
The expression “less is more” is an aggravation to me. Obviously there are times when the concept should apply–perhaps in the amount of food consumed at a sitting. But most often “less is more” is applied to decorating and that’s what sticks in my craw.
According to research resources, “less is more” was a 19th century buzz phrase. It was used by architect/furniture designer Mies Van Der Rohe (1886-1969), one of the pioneers of streamlined modern design.
But before that the expression appeared in writing, in Robert Browning’s 1855 poem Andrea del Sarto, featuring a High Renaissance Italian painter by that name. In the poem, “less is more” is used in connection with the painter’s relationship with his wife who was allegedly unfaithful and just a wee bit flakey.
Today we see the buzz phrase ad nauseum, on the covers of decorating magazines, and even in self-righteous “Christian” books which advocate living in bare, colorless rooms as a path to increased “spirituality”. The idea that the Christian life should be barren of color and creative fun is a scourge. And my answer to “less is more” in decorating may be found in the words of another character from a Victorian author, Charles Dickens’ Scrooge: “Bah! Humbug!”
What does my decorating philosophy consist of? MORE IS MORE! Years upon years of living layered on top of each other. Fifty-five years ago, we started out rough and rustic in our home decor. Along with the rough and rustic, we inserted many family heirlooms–specifically photos, china, and glassware. Then, in 1993, Joe and I toured the backroads of Britain–staying mainly at sheep farms–and the English country look made a dent in me.
Now to the rough and rustic we have added English country fabrics, English country sheep pictures, and a plethora of English teapots. Also, we’ve filled most every available wall space with shelves, hutches for dishes, and Edwardian era oak cabinets.
Most recently the 1930s/1940s/1950s have emphatically knocked on my decorating soul. So I insert bits of retro funk wherever possible. It all goes together, layer upon layer–stuff upon stuff.
Add to that: decades of children’s art work and clay creations; a lifetime of family snapshots; bowls overflowing with pot pourri or pine cones or chestnuts and acorns, sea shells, rocks, and tags from a much loved but long departed dog; walls laden with vintage purses and hats, a branding iron from my father’s former ranch (along with the previously-mentioned heads of mounted game), and 1940s aprons and enameled cookware; chairs and tables layered in lovely textiles from the reign of Queen Victoria to the reign of King Wal-Mart; evidence of ninety million hobbies and crafts; baskets dangling from ceilings; windowsills abounding in bottles of many shapes and sizes; and books, books, books, books, books.
I have only 2 rules: I must like it, and I must like it. Items with color (most any color!) jump out at me and say, “We were made for each other”. Items are procured for bargain prices at garage sales Sometimes they are found by the side of the road, waiting for the garbage collection or (in my case) free to a good home. Or picked up off the ground on a hike in our woods.
Everywhere you look around our digs, you will see COLOR! Color grabs me by the throat and makes my blood surge. To use an old-fashioned word, color makes me SWOON!
A professional “decorator” will never be involved in the making of our home! We do not care for the restaurant lounge look, or the sterility of a doctor’s waiting room or hospital. We intensely dislike the lifeless decor in a quintessential Corporate America motel.
Our hearts are at home, where MORE IS MORE!
Margaret L. Been–All Rights Reserved
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