I am one of those people who is greatly affected by my environment… I mean, really affected! When my house is a mess, I don’t function well and find myself less able to work creatively and efficiently. Organization fuels my ability to work outside the box, and that’s a trait that I realize isn’t the most common among creative folks. For me, when things are out of sorts, my mind feels out of sorts and it’s all I can do to simply keep my “balance”.
This past weekend, David and I entertained guests for dinner, which forced us to do some major sprucing up around the house. It was wonderful!! My office and closet got an organizational face lift and the rest of the house never look so sharp! Since then, I’ve found myself dressing more adventurously too. I’m not sure if it can be directly related to our new tidy quarters, but it certainly didn’t hurt. Without the disturbing distraction of clutter, I have a clear mind to try different things and feel the confidence to just go for it!
How about you? I know there tend to be two camps on this issue. Do you feel fueled or disturbed by a tidy interior?
12 comments
Lauren says:
Jan 17, 2012
I am fueled by a tidy interior. However. There’s always a “however!” I don’t want to live in a stale, unlived-in home. And I don’t want to lose my life to always cleaning, you know? We spent the weekend with dear friends of ours who have a hectic life and four busy kids. Their house is chaotic and lively. She said something to me once, when we first toured their house and there was a pile of folded laundry waiting to be taken to an upstairs bedroom: “I’m sorry for the mess. We live in our home.” What a nice thought, to live in one’s home.
After that, I got less worried about clutter. And more interested in living. Boy, I still like things cleaned up though!
Marion says:
Jan 17, 2012
Well, I really do appreciate it when things are neat and tidy, and as you may know, I can tolerate a fair amount of clutter. However, I believe that I can easily rummage through clutter and extract what I need to be creative. I can also relate to the flurry of activity to prepare for guests, and agree that it is refreshing to have things clean and clear for awhile!
annie says:
Jan 17, 2012
I like to tidy up first. But the problem is that it can easily become an act of procrastination and you may end up not doing the thing you were supposed to do. But at least you’ll have done all your washing! Love your pink chair by the way, it’s very elegant!
Kinga says:
Jan 17, 2012
Oh Hilary, I am sooo with you! I cannot function in a mess. Our home (all 600sq feet of it) must be spotless, counter tops clear of small appliances and clutter, mail sorted and put away, everything in it’s place and no dust-bunnies (which is soooo hard). Before every new creative project I clean sweep my studio too…I can’t get creative otherwise…it’s kind of sad but it’s just the way it is. For me there is definitely a direct relation between a tidy place and being creative. When it’s tidy there isn’t that nagging feeling of having to tidy up so I have space to focus on the creative work…
Hope all is well with you!
Lisa says:
Jan 17, 2012
I’m a fairly tidy person, so I tend to leave organized messes, but they are messes nonetheless. I always get myself worked up over organizing them — I put it off and put it off, thinking it’s going to be a much bigger deal than it ever is. But when I finally do it, I feel SO much better. So I’m slowly working on getting it done now instead of waiting until later.
Lovely outfit! I particularly love that blue against the plum chair.
Kendra // The Ruffle House says:
Jan 17, 2012
I think you are my long-lost sister! I feel exactly the same way when my home is out-of-sorts. Sometimes I think maybe I am just a lil’ nuts so I am so glad to hear your heart! It’s the artist-designer war-fare!
Xx
Vanessa Rae says:
Jan 18, 2012
First of all, you look fabulous in these photos. Second, I couldn’t agree more. There is a jolt of energy that comes from my surroundings being in-line with the way I want my life to feel like. Clearing the clutter brings more space for positivity and more ways to leave my creative mark. I’m glad we’re on the same page. xx
Rebecca - A Daily Something says:
Jan 19, 2012
You are gorgeous, and I just love your outfit in this post! What a daring blue!!! I’m the same as you – I usually cannot function (especially creatively) if the house/my room/etc is messy. But it fuels me and inspires me to clean and prepare for creativity or entertaining!!
Berna says:
Jan 20, 2012
I definitely thrive in tidy and organized spaces. Just like you, it affects positively and creatively the way I dress, cook, interact with the rest of the family. Thank you, the more I read your blog the more I find a kindred spirit there, and it is very refreshing.
Hilary says:
Jan 20, 2012
Thank you all dear readers for your comments!! It sounds like I have a lot of kindred spirits out there! Clutter is hard for me to handle. I need a certain degree of order to function well. But I’m also realize that when given the chance to keep my home perfectly tidy, I can get a little out of control… my OCD tendencies kick in big time! So, while everything I mentioned above is still true, I’m also aware of the importance of balance.
Strive for the best, but don’t be afraid of a little less.
Erin McDuffie says:
Jan 23, 2012
Hilary I’m the exact SAME way! I didn’t know any other designers worked better in organization rather than “organized chaos”. Thanks for helping me feel “normal”…whatever that means:)
Hilary says:
Jan 24, 2012
Yeah, you’re definitely normal… or at least like me.