Monday, March 7, 2011

Working from home

I worked all weekend long. I have a lot of projects going on right now which is great (no complaining here, believe me!) but it can be exhausting. It can drain me both physically and mentally.  I have found that the more I have going on inside my head (decisions to make, ideas to come up with, what am I going to do about this and that...), the more uncluttered I need my environment. I guess you could say I get my 'calm' from having things clean and neat. So the more that I have in my head, the more I want things around me to be visually uncluttered. 

Traditional Home

But we are not all the same. I have noticed that many of my clients enjoy having a lot of things around them. It is not just that it doesn't bother them to be surrounded by a lot of things, even clutter; they actually prefer it. In fact, their stuff gives them comfort.  

Martha Stewart Living via Deliciously Organized

Or it inspires them. 

And so when I am working with a client it is important that I do not impose my minimalistic needs, or my color preferences on to them. I am always listening and observing and making sure that I am helping them achieve what they desire so that their house is their haven just like mine is to me. And that ultimately they end of with the home that they dreamed of, not the one that I do.

via A punch of Color

 What is the right amount of stuff for you?

10 comments:

  1. Carol@6WilsonBlog.comMarch 7, 2011 at 7:19 AM

    There is no question that the state of my mind is eveident by the choas or lack thereof of my house and my desk! There are times when I can let things go, and then there are times when I snap and need everything orderly (ok, orderly is a stretch!) I love being surrounded by things, it makes my feel cozy, which makes me anything but a minimalist. But I can't stand to be surrounded by "stuff." My things have to have some meaning.

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  2. traci zeller designsMarch 7, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    Mmmm ... I cannot work in chaos. I need everything neat and organized ... or I just can't think! I've been that way since I was a child ...

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  3. GabriellaMarch 7, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    I need everything pretty much clutter free. I'm not completely minimalistic, but I lean it clean and organized.I do like a few pieces here and there, but no overload or I can't work.
    Really like that adorable chair in the first picture!x

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  4. Amy ChalmersMarch 7, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    H Sherri, I think as designers we are often overexposed to patterns and colors so our own spaces might need to be more calming. I go back and forth between my NEED for color and patterns and then NEEDING to wipe it all out!! Thanks for such nice commentary on my latest project, you are right, I am really happy with it.

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  5. KathysueMarch 7, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    Sherri, I agree with you on both counts. One: I can not work in clutter or disarray, it un-nerves me. Two: I took great pride in bringing out the best in my clients so they would have a home that they loved when I left to go to the home that I loved. It sounds as if you are a designer of the heart, not a designer of the Look!!!! You have some very lucky clients, Happy Monday,Kathysue

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  6. StephanieMarch 7, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    I can't stand meaningless clutter, but I do take comfort in having my things around me. I'm pretty much in sync with Carol's comment.

    What I love about today's post is that blue color. I want that color around me all the time! Love it! But how do I get it in a house that is mostly fall-ish colors, reds, oranges, golds, yellows (all very subtle). ugh!

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  7. MarianneMarch 7, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    I need things organzined and clean. I don't function well with clutter at all. The offices you posted today are lovely!

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  8. annie@mostlovelythingsMarch 7, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    I love all the photos of work spaces you posted today. I do love my stuff around, but it must be organized. I cannot work until everything is neat and tidy...and having fresh flowers and sharpened pencils in something lovely helps too!!

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  9. UnknownMarch 7, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    I loved reading everyone's comments today and I can really relate to Amy's comment very much - the need for color and patterns and then the need to wipe it all out- that is so me. xo

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  10. StacyMarch 7, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    I totally agree with you when you said you try not to impose your needs and preferences on the client but help them achieve their desires. Although I have to admit it is really hard sometimes. Take Care, Stacy

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