“Keep it simple” is an idea whose time has come. In our busy lives the idea of simplicity in any form demands attention particularly when pitted against the pandemonium of modern life.

At a client’s, recently, I stood and watched the following cast interact in a kitchen all within a period of 10-12 minutes:

3 boys (ages 8, 13 and 16) each with a friend
4 dogs
2 cats
1 mother (my client)
2 housekeepers
A general contractor
A plumber
An HVAC specialist
A flower delivery person

Each needed something from someone and the entire scene played out like a Keystone Cops movie. I was speechless. In my mind I replayed the tapes of my client speaking passionately about needing an environment that was calming and serene. In that moment I understood her passion; her necessity for tranquility. It was a lifesaver in a sea of all this delightful swirling energy.

“Keep it simple” is my challenge to you today. When you look around your home do you see the visual equivalent of three young boys and their friends? Do you see more mess than form or shape? Do you see piles rather than color and pattern? If you answer yes, then maybe it’s time to edit away some of the complexities and focus on simple beauty.

Here’s a challenge. Pick one room in your home. Select one thing (a color, a favorite furniture piece, a beautiful piece of art.. etc.) that will be the focus of the room. List all things in the room that visually compete with this favored item; then begin the editing process with a goal of drawing as much attention to your favored beautiful item as possible.

Be daring. Be bold. But edit. It is the hardest part of designing. Anyone can pile things into a room but the art of editing (it takes practice) will guide you to a point of simple, focused beauty and you will not be disappointed.

Write and let me know about your experiences editing your way to a simply beautiful room.