Diana in BGKY's Profile

I have another viewpoint on this, @cuddlebunny, that I respectively submit. If something still works that I no longer want or need, I do not throw it into the nearest landfill...I sell it or give it away to a friend who needs/wants it or to a charity (one person's "trash...". I have large appliances like my washer and dryer repaired to keep them running (both are over twenty years old, and I don't want new ones anyway though if I move a distance in a couple of years I doubt the set will go with me, but if still working someone in my current hometime will have a functioning set). I even still run a couple of tube-type TVs in my house and probably will until they break, though I did have to get creative with one that is a dozen years old because it does not have a digital tuner. But when something is no longer my style or needed, I do not feel the need to keep it in my house for "someday" when it comes back in style or I might need it. That to me would be unconscionable because I'd be holding onto something someone else could use, and I have done that too much in my life. Over the past few years and especially around the mid '00s, I was low on funds and high on extra stuff so I financed a few workshops and a trip by selling stuff I felt I could do without. I took pictures of lots of the items, and I kept those pictures on my computer. A few months ago I was going through my files and saw the one with images of sold things. I was glad they were all gone and I had the memories of my trip and workshops instead (and pictures!). The items I sold have never been replaced. To be clear, I am cautious about getting rid of things, being sure I am ready. I put my microwave into the garage last winter after months of not using it, and soon I plan to give it away to someone who can use it (it will be at least a year later this month since I last used it). I didn't want to give it away and then have to go buy a new one; that would be ridiculous. Over Christmas break last year I spent a week purging papers (recycled what I could myself and the rest is going to a company that shreds and recycles soon). I've cut back my magazine subscriptions, so part of my strategy is to have less coming into the house in the first place. I'm not ready for a Kindle or whatever but perhaps someday. As soon as I get through with grad school, I plan to do get rid of more things. Again, some I'll sell, some I'll give away...very little will be tossed into a landfill. I very much respect the environment, and I'm not a fan of conspicuous consumption or especially of planned obsolescence. Maintaining a too large residence to hold all the stuff I think I might need someday or cannot let go of is not a sound environmental practice either. There are many of us who are saying enough with the excess stuff. I will concede that buying so much in the first place was the biggest part of the problem and right behind that holding on to so much year after year and sometimes move after move. I think of Michelangelo carving his David, and the artist said he had to get rid of the excess marble to find the statue. Letting go of the excess in my home is helping me to find and see and appreciate the gems I am keeping. This isn't for everyone, of course, and no one from AT is coming to take anyone's stuff away either. I appreciate the article because it reminds me of my plans for when I have time and helps my resolve for the things I can do today (such as bringing less stuff in and using up things like towels and linens). If I'd never edited my possessions, I'd need a house a few times larger than the one I have now, and I want a smaller space, not a larger one.

Loved. Agreed. Shared. Thanks.

Great info. Thanks!

Love this! The subway tile is fantastic.

Reading my favorite magazines. While I have paid for the subscription, they come in the mail and feel free. Plus, I've had some great offers in recent years on the price...very cheap per issue and I'm helping keep their readership numbers up. I'm hoping to do this tonight after a week of projects at work and project for my grad degree.

Reading books. I can get free ones from the library, used ones online, and ones that I long ago paid for but haven't paid in my home! Added benefit: if it is one in my home and after reading it I realize I don't need to keep it, I can pass it on and clear clutter at the same time!

Listening to music. Sirius Radio on Dish (again, already paying for), the radio, or the CDs I've accumulated over the years (and have now ripped a lot of them to my computer so I have travel music!).

Best wishes and happy wedding day!

I love this! The subway tile, the windows letting in natural light, the sink under the windows, the open space to the living/family room, the fact that you added some upper cabinets but nothing obtrusive allowing the room to feel very open and space for those windows.

Sometimes when I look at a floor plan or picture like this, I tend to try to figure out what I'd change if I lived there. The answer in this case: very little. I'd change is the color of the upper cabinets to white so they would blend more. And I'd probably have an apron/farm-house sink, just because I love those. But that would be my choice for me, not for you. Just know, I find this to be one of the most lovely kitchens I've ever seen, and the only reason I think of ways I'd make it my own is because I do love it so much!

Great post!

I spotted that cart in the last IKEA catalog, and it as love at first sight.

Very nice.