Purge Before Starting to Design

December 1, 2022

Let’s face it… we all enjoy instant gratification. Designing our spaces is no different… it is incredibly difficult to resist the temptation to jump in and start looking at all the new elements you can bring into your space. But I believe this is exactly the right moment to pause… to step back and think carefully about editing the things you already own. I know it may sound like I’m talking myself out of a job :) but I’m really not. Stay with me.

How many of us are holding onto furniture that was handed down from a relative, or purchased without a plan when we were early in our careers?  But now it is not working in our space.  In addition to furniture, we hold on to all sorts of things including art, decor, books, clothing, etc. that we no longer use or want, but somehow feel an obligation to keep. Once you have taken a hard look at the items in your home that aren’t working or that you haven’t enjoyed in years, consider how you can give them a second life. There are a number of charities who will happily come and pick up your unwanted items. If they are in good condition, you can sell them on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. Or, use a site like Free Cycle where people will come and collect your free items. If you’re stuck at the part where you can’t let go of stuff, consider hiring a professional organizer.

To be clear, I’m not suggesting getting rid of items that are dear to you. In this recent great room remodel, we kept the antique desk, chair and grandfather clock that belonged to the client’s father. All were dear to the client and by combining the new and old, it made the space uniquely theirs.

In addition to editing what we already own, resist the urge to purchase smaller accessories and poor quality furnishings thinking they will do the trick until it’s time for a bigger change. The result of this approach is the accumulation of more stuff that will have to be purged (and possibly end up in landfill). Bide your time; develop a plan so that you can buy great quality items that will last.

Once you’ve cleansed your home of unnecessary/unwanted ‘stuff’ you can think clearly about what, if anything, should be reintroduced. This freedom lets you think about the function you desire for your space as well as the aesthetic. It also means you’re not designing your space to store unwanted items. A common theme among clients is that they would like more storage. This may be true; however, an honest edit and purge is generally warranted before creating more storage for items that aren’t loved… if only to create space for items that are loved.

When I’m designing a space, I like to consider quality, function and longevity. I prefer to source fewer high quality items rather than filling a room with many items. If my clients have already gone through the exercise of editing their belongings, this makes my job easier and the end result so much better.

Engaging a designer is a sustainable way of achieving the home of your dreams.  But please, take the first step by purging your space of unloved items. Then you can start the design.

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