1.03.2011

{inspire} Organizing a New Year


As I mentioned last week, I'm pretty darn excited about the possibilities of this new year. More so than I have for the past few years. The past couple years have started with a very overwhelmed feeling about how much we have to do. But this year? I feel like we're going to rock life and the proverbial to-do list. And January really feels like a month to regroup. Especially for me this year. The holidays were crazy. Okay, who am I kidding? Our life has been running at a frenetic crazy pace since we got married. Two year ago. But I'm ready to get back on track in 2011.

Something I've been thinking about a lot for the last couple months is the idea of living with what I love. For a long time, when I was first on my own and had very little furniture, I was in the habit of buying to fill space, instead of buying what I love. I've gradually started shifting my outlook, but a switch flipped last year and I was just done buying to fill space.


So this month I'm going to take a journey into getting my life and style back in order. Want to join me? 

First, we're going to start clearing out and organizing. Do you all remember the episode of Friends where Chandler discovers Monica's secret closet?

I'm going to show you my secret closet, er, uh, spaces. I'm going to clean out my crap. Yeah, I know ... who isn't cleaning right now? But really, friends, it's been at least a couple years since I've taken a good hard look at what we use and what needs to go. It's been never since I've take a look at what I really love.


Next, I'm going to take a look at committing to a design vision based on what I love. Of course, that begins with actually identifying what I love. For the last few months I've worked on identifying WHAT I love about a beautiful interior, rather than just exclaiming love at first sight. I'll take a hard look at interiors I love and what elements I'd like to incorporate in our home. This will help me form said vision.


And last, I'm going to take the next step in creating a clear vision for our home by creating a color scheme. Our house is open enough that we need some sort of cohesive color scheme to really allow the rooms to flow and not feel disjointed. We've started this process, but I find myself off track a lot when thinking about upcoming spaces.


I'm excited to get started. We have a lot of big plans for our little home over the next couple years and I know that creating a vision now will help the process go smoother, and hopefully leave me happy and excited about our house in the end.

What are you organizing this year? Do you have a *secret* closet to stash all your disorganization? Please share so I don't feel like the only one! :)

**Images via Made By Girl, Apartment Therapy, Little Green Notebook, Wiki, Oh Hello Friend, Apartment Therapy, Sweet Paul**

15 comments:

  1. I have 8 (or is it 9?) closets that stash clutter... but the clutter finds its way all over the house in addition to the massive storage space. my rental is a mess. my style is a mess. It's time for a flipping change! =)

    and im uber excited! These pictures are sooo inspirational! I love them all!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

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  2. I would like to take one room at a time and get it all organized! Baby steps is what I keep telling myself!

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  3. My closet is also called The Wedding Room. Or We're Already Married Room. Or just the Guest Bedroom.

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  4. Thanks so much for stopping by Holyoke Home! I'm your newest Google Reader follower! I think the 'living with what you love' idea is one that has only occurred to me in the past year! I'm losing patience with not seeing beautiful, lovely, and 'Holyoke Home-ish' spaces!

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  5. Two comments in one day - I'm on a roll! I did a lot of cleaning out and purging (MUCH needed!) in the past year, but I still have a lot of work ahead of me in 2011. Since another move is quite possible, I'm trying to use that to motivate me, little by little. I have big goals for January.

    I can never decide whether writing about organizing/thinking about stuff/wanting more than you can afford or need/etc is the best topic for my blog - those posts never seem to get any feedback, and then I feel like I'm the only one thinking about these things! Glad to know I'm not flying solo...

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  6. Great post! I have organizing on the mind as well. All the Christmas madness made me long for some zen in my life (starting with the exploding closets my house).

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  7. Thanks for the comment over at You Seriously Made That! I LOVE all of your home projects! I especially love your table runners and fireplace! You have a good eye for style, and I wish my little dining area looked 1/2 as cute as yours! I'm your newest follower :)

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  8. Oh to have organized closets and drawers!! I do get to one or 2 though out the year but would love for them to be beautiful as well as functional!

    Thanks for your comment about my wall. They do look great for a picture but up close in person they are needing something. I would love to get this look with out it being the wallpaper paste and paint that is peeling off constantly!

    bee blessed
    mary

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  9. I love these- they inspire me for the day when I am able to actually change some of the decor (not possible at my current rental) like the paint, etc. I love the bright yellow wall.
    Gorgeous blog!
    Meri

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  10. I too am guilty of stashing. I like to call it "taking care of things". But sometimes I take too good of care and forget what I took care of! I'm clearing the office out this year for sure. Looking forward to your discoveries and (re)decorating/organizing. It's going to be an interesting year!

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  11. Yes, I so need to do this. Unfortunately my closets look like Monica's.

    -Rene

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  12. oh my goodness loved this post, i loved these photos! the first one is SO me it's creepy! I want a craft room like that!

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  13. Thanks for all you comments ladies! It's really good to know I'm not alone ;). I'm excited to go through this little cleaning journey with you!

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  14. LOVE that yellow wall!!! Don't you just love those pops of color??!!!

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  15. I love that episode of Friends - mainly because I am completely OCD...except for my closet of shame. I can totally relate to this. The more I read, the more I love you Jenn.

    When you need a companion to help you shop for things you love - count me in!

    Leigha

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Your comments make my day! Thanks for stopping by and sharing! :)