Childhood Simplicity

One child's favorite toy

     For most of my life, including childhood, I was obsessed with how little I could own and have exactly what I needed without excess. (Nobody knew this since I had a little world within my brain that I never shared with anyone.) Excess always felt like an anchor-even for a child!  My room was filled with collector dolls, but my favorite toys were few, and I played with them over and over. My very favorite toy ever—brace yourself—was an industrial barrel my dad brought home from the factory where he worked.  They were used in shipping and were discarded after the parts were removed, so he brought one home for me and each of my siblings.  I knew exactly what to do with mine.  In the garage, I attached it to my Radio Flyer red wagon, and instantly, I had my first RV.  Once it was provisioned with a blanket, snacks, and my favorite stuff, I was ready for outdoor adventuring all over the five acres on which our house sat.  It was mobile, it was small, and it was all I needed.  Of course I set about decorating it with markers.  It had to have a window and flower box and some color and that just added to the fun of creating my first little place. 

     As a child and teenager of the 80’s, I soon learned that the real goal in life was to die owning the most stuff possible.  China sets for each season and holiday, collectible dolls, everything Franklin Mint could push on the public, and trends, trends, trends.  Everyone had to be trendy.  For a while, I bought into that feeling like my value increased with the label I wore and the amount of stuff I could amass, but this didn’t make me happy. 

     When vacationing in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, I spent a little time whenever I vacationed to see what was in the mini-kitchens or kitchenettes of ski shacks, beach condos, and motels.  I began a mental inventory of what it took to cook basic meals and provision what was needed without excess.  Returning home to a kitchen full of rarely used (if ever) gadgets and appliances felt wasteful. 

     Around 2008, when I was able to purchase a home for myself and my son, my home was very tidy and simple.  Most guests would definitely not describe my décor and furniture choices as excessive or trendy.  I framed my personal in the philosophy that I adopted that everything would have a use but would also fit my aesthetic.  My aesthetic was traditional and classic with antiques and quality pieces that I had taken some time to consider. As a result, shopping for my home and décor was easy since I had a determined aesthetic and color pallet that made me feel authentically represented in my space. 

     Little did I know, my childhood interest in small spaces, my quest for minimal inventories in kitchen, bed and bath, and my commitment to an authentic color pallet and aesthetic would lead me to working with others to create similar spaces for themselves. 

     Now, I find deep satisfaction in helping others obtain their peace and authenticity in their homes.  I hope my upcoming postings will inspire you to take a step to regaining control of your spaces and achieving a little breathing room.