“Imagine a home that is organized yet relaxed, functional
yet comfortable, unfussy but also beautiful.”
This is a quote from the introduction to Judith Wilson’s
book, “Casual Living”. I really love her writing and was delighted to find this
book while travelling recently. Although the decor style that is depicted in
the book is not really like my own, the ethos of casual living that she
describes really resonated with me. I
love the idea of a really functional space that does not sacrifice comfort or
beauty.
I have a lot of inherited items that are precious to me, but
I am reluctant to use them in case they are damaged or broken. I have realized
though that I need to embrace a more casual style that allows me to relax and
not worry about the cat scratches, spills and invariable mishaps. I have chosen
to put more precious items in the master bedroom where they are less exposed to
wear and tear and allow our living area and kitchen to house more utilitarian
and functional things that are still beautiful in their own right.
As Judith Wilson describes casual living actually needs to
be functional, organized and fuss –free as well as relaxed, comfortable and
beautiful. In my case, I think some
paring down of items that are “high maintenance” may be necessary to achieve a
more casual life style.
I have also been reflecting on the need to simplify and only
to keep things that really bring joy. I
think part of the casual living ethos is to live with what is either necessary
or beautiful and not to be weighed down with things that are no longer useful
for the current stage of our lives.
Asking myself the question, “Why am I keeping this?” has been really
helpful. I am also thinking more
carefully about the functions of each of our spaces and trying to keep things
where they are used and useful.
Are you a fan of
casual living? What tips or advice do you have to create a simple and beautiful
space that is also organized and functional?
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