I recently heard someone say that there were really only three essential pieces of furniture for them. I think in their case that included a bed, a desk + a couch. They were able to use the bar in their kitchen for meals. I would personally count chairs + barstools as furniture, but I did find the original statement intriguing.
I'm not against having more than a few pieces of furniture...and now that we've lived in the same place for eight years (rather than our previous average of two)...we don't really need to be quite so nimble either. I just like keeping things tight (+ useful) in terms of stuff. I also think that checking in periodically with what is truly "enough" promotes my happiness with what I already have.
When it comes to living rooms, priorities are, of course, quite individual. Some enjoy sitting on the floor. They decide to go without conventional living room furniture (though I think a rug would be helpful). Children can especially enjoy this type of living which offers lots of room for play.
On the other hand, people often shop for houses with entertaining in mind, + I know that there are those amazing souls who practice almost daily hospitality. We have known a few + I am eternally grateful for their generous acts of friendship. Most of our time at these friends' homes was spent around a large table. The gathering rarely moved anywhere else at all.
If simplicity is at top of mind, we might consider prioritizing family living in the living room. At our house, a comfortable place to sit + a source of light are what I'd most like to have in this space. These things are true luxuries, if I stop to think about it. These two elements are surely "enough".
There are three main ways of making a living room that appeal to me:
-a couch (because I liked to have room to cozy up with my girls + a book...or with my guy) + a chair or two
-four comfy (enough to nap in) armchairs around a big circular stool
-one comfy sectional + stool
I'm not against having more than a few pieces of furniture...and now that we've lived in the same place for eight years (rather than our previous average of two)...we don't really need to be quite so nimble either. I just like keeping things tight (+ useful) in terms of stuff. I also think that checking in periodically with what is truly "enough" promotes my happiness with what I already have.
When it comes to living rooms, priorities are, of course, quite individual. Some enjoy sitting on the floor. They decide to go without conventional living room furniture (though I think a rug would be helpful). Children can especially enjoy this type of living which offers lots of room for play.
On the other hand, people often shop for houses with entertaining in mind, + I know that there are those amazing souls who practice almost daily hospitality. We have known a few + I am eternally grateful for their generous acts of friendship. Most of our time at these friends' homes was spent around a large table. The gathering rarely moved anywhere else at all.
If simplicity is at top of mind, we might consider prioritizing family living in the living room. At our house, a comfortable place to sit + a source of light are what I'd most like to have in this space. These things are true luxuries, if I stop to think about it. These two elements are surely "enough".
There are three main ways of making a living room that appeal to me:
-a couch (because I liked to have room to cozy up with my girls + a book...or with my guy) + a chair or two
-four comfy (enough to nap in) armchairs around a big circular stool
-one comfy sectional + stool
Four full-grown humans live in our home right now, so these formulations are made with that in mind. :) A couple (even one with small children) may be happy with two comfy chairs or one compact couch. Another note: we furnished our entire home with pieces from Craigslist + inexpensive vintage shops, when we moved back to the states from overseas. I was just patient + choosy. :)
We are not the only ones without a television these days. Laptops work well for viewing a show, + projecting movies onto a blank wall or a screen that rolls out of view is an appealing option as well. Drinks + a couple of library books are happy on the floor. Again, a light + a comfy place to sit are the main elements in a living room (in my opinion). A few chairs from the dining table or desk can be pulled in for added guest seating.
Knowing "enough" can help stave off the quest for more. It can allow us to find peace + to rest in contentment (in regards to the acquisition of stuff). It allows us to live with a spirit of generosity rather than hoarding things from others. It is less costly for our natural resources. It might even allow us to sit + enjoy one of those comfy seats with someone we love. ;)
All lovely photos via links. Previously: inspiration :: enough :: bedroom.
Love,
Jane
We are not the only ones without a television these days. Laptops work well for viewing a show, + projecting movies onto a blank wall or a screen that rolls out of view is an appealing option as well. Drinks + a couple of library books are happy on the floor. Again, a light + a comfy place to sit are the main elements in a living room (in my opinion). A few chairs from the dining table or desk can be pulled in for added guest seating.
Knowing "enough" can help stave off the quest for more. It can allow us to find peace + to rest in contentment (in regards to the acquisition of stuff). It allows us to live with a spirit of generosity rather than hoarding things from others. It is less costly for our natural resources. It might even allow us to sit + enjoy one of those comfy seats with someone we love. ;)
All lovely photos via links. Previously: inspiration :: enough :: bedroom.
Love,
Jane
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