"Organised Clutter"

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In between my in-between times, I Google for interior designs and home decoration ideas. And I don’t know whether it’s the IKEA influence or I’m just naturally big on white, but do I have a major love for Swedish designs. Not so much the house designs, but more on the interior; what with the whitewashed walls, the white furniture and the laminate flooring. Everything just looks oh-so-yummy in a cozy way.

While some think of white as a boring “colour”, I seem to think of it as a blank canvas on which I can unleash whatever little creativity it is that I have. And if I decide to not have white furniture, I know that white walls and curtains can be paired with virtually anything, giving the place a traditional, contemporary, modern, quirky or whatever look it is that I am trying to achieve.

Best of all, white and red is said to be the best combo, which is perfect! My favourite colours of all times! Which probably explains why I love Christmas decorations at most shopping malls at this time of year the most.

Oh, and speaking of home interior design styles, I took this quiz, just for fun, to see which category of style I actually fall under. And surprisingly, I am a traditionalist (!). Oh, wow really?

Unsatisfied, I tried another one here, and found that I am an Ethnic Eclectic (?!)

Then, I tried at Sproost, and I was told I am a Nantucket (with a combination of Cottage Chic and Zen) kind of girl!

Nantucket Style
Oh how you love the beach! Who doesn't, right? And so your dream home is either perched in your favorite beach town, or you've brought that favorite beach town into your house.


Materials
Your art and accessories speak directly to the activities that are found at the beach. Pieces of driftwood you found here, pictures or paintings of the amazing views there. Things that remind you of the coast - surf boards or fishing boats - are found throughout the house. The feeling of the seaside is both abstract and literal in the design of your space. The fabrics are natural, cottons and linens and are light in color and touch. Much of the furniture is wood or wood framed (the lighter the better, think driftwood!) and wicker, when done right, is a must.


Colors
And since your true inspiration is the sea, the colors and textures in your home are the same that you would find at your favorite beach: white, light beiges and grays of the sand and driftwood, a variety of blues for the ocean and sky, and greens and vibrant blues of the sea glass... but the key is white! Your space should feel light and airy and give off the mood one has when at the beach: laid back!


Space Planning
Your furniture is comfortable and the layout is cozy. The more it reminds you of actually sitting on the warm sand the better! And what do you do at the beach? Hang out with family and friends - and your home is just an extension of this play place... and though the space is filled with large white furniture, it somehow manages to feel both durable and casual.

I guess out of all the quizzes I tried, the one at Sproost describes me best. Plus, out of all the quizzes, that one had the most visual aid, so I didn’t really have to think about my kind of style in so many words; I just had to click on the picture I liked most. It’s kind of fun (plus interesting and surprising at times), so try it and do share your results with me!

Anyways, after looking through design after design after design, I wonder if it is acceptable to have some sort of “organized clutter” in a married woman’s house. I think most of us have been conditioned to think that a home should well... look like a home (what I’m trying to say is our Mom’s home!) and that includes having heavy kayu jati furniture and practical dark coloured or flowery sofas and heavy curtains and neutral flowery (!!!) design curtains and well... you get my drift don’t you. Thing is, I am so NOT into those things.

I’m a different style altogether. Perhaps I am a combination of some things, but definitely not the kayu jati and flowery type of person (yet!). Yet, at the same time, I've got to admit that white isn't exactly practical with -

(a) a baby on the way; and
(b) the undying amount of dust which builds up (daily!) like you've never swept the place clean at all.

But still. My favourite blogs for inspiration so far are this and this. Though JuBella hasn’t updated in quite a while, I do think that whatever ideas that are already on the blog are useful. AND, even if you’re not decorating your home, you can always get some ideas for weddings and photobooths and gifts, right? Both blogs have really, really pretty pictures too!

Well, off I go now.

Excuse me while I daydream. Hmmmm ;)

Shy to comment? Well, never mind! Your reactions mean the world to me! Make me smile today :)