7 Tips For An Uncluttered Looking Home
Do you want a home that looks peaceful, spacious, and beautiful? Here are 7 best decorating ideas for creating the uncluttered, attractive look we all love!
Let’s chat about the best and easiest ways to create a pretty home that looks fresh and uncluttered! And no, I’m not talking about cleaning or organizing, at least not today! Here are 7 easy tips you can use in your home right now that will help you create a sense of peace and space and beauty! It’s all about an uncluttered home!
These 7 tips are easy to do in your home! Let’s get started…
DECORATE FLAT SURFACES THE RIGHT WAY
The flat surfaces in your home, like coffee tables, end tables, buffets, nightstands and consoles are magnets for lots of stuff!
So let’s get to it and unclutter them one at a time!
First of all, take off anything that does not belong on them. Just grab a box or basket or bag and put all the clutter offenders in there. You can put away anything in the clutter box later.
We, as home decorators often overdecorate! And adding more decor to our flat surfaces just make it look cluttered!
Think about adding three things to a flat surface. There is magic in threes! Our eyes love to look at three things! Or things grouped in threes!
A lamp sits on the left side of the buffet leaving the center and the right side of the buffet for me to decorate with mostly seasonal items.
There are three distinct groups of items on the buffet.
And our dining room table is uncluttered but still has a few interesting items on it.
Even a mantel can benefit from an uncluttered look!
Think about creating a clean and uncluttered look on all your flat surfaces! They will look so much nicer!
Read more about THE RULE OF THREE here.
LESS IS MORE DECORATING is one of my favorite posts about how to decorate your home using less “stuff” for an even prettier looking home!
USE LIGHT LAYERS
Adding layer upon layer of decor is an old-fashioned way of decorating. Our goal should be a beautiful, curated home using only what we love. And using the things we love sparingly!
Add layers, for sure, but use a light hand.
Layers of decor add lots of interest but if there is too much decor to look at or look through our minds become confused and tired. And there is nothing pretty about confused and tired.
Decorating an uncluttered home is not hard at all. Layers of decor should be almost unnoticeable.
Look at the table in the image below. What is your eye drawn to?
You probably said the thing on the table.
Did you notice the burlap table runner? Maybe not.
It too is a layer that makes up the decor on our dining table. But it’s not that noticeable.
Just think how different the vase of tulips and the brass candlesticks would look without the nubby burlap under it to add a bit of visual support to the overall look of the table. That burlap table runner is such an important layer in the table decor!
That one light layer does not distract from the beauty and effect of the large planter!
Most home decorators (and designers too) tend to overdecorate! It’s a good idea to look at a flat surface you have decorated and think about taking away what might be unnecessary!
Here is a very helpful post about HOW TO BREAK THE OVERDECORATING HABIT.
Learning to use a light hand layering the decor in your house will actually make your home much more attractive!
ADD FLOWERS AND ORGANICS
Adding flowers or other organics will create uncluttered beauty in your home.
Flowers, real or faux are such amazing attention grabbers they don’t need the support of a lot of other decor!
They are an instant mood lifter and every room looks prettier with a bunch of flowers.
A big wooden vase of faux sunflower is a beautiful uncluttered look in our living room! No wonder I pull out these sunflowers every late July and add them to our decor through early fall!
And look at the impact a vase full of summer flowers has on a kitchen counter!
Flowers and plants and seasonal organics make the best accent decor of all!
THINK ABOUT MAKING EVERY SPACE BE FUNCTIONAL AND LOOKING UNCLUTTERED
Are there areas in your home that tend to get messy or because of use go from looking nice to a disaster in no time at all?
My coffee station used to be a big offender! Not only is this area in our home used hard, it was overdecorated which made it look cluttered and hard to clean up.
This was an area I needed to be functional and I wanted it to look uncluttered and pretty too!
So I took all the coffee paraphanalia and decor off the counters and wiped them down. I only added back what was necessary for making coffee. It looked so much neater and uncluttered.
Then I added a light layer of decor to the station, a white platter and a little milk jug with a hydrangea bloom in it!
Now I love how my coffee station looks! It is functional, and looks uncluttered and pretty! And I’ve been able to maintain this uncluttered look for over a year!
I’ve used this same technique with my office desk (the biggest clutter offender in our home), our nightstands, the bathroom countertops and sink and more!
I did the same for the items I needed near my stove.
It’s amazing how easy it is to create functional areas that are look uncluttered and attractive!
KEEP THE PILLOWS FLUFFED
Here I am taking about pillows again! However, pillows are such an important part of our decor and they get squished, disheveled, tossed on the floor and generally abused as we use our sofas, chair, benches and beds!
Right not I’m looking in our family room as I’m writing this post and the poor pillows that just last night were fluffed and lovingly styled are now bunched up together and look very sad! Bunched together on one side and obviously laid on until the are flat as pancakes.
And that’s okay because Bobby was laying on the sofa working on the computer all morning! I like that he was comfortable and the pillows are used.
But for me, it’s not okay if they stay that way. At least once a day, really more, all the pillows in my house that have been used and abused get a good fluff and are restyled.
It does not take a lot of time or energy to fluff them back into shape and put them back where they belong. And nicely styled pillows go a long way keeping the rooms they are in looking lovely and attractive.
TIGHT COLOR PALETTES EQUAL UNCLUTTERED LOOK
Did you know that the when you decorate with fewer colors your room will look less cluttered and more attractive?
Three to five main colors is the sweet spot for a room’s color palette. Just like lots of layers or way too many items on a table, too many colors in a room looks confusing and unattractive to our eyes!
Keep the color palette of the rooms in your home tight and it will help them look uncluttered.
USE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
Instead of bringing new decor and furnishings into your home think about shopping your house when you want something new or feel the need to change the decor in a room!
Don’t add more decor just swap it out!
I use this tip almost daily! I’m always snooping around the basement for a vase or looking in other rooms to trade out a pillow. Or changing out one lampshades for another.
Instead of adding to the piles of things I already have I love to rediscover a candlestick or find a box of faux tulips that I have not seen in a year!
Creating a home that looks inviting and attractive and uncluttered should be the goal of decorating!
Put these tips into practice and you will begin to see how pretty and uncluttered and fresh your home will look!
Yvonne….you mentioned in one of your recent articles that you have a robotic vacuum. Could you possibly share the name and model? We are searching for one and unsure what features to look for?
Thanks~
This is a helpful post with well-described ideas. Thanks!
Recovering from surgery, I have time to read all the posts I haven’t had a chance to read and to read some over again! My family is doing ALL the housework so I am practicing mindfully HOW TO IGNORE what I can’t do! I look forward to being able to get busy again! Thank you for your blog. PS… you were the inspiration for our kitchen remodel 6 years ago.
Hi Penny! I hope you are fully recovered soon. It does sound like you are enjoying and making the most of your down time! Good for you! God bless you and give you a speedy healing.
Thanks, Yvonne, for another wonderful post! You have been such a great help in decluttering our home! I was one to have too much decor around. Now, my home is looking so much better!
I always enjoy your posts! They are always full of great ways to improve your home and make it look its best!
Thanks for all you do in helping us make our house a home that we love!
Hi Mary Ann! I’m so thrilled this post helped you!
Yvonne, where did you get your white chair by your fireplace? Thanks!
Hi Sue, you can see them here:https://rstyle.me/+b3zALxSOYdIh98FN6b-Umw
The chair in the link you supply is definitely NOT the chair you have in your home. Your chair has the carved wooden frame around the seat cushion and the seat cushion from Ballard is not made like the one in your own chair. Is your actual chair more expensive than the one offered by Ballard designs? Your chair is much prettier and sturdier looking than the one from Ballard.
Hi Becky, the spindle chairs in the living room were from Ethan Allen and a big splurge. However, they are not offered any more. This chair is very popular right now so I tried to find one that is the best representation in quality, price point (yes, ours were more expensive) and style. Hope this help.
Hello!
I LOVE the lamp to the left of the large clock!!! It looks like a mesh/metal base with wood strips. Would you share where you purchased it?
Thanks so much!
Janice
Hi Janice, I found that lamp years ago at Pottery Barn. I don’t see it anymore on their site.
Hi Yvonne, Can you share where you purchased the botanical print in the bedroom picture above?
Love all your decorating ideas and tips. Thanks!
That is a popular question. I found the prints locally and have not been able to find a source. Sorry!
Thank you so much for posting all your special decorating techniques. I love them all and I try to put them into effect at my place and yes everything you mention is very true and simple or oversimplified for true implementation. For instance using what you have, looking at other objects just to try placement and yes sometimes I get a very overwhelmed But it’s what I love to do and I’m just trying to take one bite at a time and not eat a whole apple. Your blog or this information is very very helpful so don’t leave me.
I am not going anywhere, God willing! I’m thrilled StoneGable blog is helping you!
Hi Yvonne, thank you for sharing your beautiful hone and great decor ideas. You have helped me tremendously with decorating a guest bedroom and revisiting my living and dining room. Thank you!
You are so welcome, Nancy!
I am trying to use a lighter touch in decorating. And it is a work in progress! I know it can be easy to get attached to items that do not necessarily enhance the home, and I only want the nicest things, not cute clutter! I am happier with letting things go that just don’t do what I want them to at home. I want it to be serene and breezy, not “knicknack” filled.
You go, girl! If you want your home to be serene just keep working at it, Tracie. Good for YOU!
I’m a big clutterer so this post resonated with me. You made it seem easy to fix that problem. Thank you!
Clutter drives me a little crazy especially on the kitchen counter so I am always trying to keep everything put away and neat.I also shop my house with spray paint in hand to make something old new again.Great tips Yvonne and I love the mesh lamp !
The urge to unclutter and simplify my decor peaks in the month of August and again in January. One time due to hot temperatures and the other after the Christmas excess.I guess every 6 months it’s time to change our rooms to a more peaceful style. Thanks for all your good tips on how to do this. No matter how many blogs I read yours remains my favorite.
I read every post and love your decorating style. However, I would like to see it in use. All your photos are magazine ready, which is why I don’t read magazines anymore. So staged, it looks like no one actually lives there. Please show more of your decorating style with function and color??? My salt and pepper shaker is always out so I try to make sure they look nice. My pot rack needs some style but I can’t remove my everyday pots and pans that have marks and scuffs. Most of my decor items must be functional and ready to be used. How can I make my “everyday” more stylish?
I am beginning a new decor style and I want to tell you that your blog is a big help to me. In two weeks they will begin moving some cabinets around, new countertops, and appliances. Then the painting of the cabinets, with new hardware will begin. I am excited and am going to use a lot of your posts! One rule at my house, if “they” cannot find it, they ask me where it is. This happens a lot. So I need functional items in view for my own peace of mind. For example, I now only use glass jars for storage, they take up less space and “they” can see what is in them.
Love your inspiring tips for keeping our homes clutter free, but beautiful. Thank you for sharing pictures of your lovely home,
Hello Yvonne
I always enjoy reading and using your advices in my home great tips.
Simone (United Kingdom)
I just love your tips. For a year now we are transitioning to a neutral color palate and I feel lighter too. Decorating I am only keep what I love. Confession I fluff my pillows everyday before I go to work to have an inviting couch to come home to. You have helped me more than you know. I really appreciate you. Thank you
Thank you for all the wonderful tips and sharing your talent and home with us! I always admire your greenery, plants, and florals. I know you often use fresh flowers, but where do you find the artificial ferns and other botanicals that look so real. It seems that all I find look so fake. Any suggestions on where to purchase nicer, more realistic plants would be so appreciated!
Thanks, Michele
I love all your tips – these are just what I need – thanks!
Simple and practical recommendations.
Love this information and guidance!
Thank you for the great tips!
I love your home
Great post!!
Decorate flat surfaces right away!! YES! My mom taught me that one right from the start!
Thank you for all of your practical ideas for having a beautiful home and displaying some of my favorite things without the clutter. I’ve followed your advice so many times on making a vignette that looks clean and uncluttered.
Thank you- you always have the best tips! I appreciate your posts.
Love your blog!
Such a happy and inspiring way to win. Thank you
Proves the old adage…simpler is better!
Yvonne,
Oh my goodness, Harvey’s greeting us at the door on the New York Apartment tour was adorable. He sure did make his apartment look very inviting….
We live in a modest-sized log home so am looking forward to figuring out this process of uncluttered decorating. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
The article reminded me to put stuff away and try not to clutter with decorating!
I love these ideas! My problem is I don’t have room on countertops because space is limited. But I can add flowers to our coffee table!
I have always kept a tidy home. I didn’t know the rule of three. Thanks for explaining that. I hate to dust so I never had much on my flat surfaces. But now I know the rule of three.
Hi Yvonne,
I greatly appreciated this article on decorating in a way to avoid clutter. I loved all of your suggestions! Brilliant ideas with a beautiful effect. Thanks so much for sharing these with us. I will definitely keep these in mind as I decorate in our new home.
Can you tell me where to find the realistic plants in the vases you use in this article? Thank you for your inspiration!
Hi Vicki, I have several places I look for realistic faux plants and florals. Look on Afloral, Pottery Barn and Terrain. They all have beautiful, realistic plants. Also, I get many of my faux florals locally. Make sure to check out any local decorating shops in your area. Please keep in mind you get what you pay for. Realistic plants and florals can be pricey! However, I like to get them over time and on sale. It’s also important to fluff, bend and arrange fauxs properly to make them look more realistic. Here is a post to read that will help you;
https://www.stonegableblog.com/how-to-make-faux-flowers-look-more-real/
I absolutely love the color scheme that you use. Your design work is beautiful! I always learn something new Thank you for sharing!
Trudy
Such great tips! I need to do some uncluttering, and your ideas are a great inspiration!
I find myself running to my computer every morning with my tea or coffee to read your blog! This one really hits home…especially about the three rule for vignettes! It put a smile on my face since my friends & family have always stated that I have a compulsive disorder in decorating with three items….LOL! Now I have an expert on my side! you are my very favorite of all my bloggers that I follow…which just so happen to be many of yours!
Great tips! Thanks!
I love the uncluttered look of your decorating style and it always inspires me to streamline the things that end up littering my kitchen island.
Please keep inspiring me!
Love all the tips on shopping my own home
I recently read that the best way to keep a clean, uncluttered home is to not have pets…or children…or a husband! ?
I enjoy your posts!!
LOL! But it would not be as fun!
I enjoy your blog very much and have used many of your tips. I will start to declutter our coffee area today! I have question/opinion to ask of you. I have a very large sectional in our family room (L shape 90” each side). I can’t find a perfect size coffee table. Do you have a suggestion?
Thank you!
Hi Paula, There are so many options! However, you should look for a coffee table that is one half to two thirds as long as the sofa. A small coffee table will look a bit awkward. Hope this is helpful.
Thanks for all the great tips. I love the vase with the summer flowers. Is that still available somewhere?
Hi Angie, I found it locally. Sorry I don’t have a source for you.
I love your color palate! Trying hard this year to. implement a lot of your advice. May I ask where you got the canisters on your coffee bar. I love them!
Here you go:https://rstyle.me/+Dc-EYBsgxGOBt-FpVfEHYA
Que dicas e idéias maravilhosas! Vc torna o simples em beleza e funcional. Parabéns e obrigada por compartilhar.
Mirian said:What wonderful tips and ideas! Becoming simple in beauty and functionality. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
How sweet Mirian! Thank you!