After Organizing Do You Get the Itch to Decorate? (Plus a Great Giveaway)
During the last session of Quick + Simple Clutter Control there was discussion in the forums about decorating. Several workshop participants were inspired to decorate and put the finishing touches on the spaces they had decluttered during the workshop. Does this happen to you, too? Do you get the itch to decorate after you organize and declutter?
I get the itch to decorate during certain times of the year—especially in the fall. I think it’s the knowing that winter is fast approaching. I want something fresh and new to look. I want to create a cozy space to relax and enjoy during the cold winter days.
So the timing was just perfect when the folks at Southern Living asked if I’d like to take a look at their new book Southern Living Style. Just one look at the cover and I was sold.
(Don’t you just love that turquoise, wooden box?)
When the book arrived I realized how little I really know about southern style. I grew up in Michigan…so you might guess that I don’t consider myself a southern girl. Yet, when I flipped through the pages of the book I realized that I could feel very much feel at home in a southern-inspired room. The rooms are comfortable, eclectic and many shown in the book are much more casual than I imagined southern style would be. I found tons of inspiring photos and project ideas. My creative decorating juices are flowing.
Want to take a look inside? Here’s a sampling of the eye candy you’ll find inside Southern Living Style.
This bright and cheery chest of drawers started out as a basic pine chest. Love this!
How about painting a door with chalkboard paint? So fun! (And don’t you love the “laundry” letters up on that ledge?)
I love, love this kids bunk room, and the idea of using heirlooms in a kids space…like grandma’s old quilts and a footstool brightened with paint. I have a few quilts from grandma (and great grandma) maybe it’s time to pull them out? I always say “If you’re going to keep it…have it out where you can enjoy it.” This space definitely embraces that idea.
How smart is this room…with two workstations in the family room? Terrific idea that would definitely help a family stay organized.
My favorite chapter was the kitchen chapter. It was loaded with inspiring photos and ideas. I have this thing right now for white kitchens. I love this eat-in kitchen, with the white slip covered chairs, wooden floors and table…and so much clean, crisp white all around the space. I’m definitely inspired.
(All images in this post courtesy Southern Living.)
Here’s what the publishers have to say about this book:
Southern Living Style, the most comprehensive design book from Southern Living magazine, debuts in bookstores on September 13. Like a gracious host, Southern Living Style ($29.95) serves as a visual, step-by-step guide on crafting rooms that are traditional, eclectic, and always unexpected. The book offers gorgeous rooms that have graced the pages of Southern Living magazine, plus countless helpful trends and tips.
Would you like a free copy of Southern Living Style? Here’s how to enter for up to four chances to win.*
1. Leave a comment that answers these questions. Do you get the itch to decorate after you organize? If so, what are your favorite decorating resources? Do you have a favorite design blog? OR…
2. Head over to Facebook and “like” simplify 101. Come back and leave a comment letting me know you did. OR…
3. While you’re out there “like” Southern Living magazine on Facebook. Come back and leave a comment letting me know you did. OR…
4. Mention this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter, then leave a comment letting me know you did.
Comments will close on Sunday September 18, 2011 at 9 PM central, and the winner will be announced on Monday. *Please note that this giveaway is open to United States residents only. Thank you to the publishers of Southern Living Style for sponsoring this giveaway! And good luck to everyone who enters! 
**UPDATE: Comments are now closed. Thanks for entering!**
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I do! I’m a Southern girl, so Southern Living is a standard go-to in these parts. I also like Better Homes and Gardens, especially the section where several paints in the same color (but different hues) are chosen and shown in rooms.
I liked you on FB.
I liked Southern Living too. That apple cake looks delicious!
Thanks for the great organizing tips! I liked simplify 101 on facebook. I would love to win this book! I love Fall!
Misty Olsen
mistyolsen79@gmail.com
Yes, I do!!! I go to BH&G or Southern Living or find some orgazining tips (like yours) on the internet for creative ideas.
Unfortunately I don’t do facebook!
Thanks for the chance!
I do get the urge to decorate after organizing- I got to centsationalgirl.com (and she has lots of good links on her sidebar) or to pinterest.com. Totally addicted to pinterest.
I like you on Facebook
I liked Southern Living on facebook, too.
Well, I love to decorate anytime but after I organize I especially want to make my home look fabulous! I’m a sucker for design blogs and magazines {although some of my favorites are no longer around – rip cottage living}. My favorite design blogs are Urban Grace (http://blog.urbangrace.com/) and Elements of Style (http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/) and I Suwannee (http://www.isuwannee.com/).
Yes! It always feels so good after I get a space organized and it helps give me the inspiration to decorate.
I don’t really get the itch to decorate after organizing, but sometimes wanting to decorate will encourage me to organize.
I tend to be a collector (not in a good way), so when I organize I tend to clear out the clutter. So after I organize, I don’t want to add anything to the room. But I do feel like I have better ideas about decorating after I organize. My go-to website for inspiration is pinterest.
I do get the urge to decorate…..but seem to fail miserably at it! I would LOVE to win this book and get some ideas!
Fave design resources lately: Pinterest & HGTV’s Design Star
Websites I visit frequently for design ideas: ThriftyDecorChick.blogspot.com and ana-white.com
I already like you on FB!
I liked Southern Living Magazine too!
I posted to facebook too!!! I won a coupon binder a couple days ago, so am hoping my luck is still with me!
Hey Aby, yes I get the itch to decorate before, during and after organizing. Decorating and organizing sort of go hand and hand with me – two of my favorite things to do. My favorite decorating resource right now is Pinterest, though I have long been a fan of Southern Living. A couple of my favorite design blogs … younghouselove, thriftydecorchick, nestingplace. Oh, and I have this thing for white kitchens right now too.
I love to decorate after decluttering. I get ideas from the Internet, and I love Pinterest to keep those ideas together.
I “liked” Southrrn Living on FB.
Yes, Decorating the space is my motivator for being organized. While cleaning and sorting I am always thinking of new ways to decorate.–There are so many great decorating blogs –Most decorate with style all the while being very frugal.
I liked Southern Living on FB. This is still one of the magazines I subscribe too
I liked Simplify 101 on FB
Love the photos! The magazine is great as well and inspiring. Would love to own the book! Got to go to renew my subscription.
We just recently moved, so the answer to number one is YES!! Oftentimes, I’m thinking about decorating rather than how I will unpack my boxes!
I love the chalkboard door. I’ve been thinking about painting a small section of our living room so that we can write down our weekly to-do list.
I pretty much go with Better Homes and Gardens for my decorating tips, they seem to understand family living and lifestyles better than any. I do love Southern Living, too, and always buy it, but being a New Englander means some of their articles just don’t apply.
PS ~ I already ‘like’ you on Facebook, BTW…
For me there is no distinction between organizing and decorating! I can’t use plain fonts, I can’t use a plain dry erase board in the kitchen–I’m using a cool plate on the counter! I’m finally learning to see this as fun and creative and not as a negative or snobby thing! I am such a visual person–aesthetically pleasing order means more time and more calm for me! I use my library and check out books on storage, etc. and usually find decoration inspiration there. I also browse through the library’s magazines or on-line if I need ideas.
I liked southern living on FB!
Yes I love to rearrange things and change out accessories after cleaning which I have done lately because of an up and coming move so I have to resist the urge to add.I liked Simplify 101 on FB!
Most favorite design blog would be Apt. Therapy . Does that count?! lol
It is just necessary to decorate after I decluttered – it’s the reward after the work! ;-> I try to use things I have at home though in order not to clutter again…
I just recently stumbled upon Pinterest and have been enjoying it a lot!
I liked Simplify101 on Facebook.
…and I liked Southern Living on Facebook
…and I twittered about the giveaway. Thank you!
Yes, after I declutter a space I want to decorate it to keep it from getting cluttered again. I loved Cottage Living and Mary Englebreit’s magazines, but both have discontinued. I like BH & Gardens for their simple styles and paint inspiration.
Hope to win – the book looks great!
Totally love to look for functional decor after organizing. Love Better Homes and Gardens! Thanks!
My itch to decorate doesn’t have anything to do with my itch to organize but I do love both! That bunkbed is now on the list of “to-dos” for this fall. I love them.
I already like you on facebook!
I like Southern Living on facebook too!
My tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/HSlater351/status/114873090533634049
I’ve left a comment on your Facebook, “liked” Southern Living, and posted this page on my Twitter… now it’s time to do some more decorating… where did I leave that brush…?
Sometimes I want to decorate but then there are times I like to just sit back and enjoy the “clean feeling”!
I liked simplify 101 on facebook.
I liked Southern Living on facebook.
I just shared your giveaway to my facebook friends . . . but I would like to be the one that wins (lol!)
I LOVE Southern Living. (Southern Girl at heart, here!)Thanks so much for the link to your Facebook Page. Not sure why I never thought to find you there before.
I always get the itch to decorate after organizing! It feels like such a clean palette. Pinterest is my new go-to for design inspiration! It’s addictive!
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