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Downsizing can be hard to do, especially when it comes to determining what to bring with you. Debbie Mathews LeRoy, founder and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques and Designs in Nashville, Tennessee, says seeing the move as a fresh start is the best first step. “Many people become used to their own clutter and chaos, and moving can open the door to a new way of living with less.” While sentimental items and those that hold special value can be hard to part with, Debbie shows how it’s possible to outfit your new-to-you house with pieces from the past to create a space that feels like home.
Multifunctional Furnishings
Smaller spaces require smarter furnishings. Think chests that offer both storage solutions and décor, a writing desk that can be used in various spaces like in a bedroom as a night table, in a living room nook, or in an office. Furnishings that work double duty can provide greater flexibility to create a setup that works for you, while providing camouflaged storage for items like blankets, serving pieces, and hobby supplies.
Family Heirlooms
While not all pieces that hold sentimental value will likely make the cut to your new home, Debbie suggests sticking with the most precious of your family heirlooms. “I think it’s important to surround yourself with pieces that make your new house feel like ‘home,’ and tell the story of who you are,” she says. “These sentimental family heirlooms could be a dining room sideboard, living room side table, or collection of sterling silver pieces.”
Consider both scale and proportion for these items to determine if they’ll be the right fit for your new house as missing the mark can lead to a busy look or cramped walkways. “In smaller spaces, the goal is to avoid clutter while promoting a feeling of ‘openness,’ so you need to be discerning with the items you choose to bring with you,” Debbie explains.
Art with Meaning
You may not have room in your new home for every piece of art you’ve collected over the years, but Debbie says you should certainly make room for those items that hold sentimental value or remind you of a special place. “Pieces like this can remind you of your past homes, and make your new home feel more personal,” she says. Find a prominent spot for these cherished works, ensuring you can enjoy them every day.
Oversized Mirrors
If you’ve automatically scratched every “oversized” item off your moving list, Debbie urges you to think again. Oversized mirrors can pull their weight when it comes to creating a more open feel in your downsized home. “Not only can large mirrors act as a focal point in an entry, living room, dining room, or family room, but they can also appear to expand a space by reflecting light,” says Debbie.
Light Fixtures
The Nashville-based designer considers lighting the jewelry of a room, so it’s fitting that you would bring your very best pieces with you when you go. [You wouldn’t leave Mama’s heirloom pearls behind, after all.] “If you have a special chandelier, pendant, or table lamp that could work well in your new home, bring it along,” Debbie says. “Unique lighting that has a story to tell can add personality, be a reminder of the past, and can also draw the eye up if it is a ceiling mounted fixture, which instantly makes the space feel larger.”
Drapery
Draperies that are in good shape are worth the move as they can be expensive to replace. As long as it works with your new home’s color palette, they can be modified (either in style or length) to work in your new home. If they just won’t work for your windows, Debbie suggests using the fabric for another purpose whether decorative pillow covers, a table cloth for a side table, etc.
How to Downsize Without Losing Your Home’s Identity
Debbie shares three quick ways to help maintain your unique style when downsizing.
Get an Outside Perspective
If budget allows, hiring a designer can allow you to maximize every square inch of your new space, determining exactly where all of your existing pieces can fit in before you make the move. “It can also be helpful to bring in a third party who does not have the emotional attachment to your pieces so that they can be more objective in telling you which pieces really do not fit in your new home.”
Create a Pile System
Go for the tried-and-true Yes-Maybe-No process, creating a pile for each category. For larger items, simply tag them with sticky notes to stay organized. “This can give you a strong starting point when you are feeling overwhelmed,” says Debbie. “Knowing that you will be able to keep some of your most sentimental items will make parting with others more tolerable.”
Consider It a Fresh Start
“Many of my design clients have told me how much better they feel after parting with old clothes, keepsakes, and furniture that they never really liked or used,” says the Nashville-based designer. Change your perspective and view it as an opportunity to create a fresher, lighter space that you love to be in.
Read the original article on Southern Living
