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| Simplify, Simplify, Simplify |
| It's not just about clearing out -- paring down involves taking stock of how times and our needs have changed |
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The stylish sparseness of Carol Barden's home, and the obvious serenity she feels living there inspires even the most dedicated pack rat to take a more critical look at the closets.
(Photo: Tria Giovan) |
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Writer Carol Barden traded decorative furnishings for more minimal surroundings.
(Photo: Tria Giovan) |
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by Francie MacDougall
In 1877, British writer, artist, and printer William Morris said, "Have nothing in your
houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." It's a lovely
idea but not entirely practical when the "more is more" philosophy still seems to have
most Americans in its grasp.
"We're such shoppers," says writer Carol Barden. "But we don't realize how much energy
we're expending every time we acquire something -- buying, upholstering or tailoring,
cleaning." And our busy days prevent many of us from even noting what's useful or beautiful,
what needs to be freshened up or thrown out. A divorce and a fresh look at the lifestyles of other cultures inspired
Barden to give up the Oriental carpets and Louis XVI furniture in favor
of more minimal surroundings. "My house used to be like my mother's -- French
and formal and beautiful," she says. "But then I traveled and my life
changed, and I realized that there were things in my house I didn't care
about. So I pared down, and I'm still paring down."
The stylish sparseness of Carol Barden's home and the obvious serenity
she feels living there inspire even the most dedicated pack rat to take
a more critical look at the closets.
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