Many of you know I’m in the middle of a process called Soul Space. I’ll probably be in the middle of this process for the rest of my life, constantly tweaking things here and there to fit where I’m at in my life and in my space and I think that’s okay. This particular round is with a group of about 100 people on Facebook in a private group setting. I’ve shared bits and pieces along the way here and here and here and finally here, when I decided to do the 2015 in 2015 decluttering challenge as a part of my process (I’m over 550 items now gone).
My journey has continued, although sharing here a lot if hasn’t. While I believe sharing is a powerful part of the process, actually doing the work is as well and much of my focus has been there. I’ve spent free time visiting different stores, searching on Pinterest, etc. looking for inspiration and things that would serve me well to include in my space. It’s all about finding balance and I’ve been knee deep in the process. Here are a few of the highlights.
I’ve done a little more in my kitchen but not much was needed. There isn’t much in there that’s needed in terms of it feeling like it works well for me and I like how it looks. Still looking for a perfect picture or something to go on one of the walls in there. I did find a new cart, which we’d been looking for…
This cart fold up and can be tucked away when not needed but also houses a few items so I can keep my counters clean. It can also be used to add serving space to the counter area when company comes over.
The living room is still void of artwork with the a couple of exceptions. I’ve added a couple of pieces that I love. Here’s one but the pictures not great.
My main focus is finding the perfect piece for above the couch…a statement piece…that we both love. This has not been an easy part of the process. It’s frustrating to me that it seems to be so challenging and I’m really not sure where we will land. I have a general idea of what I’m looking for but have not come across anything that’s even close. In due time, I’m sure the perfect piece will appear.
I’ve also added this ottoman which you’re seeing pieces here. It could seat 2-4 people on the main ottoman piece but also has 4 smaller ottomans that tuck away inside of it. Total possible extra seating 6-8. The tops flip over and become trays that can be used for eating or play games on and the 4 smaller ottomans can sit around it so there’s seating for 4 additional people to eat. I’m thinking family and friends…times when lots of space is needed. The smaller ottomans also fit perfectly under our side tables so two have been placed there and that created the storage space I wanted, one space for blankets and one for all of our games. The ottomans may not look very sturdy but they are and they are actually pretty comfortable to hang out on and visit. We are loving this addition. and can’t wait to try it out with company.
The landing upstairs is complete. Below is a picture with all the lights on that are possible (except the two candles in the sconces. The plants just happened to light up but I do prefer just the vine lit up at night. It’s a really nice glow and provides some extra light for moving around. This was a real bonus for me since Chip and I had several disagreements about pieces for this space and we talked through all of those (really good conversation) and then I found items that I knew we would both love and it was done. Having that conversation was so important, not just for this process, but also for our relationship. It’s amazing what comes up during times like this.
The driftwood reminded me of a vacation we took a couple of years ago so I added this (sorry the picture isn’t better. We chose the pictures together and they are ones we really like. It’s just hard to see in the picture below…
Here’s where the pictures are in relationship to the rest of the landing…
And the bedroom. This is also still in the works. Here’s the inspiration for colors and furnishings…
And that Andy Warhol print collection? Finally found frames I love at a reasonable price – I needed 9! I went with the white ones and these will be hung in the guest room/art + sewing space as soon as they are ready.
So, these are a few of the highlights. I’ll continue to work my process and, like I said, will probably be at this on some level for the rest of my life. Things come up, shift, etc. and I want to be able to shift along with life in a way that feels good and flows well. I’m hoping that the work I do now will lay a solid foundation for all of that moving forward. I really want to love my space and have it work well for me and I feel like I’ve made some great progress.
Hello Michelle,
Your post couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ll tell you why but before let me tell you, you have a good taste and I truly love what you’ve been doing so far.
We’ll start building our house soon….Want to make a beautiful home of it….I have been looking for inspiration here and there…but nothing really strike me like the pics you uploaded. I love the ottoman idea, the peacock cushions…love the colours…and Andy Warhol Collection…How good would that be for my study? Love love love it! Thank you for this post:)
Lovely weekend to you:)
Michele, so lovely to get a look into your space and to see how you are progressing with your Soul Space. Thanks for sharing.
Michele, How cool that you are doing this & that your partner is involved in making a space that works for both of you! Congratulations! Love the peacock feathers . . .
It has been really special…hard at times but mostly special. We’ve had some great conversations, discovered priorities we each have (or lack of in some cases), and found some great pieces that we both really love.
Hi Michele,
Looks like it’s PARTY TIME!! You have a lot to be proud of. Your space is beautiful. I hadn’t realized how much you had done until I was physically there and seeing all of your changes. You are an inspiration to me.
It might be party time at some point 🙂 I’ve got to do a few more smaller things first I think. Thank you for inspiring me to work through this process via Soul Space.
I love what you’re doing!
I’m going through something similar. I was spurred on to this movement by relocating. There’s nothing like a move that gets you to look at your space that’s for sure. In the last eight years I’ve moved three times and each time I’ve found myself really wanting to make my space more personal. Getting rid of a lot of what no longer works for me. I really want to make it flow. For the last three years, I too, have been looking for that perfect piece to hang over the couch. I’ve yet to find it which is okay since we’re now removing the wall where the couch sits. And we’re getting a new couch. 🙂 So I guess there was a reason why I couldn’t find it in the first place.
I love the color inspiration you showed for your room. Our master bedroom is currently torn down to the 2×4’s so I’m on the hunt for color inspiration as well. I have a good visual of the headboard I want in my head but since I can’t seem to find it I’ll be making it myself.
Have fun enjoying your soul space. Since mine didn’t work for me I’m tearing it apart and starting over. 🙂
I’ve moved twice in the last three years and found myself in exactly the same spot, Kelli. Each time I wanted to get rid of more and make the space more “me”. It’s been a fun journey and I can’t wait to see where it all goes.
It’s so inspiring and motivating to see everyone’s progress and lovely changes. Thanks for sharing, Michele!
It has been a lot of fun!
I love how this turned out! I’m only organizing one room so all of your designs are inspirational! Love the bedroom colors the most. Thanks for sharing the photos – I’m generating ideas now.
Thank you, Leann. It’s kind of funny because I had a consultation with a space guru and I was really surprised at what surfaced for me for the bedroom. I love the colors I chose and those will carry through but where I thought I was going…I’m not after that consultation. It’s amazing what we don’t see when we go this process alone. I may have to blog about that as well 🙂
What fun seeing your SoulSpacing Michele! And you’re declutter count is amazing. I think you’re right that this process is an ongoing thing, but how fun when we reach a point where it’s a perfect right-now fit. Love your ottoman – and how perfect. You’ll have lots of extra seating when you throw a party to show off your fabulous space.
It has been a wonderful process and what I’ve learned is amazing. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in going deep into the process AND the meaning behind what our spaces are really saying.