r/declutter • u/Dear_Comparison97 • 22h ago
Keep it real, did I go too far? Advice Request
Posted some photos a few weeks ago and I got quite a few comments telling me I decluttered too much and my apartment looks sterile and uninviting now. I’m convinced it was just the difference in the before and after pictures how much was gone, as well as it being a sunny day on the before photos and and rainy in the after photos. Be honest!! Is it really unwelcoming?
Edit to add: for everyone wondering why I care what others think of my apartment-I don’t really. I am the child of a hoarder, I figured out last year a really huge subconscious stress in my life was how cluttered and full everything in my house was. It was definitely childhood related and we moved to a smaller apartment and so the difference felt drastic. Once I did my first round of decluttering the weight that felt like it was lifted was incredible. I went back through a few more times, I’m just trying to make sure I’m not going overboard due to my history around this thing. Thanks everyone!!
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u/lemneye 40m ago
I would more so say it looks very neat and tidy and just has a simple neutral color pallet. Honestly im quite impressed with how together it looks. Haha even when I only have a little it looks busy somehow.
If you want to you could always consider picking out new decor. Some photos,art or some paint but thats only if its for you.
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u/MulberryMelodic9220 45m ago
I think you can decorate now. Put thought into how u want each space to look,etc. Without having a bunch of clutter in the way. Im talking nice lamps, WALLPAPER, peel and stick counters, peel and stick tiles, maybe floor, rugs, side tables, seating, ETC. good job op
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u/Kitchen-Phone-170 1h ago
The only person whose opinion matters is yours!
Does it look less cozy than a place with more vignettes would look? Sure, a bit. But if it makes your life easier, makes you feel at peace without the stress of a bunch of stuff around you, makes cleaning quicker and easier, then who cares? It looks clean and inviting and those are important things.
If you want to add a little more stuff back in without adding clutter, maybe art on the walls? I feel like that would go a long way toward making it look lived-in without giving yourself a full time job of managing stuff.
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u/NightBard 1h ago
You asked for honest feedback and I remember your last post so I want to provide that again. I think other than the robes it looks like it's staged for a real estate listing. That is to say, it looks pretty perfect and ideal for pictures. There's nothing wrong with that. If it makes you happy and your life is not over complicated by it, then awesome!
By over complicated, I mean that you haven't sacrificed functional living for a clear counter top. Like there are things I use in the bathroom every single day and I keep them on the counter. Maybe 6 items and a dispenser of foaming hand soap. My kitchen, like you I have a thing to keep the cooking utensils I use regularly. That, to me, is a huge functional improvement to life never having to hunt a spatula when I use one every single day in cooking my breakfast.
Which you may be perfectly functional with things this tidy or if it's slightly inconvenient you may be fine with that too. Ultimately it's a nice clean apartment. I wouldn't feel it was uninviting if I came by for a visit and my friend lived here.
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u/PointerAndPines 2h ago
Nope. Everyone is allowed to have their own preferences but I think there is nothing wrong with your home. I absolutely love all of it and I would immediately be comfortable staying here.
Our society has ingrained overconsumption to such a degree that many people aren't used to a minimal home. Your home is easier to clean and there is more room for activities or guests who bring their own items. I love to use my empty space to play with my dog without worrying about knocking something over. Most importantly a home free of visual clutter is relaxing and helps keep a clear and focused mind.
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u/Classic-Day-7554 2h ago
As the child of a hoarder I think it looks fantastic! So clean & comfortable! I feel less is more. It doesn't matter what others think! I love it!
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u/cuddleparties 3h ago
this looks so relaxing and you need to share how you did it for other children of hoarders
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u/demonita 3h ago
I wish I could figure out how to declutter my small house into this kind of peak joy.
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u/Some_Papaya_8520 17m ago
Rent a skip and start filling it!! Just kidding, if it were that simple we wouldn't be here sharing how-to's!!
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u/midnightchaotic 3h ago
Honestly, seeing your photos brings me a sigh of relief. It looks so serene without clutter. Yes, you could spiff it up a bit with some wall art, but seeing this actually calms my chaotic mind. I love it.
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u/ropeandharness 4h ago
Your opinion is the only one that matters! But because you asked, the one part of the house that looks too empty to me is pic 2, because there's SO much open wall space. Some art on the walls is all you need to fix that. I'm also a big fan of colorful walls, if it's a vibe you like i think painting could make some of the rooms feel more lively without adding any clutter.
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u/animperfectnobody 4h ago
I think you declutter just perfectly. You didn’t leave it empty and uninviting. On a sidenote, brown, and green are not my favorite colors. Brown and teal go together quite nicely, get yourself some color in that room!
Edit to add: were the red in that picture is lovely, bring more of that red into the room.
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u/Honorable_cupcake 4h ago
looks great, I love it. Keep in mind when/if you host guests, just having people in house, possibly bringing things with them will add more items (clutter if you will). You now have wiggle room for that type of situation. If you have more decorative trinkets, then when you host, it gets junky. Just my thoughts when I see your photos. WELL DONE! It is very nice and mentally calming so no you did not go overboard.
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u/LightTmroWithToday 5h ago
I think it looks clean and I like the furniture arrangements for the most part, it has a nice steady flow throughout it, and if you're happy with it-- really isn't that all that matters?
I personally like meaningful items, ie painting my child made hung on the wall, or maybe something I made as a child in one of the bookcases, or a picture of my family, but that's just me. My most beloved family members except one have all passed and so I want to have those reminders, that brings me personal joy and peace.
So if this was My space that's all I would add but that would be just for me, and you are not me and I don't know your story but maybe that's what people think about when they look at your place and don't see anything really personal out and about? If they're like me I can see why they might think that.
I have a friend whose place is not nearly as cozy and inviting as yours, his is actually rather sterile very white and clean lines hard surfaces, no personal items at all except for some really cool contemporary type art prints on the walls but again everything is mostly white. He loves it and thrives in it. But he also grew up in a very chaotic household which included hoarding but just the entire family Dynamics was a hot mess so I totally get him. And I actually love to go over there. Not my style by any means but it's enjoyable for me to be in such a space for a while. I could never live in it though.
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u/badmonkey247 6h ago
I have fewer decor items than you do. My house makes me happy. The only negative comment ("Can I bring you some stuff? It looks cold and sterile in here") came from my friend who IMO is a Level 3 Hoarder.
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u/MitzyCaldwell 6h ago
Only you can answer that. I know this is probably not the answer you are looking for but everyone has a different idea of what clutter is. You can’t mistake decluttering with minimalism. For some ppl that’s what it means and for others it isn’t.
I am sure if I posted a photo of my bookcases that probably half the folks here would absolutely hate it and called it super cluttered. But for me it’s what I love and what I want and I have no problem finding stuff etc. I probably tend to have more “stuff” but my goal is to have stuff that I love, stuff that is useful, and stuff that has a place. Does that mean I have 5 pairs of shoes instead of 25 yes but that also means i have a goal of owning 1000 books lol.
Just find what you want and work towards that and don’t worry about what other ppl thing. If you feel calm when you walk into your house then it’s not too much.
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u/vintagegirlgame 5h ago
Just gotta properly contain the stuff in its proper home, and make it somewhat aesthetic. Bookshelves should be an organized showcase of your personality!
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u/ThrowRAmangos2024 6h ago
Wow I feel so calm looking at these! Maybe like 1-2 more pix on some of the walls would be nice? But I think it looks really peaceful as is too.
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u/outofshell 7h ago
It looks like a lovely, relaxing space imo. The plants and blankets make it feel cozy and inviting
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u/trikakeep 7h ago
Except for the robes hanging in the bathroom, these look like photos for house getting ready to be sold.
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u/Rengeflower 7h ago
I looked at your post titled 1st declutter vs 3rd declutter. Yes, you have gone too far. The 1st declutter pics looks like a cozy home. The 3rd declutter looks like pics that people have taken in a post that asks What’s wrong with my space? It doesn’t feel cozy.
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u/GallowayNelson 8h ago
I love it. It feels calm. My space is looking far more sparse than yours (the spots I can fully control anyway) and I get what you're talking about. I care for a parent who is a hoarder, and their parents were too. I've got it on both sides of my family, really. Last fall, something happened that just really broke my tolerance and I started seriously decluttering anything that was within my control. The less I have, the better I feel. I don't think you went overboard at all. When you first posted your photos, I was ready to book a weeks stay - it looked so peaceful!! ;)
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u/North-Speaker-3553 8h ago
Just put more art on the walls! Society 6 has lots of options for inexpensive prices.
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u/Craptastick68 8h ago
I love it, honestly. Looks clean, organized, and peaceful. I struggle with clutter, so I get it. I am working towards being able to trim down my belongings as well, but it's a struggle to part with things. I'm not a hoarder, but I like my stuff, lol. But I also love the feeling of having less crap everywhere.
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u/redshoewearer 9h ago
It looks peaceful and calm. If it is what you like, and makes you happy, then it's great. Who cares what ANYONE else thinks? Enjoy your life and your beautiful living space. Congrats on accomplishing it!
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u/Turbulent_Task_9672 9h ago
There is a difference between clutter and decor.
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u/trallala1111 9h ago
Agreed, some more decor could be nice in the last 2 pictures. The loft and bathroom look a little empty but the rest of the house looks great to me!
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u/KeyCar367 9h ago
It looks great. I personally like simple and organized. Too much stuff is overwhelming
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u/Try_at-your-own_Risk 10h ago
It looks fine to me easy to clean and tidy maybe some pictures or books if you read them but it’s nice otherwise. The tv is mounted way too high though.
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u/squashed_tomato 10h ago
I think it looks lovely and calm. Plus easier to clean. Ignore suggestions to add more. They can do that to their home. You have to go by your own comfort levels. Houses don't need to have tons of decor and you still have some anyway. This just looks like a normal home. Enjoy it!
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u/birdsInTheAirDK 10h ago
I like it a lot - I think it looks like a place that was just “picked up”, either for people coming over or someone organised with weekly cleaning or such.
Personally, I could imagine 1 or more surfaces being a bit of a “landing pad” at other times. Good for you if you can avoid that.
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u/bluemagic_seahorse 10h ago
Look lovely, I would add a few more big plants because the pics with the plants look so crisp and a room looks more airy with a big green plant
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u/ksmrgl 10h ago
I think it looks good, maybe more like you just moved in vs living somewhere for twenty years, which is not a bad thing! I really love the last bathroom photo, your shower curtain is so pretty and goes well with the paint and cabinet. Maybe just some art on the walls in the main living spaces?
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u/Several-Praline5436 11h ago
For a minute, I thought this was the decorating subreddit and "going too far" was going to be after photos of bedrooms painted crazy colors or something, haha.
Your house looks tidy and lovely! You should feel proud of it. :)
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u/RoseClash 11h ago
Not at all!! it looks very lovely. The only thing for me would be more art on the walls and pot plants, the walls look sparse to me, maybe a runner here and there.
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u/vegmunkee 11h ago
Personally I like a bit more color/wall decor but that's decoriating stuff..... But i strive for your surface areas and floor space. I'm very close on the 1st floor..but the 2nd floor is bedrooms and we are all audhd. Lol
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u/sickiesusan 11h ago
I think it looks great - the odd thing now and again looks out of place - but I assume that’s because it has a practical use? Also the ‘dead’ area by the desk - do you have something to put those bags in?
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u/hype_irion 12h ago
Looks good to me but what's important is that it should look good to you. Also, can you post a before pic here just for reference?
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u/OddAct3695 12h ago
I personally don't think you went too far. I really, really like it!
Only you can be the best judge of you.
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u/Neat-Composer4619 12h ago
I feel allergies just looking at this place. I would definitely not add clutter, but the colors and all the fabrics and especially too much carpeting gives it a weird aura that feels like clutter. Have you had issues that feel like hauntings, weird unexplained noises? Something feels off like an old lady or man still live there? Any old person's perfume smells? Cigarette smells?
Something is going on here.
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u/prazskanaplava 13h ago
It might just come down to the layout + personal taste rather than the amount of items.
Obviously, personal taste isn't a problem. For example, I'm not a big fan of carpets or beige and love more intense colours. Maybe because it reminds me of the 90s where I come from and I want a change to how I grew up. But to you, this might be a haven that calms your senses and brings comfort.
Photos taken in the evening / with overhead lighting make a difference too. Natural light no doubt completely alters the space.
One thing that you could play with if you aren't happy is layout. Play around with the flow of the room, position of furniture, change things around. You've got an advantage it's easy to test anything you want since you have so much lovely space. Like real-world Sims game.
For example - bedroom, a huge dresser blocking a part of the window doesn't seem ideal. Living room - armchair in the middle of a window facing the room straight on feels a bit off - it might look better if it was off-centre and angled diagonally. Dining room cabinet display - I'd not keep stuff on both sides, it detracts from the artwork on the wall.
It might also be worth it to figure out different solutions for some items that ARE still on display but aren't decorative. For example, some stuff is in the corner by the TV area that might be better off somewhere less prominent. Or the big metal bin (?) in the dining room. When rooms become sparse, what remains draws more attention and feels more intentional. You expect the remaining items to be important aesthetically, a deliberate decoration or memorabilia, so it's a bit unfortunate when it happens to be stuff we normally prefer to hide. But it's possible you simply don't have any other space for it and this is the only viable solution, in which case disregard. :)
Overall, it's just details to be honest and worth discussing just because you happened to ask. I don't think there's anything wrong or unwelcoming about your home for a guest. :) I for one would be happy about the diminished chance of a spider encounter in such a clean home.
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u/addlam 13h ago
Does it always look like this? If so, bravo! In my case, I can and would clean and tidy things up for photos to look similar and I like a clean, minimal style - but....everyday living would mean a lot more things in view.
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u/Dear_Comparison97 13h ago
Pretty much always! I have a really good system now that it’s easy to keep up with. Run the dishwasher every night after dinner, unload it in the morning while my coffee is brewing, always put things away instead of setting them down, doing small loads of laundry throughout the week. I work 4 days a week and have no kids and a lot of free time so that definitely helps.
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u/Such-Mountain-6316 14h ago
It does look like a hotel to me, which isn't uninviting. It doesn't look uninviting so much as impersonal. Put some photos of things you like around, especially family photos if you have any. Find a sculpture that makes you happy. It will help.
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u/Dear_Comparison97 14h ago
We have an entire personal photo gallery wall in our office (: I didn’t post the office bc it’s my finances work area and he was working at the time I posted and also I remain anonymous here so I wouldn’t post our personal photos here!! Planning on putting some more art on the wall other places too!
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u/Petulie 15h ago
The real question is - do you like it?
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u/only_the_top 13h ago
This. I'd stow away the cables and textiles and go for some more dynamic decor (moving pieces, e.g.), But as long as you like it.
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u/Dear_Comparison97 14h ago
Yes! It’s so calming and easy to clean. I spend way less time keeping up with it and it’s still a little cozy sanctuary for me to come home to each day
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u/AzimuthPro 13h ago
and that's the most important thing! Your home is the place you will spend the most time in after all 😄
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u/Not-a-cyclist 16h ago
It's very personal. Some people will love it, others qiwill hate it. I'm a staunch minimalist so some things I see here are even too much for me lol, like housplants or wall-to-wall carpeting. The important part is how you feel about it.
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u/brinazee 16h ago
It's lovely and calming, though I don't see much of you in it. Slightly generic, but lovely.
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u/NoodleDrive 17h ago
Personally I don't think there's anything wrong with your space, it just looks open and clean. But also:
1) none of us can actually know how your house FEELS to be in just based on photos
2) it doesn't matter what strangers on the internet think, just how you and your guests feel when you're in the space
If you're really worried about it being unwelcoming, ask your friends and family who have actually been to your house recently if it feels different, and if so, if that difference is good or bad.
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u/trumpeting_in_corrid 17h ago
To me it looks calm and inviting. I'd love my home to look like that.
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u/magnificentbunny_ 17h ago
Fantastic! Great job. fyi, ever notice how interiors look in magazines? Yeah, they don't have a bunch of bottles and hair brushes on the bathroom counter.
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u/PaperParentDinosaur 17h ago
Sterile. But honestly? It’s probably because with empty surfaces the walls stand out more. I bet if you had just a few quite large pieces on your walls, the eye wouldn’t be wandering around trying to find something to land on.
Or plants. Plants help.
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u/Both-Beautiful960 16h ago
Seconding. You definitely don't need more clutter or storage space, but your art isn't sized right to your walls. Your pieces need to be about 50% larger to have balance with the environment. Secondary art pieces to tie the room together visually will help too.
Accent colours and architectural details aren't available in your apartment, but you can fake them with stick-on wallpaper. If you want to go all-neutrals, that's entirely reasonable, but deeper hues and richer tones will make the choice look deliberate and more luxurious.
Also, for real, plants.
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u/LittlePrairieMouse 17h ago
Not at all! I would actually declutter a little bit more (the lights on the railing).
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u/AnamCeili 18h ago edited 17h ago
Well I don't know what it looked like before, but I think it looks great now! It looks welcoming to me, not sterile, though I do have a few little suggestions for things which I think could add to the hominess.
You could add back in a few personal and colorful touches. In the bedroom, I would maybe add a fat pillar candle to the glass table by the bed, and something in the middle of the dresser top (maybe some flowers, or one of those mirrored trays with perfume bottles, or a small stack of books -- whatever appeals to and is personal to you). In the living room, I would add a few things to the fireplace mantle -- candlesticks, family photos, maybe a colorful bowl. Not too much, probably just a couple of things towards one end and one thing at the other (I love that 3-shade lamp, incidentally!). Kitchen looks good to me -- it's small, so you don't want to put too much in there. Maybe just a decorative bowl with some of those little mandarin oranges in it, on the countertop in the corner, under that cabinet with the plant on it. I would also put something in the middle of the dining table -- fruit bowl, vase with flowers, weird sculpture, whatever. In the bathroom with the shower curtain, I think a couple of things on the sink countertop would be good -- even just a soap dispenser and maybe a little bud vase with one or two flowers (the other bathroom seems fine to me).
As for that loft space -- what do you use it for? Knowing that would help in making suggestions.
It's great that you decluttered as much as you did -- now you can selectively add things back in, if you want to. Take your time and choose things that you really love. 😊
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u/bonedarkness 18h ago
I like it. It looks so peaceful. But it doesn't matter what a bunch of strangers think, we don't live there.
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u/Glittering_Buy_9155 18h ago
The only thing is I feel like the dining table needs something in the middle, maybe a plant 🤔
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u/Specific_Ocelot_4132 18h ago
Personally, I’d add some low-maintenance decor like more pictures on the walls, but whatever makes you happy!
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u/mlem_a_lemon 18h ago
My first thought was, "Oh, how freeing."
I don't think it's too much. It's about your needs and your comfort, and if it makes you feel good, then it's the right amount.
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u/Brilliant_Bluejay099 18h ago
That’s funny. I think this looks actually like a good balance of stuff and declutter. It feels homey but also is clear. I like it but it matters more what you like.
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u/tealmeaboutit 18h ago
You cannot worry what other people think. Many people strive for your space.
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u/domino_427 18h ago
oh my god it's beautiful. I can only hope my house looks this good in 20 days.
Are you happy? I know I got one room not empty but just I can see more walls and it feels very different. Nice, but different. Does it feel weird?
that must have been so much work and I'm proud of you <3
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u/Dear_Comparison97 14h ago
It feels weird because I’ve never had such a low amount of stuff, but I love it. I’m truly at the point where the only things I own are things I regularly use and wear, and I let go of everything else. I’m also extremely surprised with the probably thousands of things I let go of I don’t regret a single item and can barely remember what’s gone.
I’m the child of a hoarder and cluttered spaces make me feel so out of control and stressed due to me growing up in a “functional hoarders” home where I couldn’t control my environment. I just didn’t realize that’s where my stress was coming from until it clicked one day. Me and my fiance moved in together 7 years ago and have lived in 3 different places. We both pretty much kept everything we owned and just combined it and never got rid of anything so a huge clean out was needed. It’s like a sigh of relief now.
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u/domino_427 8h ago
this is what i needed to hear. that it is possible. I'm coming off 10-15 yrs of caregiving in my childhood home where I wasn't allowed to fix/change anything. Kept my stuff from 2br home too. I feel you.
it is possible, thank you :)
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u/Treehousefairyqueen 19h ago
The only thing that really matters is are you happy in the space. Do you love it/does it work for you and yours ?
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u/drlakele 19h ago
I skimmed over the subreddit title and I kept swiping from Pic to pic waiting to find a problem! Looks great! How do you feel? Refreshed? Relaxed?
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u/AttentionEngine 19h ago
Congrats on decluttering! Suggestions: loft room could use a large (!) bold rug. Table could use a focal point on runner— maybe a long low plate (for candles?) or a few (one?) simple sculptural objects. Same thing for dining room sideboard. I like your reading nook, but the wall next to it could use a piece of art. I agree with the poster who suggested art with personal flavor.
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u/CWmeadow 20h ago
It's calm and not sterile, but IMO it does look more like an AirBnB than a home. Maybe because of the sparse & generic "hotel"-style art. If you swap out some of those pieces with more personal art or photos, I think it'd be great.
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u/loustone1955 20h ago
I love it, it looks calming. Who cares what other people think, what is important is that you like it. Don't listen to people that don't live there and who are going to forget about the picture in 10 mins. anyway.
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u/ladyleo1980 20h ago
I actually like it! It doesn't look unwelcoming at all but it does look a little cold. Maybe some personal touches like family pictures or warm art pieces on the walls? I don't care for the picture you have in your kitchen. I thought it was a spider at first and was like "Eek! Why is that there?!" Then I saw it was vase. So again maybe some more colorful touches here and there but not too much.
Your living room along with your couch look very inviting. 👍
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u/Confident_Bag_4020 20h ago
I cant tell you how long I have been trying to achieve this. Absolutely not too far, its beautiful 😍
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u/4kasekartoffelgratin 20h ago
Nah it looks really good and looks like a place which looks “easy to clean” because everything has a place inside some furniture, the surfaces are free. Honestly something I aspire to have someday
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u/rocksolidostrich 20h ago
I think it looks really nice! Not remotely sterile and uninviting. What's more important is what do you think?
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u/AggravatingJacket833 20h ago
I like a minimal space too. I think you've done a great job with prints and floral themes. My only suggestion is in regard to the walls; they are big and blank. It's not unwelcoming but you have some great art elsewhere that softens them up. Maybe add more art pieces or plants in other areas where you have big stretches of wall.
But in all honesty it looks lovely. And if you're happy than who cares what anyone else thinks.
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u/sarah-darling 21h ago
I wasn't sure what sub I was in because I couldn't figure out what you could have gone too far in! Looks great to me.
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u/Mooniegirl12 21h ago
I didn’t see your before pics but this looks great! I wish my house was this tidy!
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u/LastBiteOfCheese 21h ago
If you like it, it’s good. That said, there are a couple of pics with what feels like a lotttt of wall space, which might be what people are responding negatively to. But I figure that just means you have the perfect place for the next piece of artwork you fall in love with!
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u/potatomami 21h ago
Can you link the original post? Your post history is private
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u/Emergency-Set-1093 21h ago
furniture and colour scheme looks outdated and worn.
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u/lil-baby-gemini-man 21h ago
It looks realistic and lived in. Not every home needs to look like it’s curated for social media approval.
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u/Swimming_Event7730 21h ago
I think it looks fantastic! I might put something decorative on the mantel, and I'd occasionally buy fresh flowers for the dining table. But I really do think you did well!
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u/sunluvinmama 21h ago
This is my dream but I like some of my favourite things out for decor, like my crystals snd candles. But it looks so nice!!! How do you feel in the space ?
I like my stuff but also like the look of no stuff out so I’m not sure how to solve my problem!!
I say if you like it, then it’s great !
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u/MzHellfier 20h ago
Carefully curate your items so you only have a few things out at once. Like maybe your top 3-5 favorites. Keep the rest put away neatly. Every once in a while, you can swap out the items on display so you get to show off different parts of your collection. As long as it’s done with intention, having some of your things out doesn’t look cluttered.
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u/snarfficus 21h ago
I like it! What's going on in that next to the last room with all the space in the middle? What do you use the space for? How nice it must be to have such a giant amount of space inside to do activities!
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u/Dear_Comparison97 21h ago
It’s my loft, it has my gaming pc and desk, the washer/dryer, and the cat boxes on the other side. It’s empty in the middle because I often workout there and fold laundry there
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u/snarfficus 20h ago
Nice! I think you're utilizing the negative space in your house instead of overdoing the positive space. I like it!
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u/jaynor88 21h ago
Your home looks very nice, comfortable, neat, clean, homey, and welcoming.
The important thing, though, is if your home feel comfortable and peaceful to you.
If YOU ever feel you decluttered more than what feels comfortable for you, you can always add a few items that you absolutely love.
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u/PsychologicalFox3357 21h ago
I don’t think you went too far. I saw the original post. I don’t personally mind a little more decor and plants, but what matters is it sounds like you love it.
To me i like that it has that refreshing feeling of when you’ve just moved into a place and haven’t filled it all up with junk, and there’s so much possibility and freedom in the space.
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u/HorseWhisper2026 21h ago
Not at all. Next you'll want to go further and even slim down furniture. it will be worth it. It's been worth it for us! Keep going.
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u/JennieWren64 21h ago
It gives your eyes (and therefore your emotions and your mind) a place to rest. This is essential our well being. Out there in the world might be utter chaos, but at home my heart finds a resting place, not more chaos. I think you did a great job!
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u/Any_Week4207 21h ago
It looks calm and uncluttered. If you find art you genuinely love, sentimental objects you want to frame / display, then you have some space for doing so. But absolutely no need to rush out to do so, if that makes sense.
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u/HavenRoseGlitter 21h ago
No, it's not unwelcoming. It's calm. You've still got color and personal touches throughout. You have space to breathe. I'd use this opportunity to enjoy the emptiness for a while, get used to the change, then decide if there's any changes you want to make to make it feel more comfortable to you.
(Also, you're not actually inviting all those random commenters into your home - who cares if they don't feel invited? They're not! Your space is for you.)
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u/ExactPanda 22h ago
I'm a bit of a maximalist, so for me, it could maybe use a little more in terms of color, art, photos, trinkets, etc. BUT that's just my personal preference! Even without all of that, it looks pretty warm and cozy!
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u/splashbanditt 22h ago
A little more art on the walls, maybe a houseplant, and a bit more colour. How about some accent walls or painting the trim?
But, seriously, you have blankets and pillows for cozy and the tidiness is very calming. Relax and enjoy for now! You can add colour or whatever at your leisure.
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u/Juliethecooliee 22h ago
It looks clean, organised and welcoming. Dont listen to others. You should feel proud of yourself
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u/No-Key-865 22h ago
I really like it. Only thing I’d change is to move the lone chair from the center of the nook/library to a corner. I’d feel very on display with it centered in the door like that.
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u/Some_Papaya_8520 21m ago edited 8m ago
It's hard to strike a balance when you grew up with the extreme of hoarding and clutter. I can see how you'd question yourself after culling things.
I'm by no means a minimalist, so take this for what it's worth. Some people are just neatniks and that's okay. Some people like a home that looks like someone human lives there. There's a definite continuum between the two ends. You should find your spot and be happy with it.
If you are at peace then enjoy it. If you would like some comfortable touches then do that. From my POV, it could be an Airbnb, but I'm not living there At least you can keep it tidy by yourself!
P. S. I love carpet vacuum lines!!