Declutter for a cleaner, calmer home interior

Many people are contemplating a post-holiday home scrubbing. 

Some may be dreading it, confronted with excessive Yuletide decor brought on by stress-induced pandemic conditions. Going all out for Christmas trimmings seemed right at the time, but in the new year it could be time for a clean sweep. 

If you’re ready for a cleaner, calmer, clutter-free home sanctuary, you’re not alone.

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“I do think people are yearning for calm and happiness,” said Kelle (rhymes with bell) Dame, interior designer, general contractor and owner of Kelle Dame Interiors in Kenosha, who specializes in professional home organization and interior design services.

© Courtesy of Kelle Dame Interiors
Kelle Dame of Kelle Dame Interiors has received many requests for cleaner, calmer interiors.

“I’ve had a lot of requests for calming color schemes, creating serene environments and adding jolts of color and happiness through decor as well,” she said.

Dame has found sheltering in place has put the spotlight on our homes.

“It’s a time that people are really noticing how their homes are influencing how they feel, and they’re wanting to do something about it. I think anything that wakes us up to improving the quality of life, and therefore the quality of life for others, is a good thing,” she said.

Over the past 10 years, Kelle Dame Interiors has expanded from decorating to designing, major renovations and home builds. She described her goal as helping homeowners “feel the way they want to feel in their home,” to make it their favorite place to be through a “story-centered, not sales-centered” approach.

“First, by improving functionality, then adding maximum comfort, and finally bringing out as much personality and story as possible,” she explained.

Positives of negative space

Part of achieving a clean, calm interior involves allowing for negative or empty “white” space. Dame said it allows the eye to rest. 

“I think it’s important to use our walls to influence the types of thoughts and experiences we’re looking to have within each space. If the desired experience is a sense of calm and relaxation, then negative space is very important,” said Dame. “The less stimulation, the better for creating calm.”

Mary Best agreed negative space has its positives. Best is owner of Mary Best Designs in Shorewood, serving clients in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas.

“I have found many clients have the urge or necessity to put art/decor on every wall in a room,” Best said. “When you walk into a room, what wall do you first see? Start with this as your focal point. Empty space lets the eye rest and eliminate distraction.”

Best said the pandemic has caused people to view and use their homes differently, forcing them to use every inch of their space. 

“My husband is working from home and my two kids are virtual learning. We need productive space, personal space, family space, etc.,” she said. “I believe that if your home is clean and organized it reduces stress and increases happiness. I love helping people love their home. It’s where we feel safe and comfortable, now more than ever.”

Knickknack attack?

You may have already downsized possessions stored in drawers and closets during the Kondo craze; but what about decluttering your decor where it affects you throughout the day?

Start small by clearing away everything on the coffee table, shelves or countertops, Best advised. Then, put back only things that you love or need. Discernment is key.

“Knickknacks and photos are hard to completely eliminate because they’re usually personal and sentimental. We love them because they can bring our home personality,” she said. “However, they need to be organized or else it becomes chaotic. My advice is to edit.” 

Best also recommended grouping items or collections together for power in numbers.

“Gallery walls are great to display photos or art. But limit yourself to one gallery wall in sight. Or keep your framed photos on one console table. Don’t scatter them around the room or house because if they aren’t together, they lose their power,” she explained.

Downsizing decor can aid in the pandemic pastime of cleaning and disinfecting. Best said it helps as there is less to clean. Plus, it takes less time and effort to dust without a jumble of bric-a-brac to move.

Dame said displaying items in an orderly fashion can make a home seem cleaner, even if much is displayed.

“You can still fill an entire wall with frames and colorful art and still have a very clean look,” she said. “It’s all about contrast level, cohesiveness and clean lines.”

She suggested matching the color of the frames to the wall, plus using frames with the same finish and size for uniformity.

“I think there are benefits in having less clutter around in general because too much can be overstimulating and add to a feeling of overwhelm,” Dame said. “Life feels chaotic enough on its own lately, so less is definitely more right now.”

© Courtesy of Mary Best Designs
A tripod floor lamp brings functional lighting and maximum visual punch to this living room.

Visual punch

To use less decor without sacrificing style, rely on items that pack a design punch, such as one big statement plant or architectural salvage piece. One of Best’s favorite design elements for maximum impact is a floor lamp.

“Not only do they provide ambient and task lighting, they add height and sculpture. I love using a tripod lamp to fill up a space,” she said.

Dame had another idea. “When I’m aiming for a precise design punch, I look to art,” she said. “Sometimes my job is to act as a matchmaker with my clients in finding the perfect artist and pieces that will speak to them and provide the story and punch they’re after.”

Minimalism is an interior term that denotes restraint. But what exactly is minimalist design? Dame defined it as paring down items and reducing “visual noise” to what matters most.

“The great thing about minimalism is that when anything is displayed — art, sculpture, textiles — they automatically stand out as profound and important,” she said.

Minimalism is kind of a trend right now, Dame added, but it shouldn’t be pushed. Instead, it should be applied in harmony with the homeowner’s nature. Despite what is promoted in bestselling books, minimalist design is not a magic solution for happiness, and there is no need to go hard-core.

“Some of the rules of minimalism are not realistic,” she said. Still, the concepts can help strike a balance and create calm by reducing chaos and clutter.

While Dame said she has calm interiors down to a science, the process is also a creative expression that should reflect the personality of the homeowner.

“I think that to be able to minimize the noise of life within a home to such an extent is an art,” she explained. “I think it’s more important to focus on embracing habits and creating beautiful and functional areas that accommodate those habits.”

© Courtesy of Mary Best Designs
A clean and organized home reduces stress, according to Mary Best, owner of Mary Best Designs.

Cozy minimalist

Evoking a sense of calm through downsized decor is doable while still maintaining a warm, welcoming home.

“I think minimalist interiors can be powerful, interesting and even cozy. It’s all about colors and textures,” Dame said. “I also like for all of my decor to serve a purpose. If I have something out, it’s providing storage, displaying something I use often, or it’s out because it makes me happy. I truly only surround myself with things that are beautiful, useful and meaningful.”

Best believes any degree of minimalist design doesn’t need to be boring or sterile.

“I love minimalist design,” she said. “It’s a process of edited and thoughtful design. Muted color palettes and textures add beauty without interruption,” she said.

If using neutral colors, stick to warm tones to “bring the cozy in,” she advised. Introducing natural texture is Best’s favorite way to create coziness.

“I gravitate to organic elements such as linen, wool, marble and wood,” she said. “Mix a mohair pillow on a linen sofa or add grasscloth to your walls. Place a plaster bowl on an oak coffee table. Layering these elements gives your space depth and dimension.”

Jennifer Rude Klett is a Wisconsin freelance writer of history, food, and Midwestern life. Contact her at jrudeklett.com.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Simplify your home life: Declutter for a cleaner, calmer home interior