Simplify, Simplify
Fewer, Larger accessories and a rearrangement can de-clutter a room

by Joetta Moulden
photos by Brad Simmons

During a photo shoot, I don't have the luxury of doing more than a spruce up -- styling a room for the camera. Normally if a room looks great for the camera, it looks even better in person. In this case, there was a lot going on in this Fredericksburg, TX cottage with its limestone walls.

The antique painted cabinet between the windows was filled with the owners' collection of quilts, but was visually busy. Closing the doors was all that was needed to simplify the room. Lots of little items and accessories on top of the chest were replaced with a single large crock filled with fresh garden greenery clipped from the garden.

Mismatched wood chairs were replaced with comfortable, matching overstuffed club chairs from another room. A bright quilt was used to top the skirted table and a white lampshade lightened up the feeling of the red lamp. Artwork was also switched around to coordinate with the room's newest additions.

It has been my experience that fewer, larger throw pillows work better in a room than lots of smaller pillows, so I switched out some of the larger existing pillows from the family room.

The furniture was also pulled in toward the sofa to create a more friendly conversation grouping.

Coffee table books were brought in from a nearby bookcase and placed about to add interest and a human element to the room. A small red child's chair was placed in the foreground for color and whimsey. A pair of antique chairs find a new home in front of each window.

The room was now ready for it's close up!