Happy New Year!
I'm starting off mine with a little bit of a redo. My husband has had some vacation time, and we've been enjoying reading by the wood stove in the kitchen. Since we have spent so much time there, I shuffled some things around and set up a comfy spot for us to relax in.
There is something about this time of year that compels me to rearrange, redo, lighten up, edit. Over the course of a year, as I scrounge flea markets and garage sales, I tend to accumulate and add cool, beloved junk to our home. When cold weather hits, and the January 1st marker of new beginnings rolls around, I start to rethink my look.
I still love my junk, and always will, but feel like I need less of it around in January. Maybe its partially the excesses of Christmas that make me crave tranquility.
Being cooped up indoors so much makes me want less stuff around, cleaner lines. And a new view.
Combining my urge to edit, the compulsion to redecorate, along with our love of roasting our toes by the fire, led me to a drastic, but FREE change.
I took the leaves out of the table, and turned it around, moved the island (that is why I built it with wheels!) and shopped in my own living room for a recliner. The second chair in our Archie/Edith setup is just one from the dining table, with a soft pillow for the small of my back and a footstool.
When Sugarwings came over, she loved it and said that my table was soooo cute, since it looked so tiny with no leaves. I doubt if she has seen it set up this way before, I like having a huge table.
Does the room look fantastic this way? No, not really. To me, its all just a little off, and a bit odd too. But its very functional, comfortable, and only temporary for the cold spell. (but heck, if I wanted perfection and high gloss style, I probably wouldn't have a wood stove in the dining room to start with)
And I am enjoying the change.
Change is a good word for the 1st. This is the perfect time to look around at things we've grown accustomed to, or complacent with. It's a time to think about what really works and what we can do to make it better.
A time for looking at things in a new way, to see what makes us and the ones we love more comfy in our every day lives, whether its as simple as moving a recliner to an unexpected spot or totally rethinking some bigger issues. Getting rid of old habits that don't make sense today, things that you are doing by rote, just because that is how you've been doing it that way.
Could a simple change in the New Year bring pleasure or ease to your life?
Happy New Year, Karla! Thanks for sharing this to start of the year right. I especially liked the line: “It’s a time to think about what really works and what we can do to make it better.”
Nothing like a New Year’s post from Karla, to inspire me to make some changes in the new year. Thank you, Karla for a year FULL of inspiration! I think I will get started right now!
Debra
Happy Beginning to 2013 Karla! You are such an inspiration in my life, thanks.
Marilyn in Missouri
Happy New Year Karla and thank you for another great post. I always feel that same need to purge and restore order in January and you have inspired me to get going!
I don’t have a ton of options in my very small house because things only seem to fit in a certain way but I have been rolling around some changes that seem a little odd and this post is making me think I should just go for it. I can , after all, just change it back – right?!
Happy New Year Karla! You are such an inspiration to so many…Thank you!!
Very true, Kathy, its only furniture, not remodeling! Start scooting
Sent from my iPad
Is your fireguard made from old iron railings or gates? It’s lovely.
Happy New Year! Your home looks lovely. And, I agree that a slimline version of my home is one I tend to favor in the winter months. Unfortunately my daughter was just adamant that the Christmas decorations stay up through January 2nd so I have felt a bit strangled lately with all the clutter. But, one day soon enough the kids will be gone so I know I need to relax and let it go…
I have been rearranging and feel the need to declutter. Wishing you a Happy New Year.
I know what you mean, Stephanie, the holiday decor was getting to me this year too. Normally it stays up past the first. Sugarwings was against it coming down so I left it up a couple days after Christmas.
Sent from my iPad
Thanks, Louise, but its not old at all. I got it at a discount store, it was bronze. I sprayed it with highest paint.
Sent from my iPad
Karla, I’m always in the mood for “spring” cleaning after Christmas. I’ve been in the hospital for four weeks, because I had to have two surgeries due to ovarian cancer complications. You would not believe how much I crave doing simple household chores. It’s almost like a luxury. It really is the small day-to-day things that matter. I can’t wait to rebuild my strength, so I can declutter.
Happy New Year to You and Yours.
~elaine
I love your decorating changes. It almost feels like a “new house” doesn’t it? A new year does make you think in a different direction. Change can be good!
I DO understand about wanting a clean slate at the beginning of a new year ~
All the ‘clutter’ from the fall/winter seasonal decorating begins to annoy, rather than to delight ~
hugs ~
Happy New Year Karla! Looks like someone other than you and your hubby are enjoying the new arrangement as well!!
Looks like I will be having a wedding in 2013 (yes, he proposed over Christmas) and so I have a lot of purging to do as well. Can’t begin to imagine moving all his stuff in until a lot of mine goes out. Where to start??
Gloria in Virginia
Happy new year! I am on board with making changes around the house myself this week! You toe-toasting nook looks so cozy!
I’m really ready for a do-it-yourself makeover. Not sure where to begin though (but I’m thinking maybe the bedroom, since Lizzie’s path to the window involves jumping on Rick’s side of the bed!)