace with the imperfections that naturally occur when you live in your home. Now, I still try to take care of our things but I’ve adjusted my expectations and I am totally unbothered with a lot of wear that comes from dwelling in a well lived home.

Pieces that get heavier use, I typically try to invest in on the front end by choosing performance fabrics or construction that will withstand regular usage. Our zippered sofa cushion covers are a performance linen that I now toss in the washing machine occasionally if they need it, and they come out looking great. I’m totally fine if our leather pieces get more worn over time as well loved leather does (that isn’t for everyone but I don’t mind it!) And our reclaimed wood coffee table has nicks and spots that at this point, only add character in my mind.

Tips for a More Minimalistic Living Room (When You Aren't a Minimalist)

Sources: Black Leather Arm Chairs

We don’t eat in the living room and Eliza knows that only water is allowed on the sofa, but we don’t tiptoe around the space. The dogs are on the furniture, Eliza knows the “rules” but is still just a kid, and we pay no attention to flopping down to relax and watch movies.

13 Home Minimalism Tips That Will Give You a Cozy AND Minimal Aesthetic

Sources: Sofa | Green Linen Pillows | Pewter Linen Pillow | Window Pane Checked Pillow

A few months ago, Eliza got carried away when she learned to write her name and started “tagging” pretty much everything in the living room. She got marker on the coffee table and I sillily (is that a word? haha) used a magic eraser to get it off. Which took off the finish. At the end of the day, it’s fine. Now, if it were on a lacquered piece? That may have been a different story 😉

Minimalistic Tips for the Living Room

Sources: Jute Rug (8 x 10′) | Coffee Table | Black Woven Tray | Candle (similar) | Made for Living Coffee Table Book

11. Give Yourself Permission to Let Go

It can be hard to lessen the load (physically and visually) when you have all kinds of reasons to not let something go. But, if you don’t move forward with the goal of decluttering, you can truly find a way to justify keeping anything, and assign reasoning to every piece you hold onto. Out of guilt… out of the feeling of rebellion, out of regret… The first step is the hardest but if you’re feeling like you need to become more minimal, that’s the only reason you need to start freeing your home, living room, mind, and life from things that may be keeping you in a state of unrest (no matter how small a feeling).

Not only if something doesn’t “spark joy” (a la Marie Kondo), but there’s a lot of reasons to finally give yourself permission to let things go…

  • If you’re holding onto something just because you’ve “always” had it
  • If you spent a lot of money on something and getting rid of it feels wasteful
  • If you feel tied to something that you don’t love but it was a gift
  • If something doesn’t serve you/your family
  • If something ends up feeling more like clutter
  • If something isn’t your style anymore
  • If something is broken/damaged
  • Just because

I have yet to part with something that I’ve regretted later. Not saying it won’t happen, but the peace I’ve gained from unloading some of the things I felt was weighing me down has far outweighed the possibility of… what’s the opposite of buyer’s remorse?

13 Tips for Achieving a More Minimalistic Living Room (When You Aren't a Minimalist)

Sources: Large Wood Wall Art (currently on sale!) | Jute Rug (8 x 10′) | Black Leather Arm Chairs | Small Textured Vase | Cabinet Knobs

12. Acknowledge that “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” Isn’t Always True

When I started realizing that the stress and weighty feeling from my home was a voice inside my head that what I truly needed was to minimize and simplify, I also recognized that it wasn’t just a visual clutter problem. Knowing of excess and disarray (in the basement, behind cabinet doors, etc.) kept me just as discontent as any signs of clutter in the main living areas. Whether or not you can see it, the weight is still there. I don’t think Monica really could have lived with that secret closet 😉 — I couldn’t. And, I’m still working my way through lots of hidden spaces, over time, and the more I chip away at it and the more reclaimed space I make — even space you can’t see — the better I feel.

13 Tips for Home Minimalism

Sources: Iron Chandelier | Large Wood Wall Art (currently on sale!) | Jute Rug (8 x 10′) | Sofas | Black Leather Arm Chairs | Leather X Stool | Coffee Table | Brass Party Bucket | Faux Magnolia Stems (seven stems) | Large Concrete Vase (currently 57% off!) | Green Linen Pillows | Textured Linen Charcoal Pillows | Window Pane Checked Pillow | Woven Black Tray | Round Side Table (currently on sale!) | Tissue Box Cover (similar) | Live Beautiful Coffee Table Book | Blue and White and Other Stories Coffee Table Book | Escape Coffee Table Book | Lidded Tulip Basket (currently on sale!)

13. Keep a Consistent Aesthetic

With a semi-open floor plan, you can clearly define spaces but your eyes are still going to see it all. And if a singular line of sight feels too disjointed, it can feel to maximal.

That doesn’t mean everything has to be identical or that you can’t infuse your personality in different ways, but a good rule of thumb to see if your open rooms flow together well is to ask yourself if individual pieces could easily be moved around from space to space and still coordinate/support the room well.

13 Tips for Minimalism (When You Aren't a Minimalist)

SourcesWood Bead Chandelier (currently on sale!) | Dining Table (48″ Diameter)Dining Chairs (pebble) | Sideboard | Primrose Mirror (gold; 5′) | Round Jute Rug (7 x 7′)Large Black Bowl | Terracotta Beaded Garland (currently on sale!) | Faux Magnolia Branches (three branches)| White Stoneware Vase (currently 43% off!) |Brass Candle Holders (similar)

There were several moves I made to simplify our breakfast nook when I was craving minimization. We switched from a cabinet with glass doors (where you could see the individual contents) to something with an opaque front. We did away with the curtains, switched our high maintenance glass table to a light wooden one (both easier to wipe/maintain and light so it contrasts the dark furnishings and keeps things bright), went with a bigger mirror to open things up, and I cut my console table “decor” in half. Our leather chairs are substantial and heavy (and a finish that we continued through from the living room) You can see our breakfast nook reveal HERE with all the details.

13 Tips for a More Minimalistic Home

SourcesWood Bead Chandelier (currently on sale!) | Dining Table (48″ Diameter)Dining Chairs (pebble) | Sideboard | Primrose Mirror (gold; 5′) | Round Jute Rug (7 x 7′)Large Black Bowl | Terracotta Beaded Garland (currently on sale!) | Faux Magnolia Branches (three branches)| White Stoneware Vase (currently 43% off!) | Brass Candle Holders (similar)

I cleared anything that wasn’t functional from the kitchen countertops and also did major work in the drawers — it has been incredible working in here since the revamp. You can find the details of the kitchen makeover HERE and the minimization work done in the drawer and cabinets HERE.

13 Tips for a More Minimalistic Home (When You Aren't a Minimalist)

SourcesWoven Leather Backless Counter Stools | Black BowlRunner (2.5 x 10′) currently on sale! | Backsplash TileDrawer Pulls (champagne bronze 6 5/16″) | Drawer Pulls (champagne bronze 5 1/16′) | Cabinet Knobs (champagne bronze 1 5/16″) | Dutch Oven (7.25 qt)Dutch Oven Gold Knob (large) Textured Spoon Rest | Utensil CrockWhite Cheese Board  | Olive Oil Bottle | Olive Wood Salt Keeper | Counter-Depth Refrigerator | Range Hood Insert 

And I’ve really put an emphasis on what functions best for our family. Because at the end of the day, your home is for your family. No one else. I needed a pool towel solution for a few reasons. 1. Our upstairs linen closet was bursting at the seams now that we have a pool, 2. it was a pain running upstairs to get more towels every time we went outside, and 3. I couldn’t think of a closet that would hold them well.

So, I nixed the plant stand, relocated the plant to the living room, and put this big lidded basket (my favorite! We have different sizes all over the house) in this area of the kitchen. We access the pool through the kitchen so having a big basket in here may not be common, but it’ works perfectly for us. ‘s the function for us. I rolled our towels and it works perfectly. I love how it looks, and the convenience, and, I’ve reclaimed multiple shelves in the linen closet.

Functional Minimalism Tips for the Home

Sources: Lidded Basket (large) | Tissue Box Holder (similar) | Drawer Pulls (champagne bronze 5 1/16′)

I feel like no matter where you’re standing, everything works together.

Tips for Home Minimalism (When You Aren't a Minimalist)

Sources: Cone Pendant Lights | Woven Bar Stools | Gallery Wall Frames | Dining Table 48″ Dining Chairs (pebble) | Round Jute Rug (7 x 7′) | Large Wood Wall Art (currently on sale!) | Black Leather Arm Chairs

While you may only be interested in trying some of these, or maybe you already practice a lot of these, when I step back and look at the efforts or effects of my journey, these seem to work together to give me that calm I’ve been seeking. Especially as someone who isn’t really a true minimalist, loves her things, and has fun decorating and having our home as a creative canvas.

Are there ways you’ve found peace within your living room (or home in general) that we didn’t talk about today? I’m all ears! My desperation for change catapulted me into motion but as time has gone on, I’m able to make smaller changes and appreciate everything for what it is.

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16 Comments

  1. 8.8.23
    Dawn said:

    Hi Kelley,
    I absolutely love your home! Can you please confirm the color of the PB jute rug in both your dining room and living room? Is it the ‘natural’ or ‘classic ivory’ option? I’ve been considering this rug for months now but don’t live close to a PB to view it in person, so your response would be very helpful! Thank you!

  2. 8.8.23
    Debbie said:

    Wow what a great post!! Full of awesome co tent. Thanks soo much

    • 8.9.23

      Thank you, Debbie, for stopping by. I appreciate your sweet note very much!

  3. 8.9.23
    Kari said:

    Thank you for sharing your journey to a peaceful home and mind! I have loved reading your posts this year. It is brave of you too, as a home change ‘reveal’ blogger. I’m here for all of it!

    • 8.9.23

      Thank you, Kari, for following along with us. I am working hard on my new passion, but I must say that it feels really great to make these life changes.

  4. 8.11.23
    Julie said:

    Good morning Kelley: I’m catching up on your posts today. Wow!! Your belief in this process of simplifying shines through. So does your caring of others by sharing all this information. This has really been an amazing year on your journey. I really applaud you for making all the changes in your home and life so that it feels sustainable / easy care. You invested in classic long-term design that you will love for years. So wise fiscally and emotionally! I really appreciate everything you talk about. Thank you.

    • 8.11.23

      Hi Julie and thank you for taking the time to catch up! It is so gratifying to know that you “get” my new passion as I am working to incorporate it in some way in all my posts. And you are so right…it feels so good, fiscally, emotionally and mentally!

  5. 8.16.23
    Mel Carter said:

    Kelley! Oh my goodness! I have been following you for quite a while now, (at least six years) and am seriously blown away by your thoughtful, curated post. You have always been amazing and unique, and your growth and wisdom is just an inspiring, beautiful nudge for embracing a life of simpler contentment, gratitude, and balance. I have been on my path also.
    Thank you.
    Mel

    • 8.16.23

      Mel, Your kind and thoughtful message has made my day! Thank you so much for taking the time and I so appreciate you following along with us and still being “here.” I wish you the best as you continue along your own personal path. It really feels great these day!

  6. 8.16.23
    Joy said:

    Thank you for the time and effort you put into this post. My brain (and eyes) seem to function very much like yours…….visible and not so visible clutter does not allow me to slow down/relax/breathe. I understand completely. Hands down the best post I have read in a long time.

    • 8.16.23

      Hi Joy, I appreciate your sweet note so much and am definitely flattered. My decluttering and simplifying efforts have made a huge difference to me this year. You are so right that the result has been being able to relax and breathe. Thank you for following along with me!

  7. 12.20.23
    Jocelyn Wilhelm said:

    I wanted to drop by and say that I absolutely LOVE your style! We just moved into a new home and I can’t wait to start decorating. You’re an inspiration. So keep doing what you do! I love seeing what you come up with! 💕

    • 12.22.23

      Jocelyn, Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and I really appreciate your kind note! Congratulations on your new home and I know you will have so much fun decorating!