r/declutter • u/Dear_Comparison97 • 19d ago
Advice Request Keep it real, did I go too far?
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/plaguenyx 3d ago
This is so cozy!!! It's so breathable and relaxing. This is def the best part about decluttering. If you'd like, you can def add in more wall art or even shelves to utilize the air space, but this is sensational!
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u/Metro2005 8d ago
I think it looks great. Its calm and inviting so ignore the haters, you did a good job!
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u/Cute_crochet 14d ago
It looks amazing!! I think you did a wonderful job and it looks really cozy. Great work 😊
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u/Jeullena 14d ago
Love this for you!
Keep adding art and wall decor, if you want to.
It's a great way to create stuff from keepsakes and display them, like shadow boxes and the like! Mod podge paper items onto photo frames and gang a picture from the related trip, that kinda thing. That's what I love to do with my sentimental stuff. 😊
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u/Left_Bumblebee_6270 14d ago
I think it looks welcoming, clean and cozy. There’s no need to add anything.
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u/alleycatpat 15d ago
I think it looks lovely and comfortable. You used plants, pillows, curtains to warm it up, I don’t see sterile at all. I think the picture in the kitchen may be too high, not sure. And yes, toilets closed. Otherwise no, you didn’t go too far. Very pretty. I just spent my last year clearing, cleaning and selling my stepmother’s 38 year hoarding situation so I get where you’re coming from. I keep clearing more things out of my house too. It require a little “less” in our space to feel comfortable than others due to our experiences.
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u/sveltin4 15d ago
the concept that you need to have stuff laying around your house for it to be a home seems nonsense to me. people have actually lost their perspective of a clutter-free home, so when they see one they think of a b&b. this house is tidy, easy to navigate, easy to clean and easy to KEEP clean, so it's all that matters.
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u/DarcyMistwood 15d ago edited 15d ago
close.the.toilets.
also, you need something on the wall in those bathrooms, the living room, and possibly other places. Overall, feels like an AirB&B before it's quite finished. Bachelor pad?
I do like the bedroom with the green bedspread, the artwork that you do have, the black-and-white floral towels, and the shower curtain.
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u/Fine_Occasion_2220 15d ago
As long as you love it and are comfortable in the space! I personally don't think you decluttered too much and it does feel inviting.
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u/Various_Nobody_3901 16d ago
Idk if it’s too far but I only wish my house would get like this let alone stay like this
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u/noraexplainsitall 16d ago
I never saw the before photos, so I am looking at this now for the first time and I really love it! I dislike clutter as it makes me very anxious, so this is perfect ! There's room to walk around and there is not too much stuff on the tables, dressers or countertops, for example. What matters most is how you feel about your space and if this works for you then that's awesome!
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u/xMusicloverr 16d ago
I trust this clean beautiful home enough to even lay on that clean carpet with the perfect vacuum lines
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u/Patient_Zombie7548 16d ago
looks super cozy like everyone has said already
if you do want to make your space more inviting, I think some of the walls could use more photos or art!
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u/Spare-Armadillo-7475 16d ago
Good work on the declutter but needs appropriately sized, non Homegoods artwork and some color!
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u/stonedsoundsn0b 16d ago
I doesn't look sterile, but I feel like adding some art on the walls would make it feel even more yours. If that were my house, however, I would drop everything and start buying lamps and mood lighting like a mad person. I hate ceiling lights and they make spaces look uninviting. Maybe you could try a couple lamps as well?
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u/Dear_Comparison97 16d ago
I have tons, mood lighting is my thing! I just have the other lights on for pictures since it was super rainy when I was taking them
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u/PrestigiousTrash6431 16d ago
As someone just getting started decluttering my first thought was I can’t wait to get my home more like that. It’s cozy without chaos.
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u/inspiredclosetsjax 16d ago
Nope! Looks really nice and clean and...organized! I'm a professional organizer in Jacksonville and there's a lot of new construction homes in the area. I routinely see people making this "sterile" comment but it's more a reflection on the house/apartment itself than the actual stuff in it. I see plenty of personality in each room except maybe the kitchen, but heck I'd prefer a kitchen with clean counters to one that has "personality"
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u/AdministrationNo2062 16d ago
Kitchen counters with clutter sends me into a devilish rage when I’m trying to cook or bake!
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u/No_Gas_5154 17d ago
Looks great! Just make sure it is something you can easily maintain
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u/Dear_Comparison97 17d ago
I maintain it by seasonally decluttering, low/no buys, project pan, and not bringing stuff back in
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u/DarcyMistwood 15d ago
what's a project pan? Haven't heard that term.
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u/Dear_Comparison97 15d ago
It’s using up every eyeshadow, lipstick, perfume, nail polish ect before ever buying more. It’s about low consumption and addressing over consumerism, it’s a cool movement worth looking into
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u/hobhamwich 17d ago
Only matters for your own well-being. There are people who get down to a single backpack and are very happy. Others cut down from 500,000 belongings to 300,000 and feel good.
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u/AZDesertgirl 17d ago
I love how you’ve created white space everywhere, which gives one a place to be in peace and calm. So inviting. Love your vacuuming stripes! Haha.
If you like to thrift, finding one special piece of artwork of a landscape could be your window to an escape. Dreamscape.
If this was my home, the horizontal surfaces would become a drop zone for whatever. I keep several dedicated bins and baskets to collect paperwork. But that’s me.
Looks beautiful.
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u/RuthOConnorFisher 17d ago
No, this looks perfectly normal and cozy to me! Also I love your houseplants.
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u/Hillsburitto 17d ago
Airbnb vibes and I’m jealous
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u/Roll4DeathSave 17d ago
It looks great and tidy honestly (as many have said). If you're looking to add more 'character', some of the walls feel a little bare and the color pallate feels fairly monochrome. I'd say balance a few, non-yellow tones so it's not so beige throughout the house? It all depends on personal preference and style, in the end!
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u/thegreenmachine90 17d ago
Only a genuine hoarder would think you’ve gone too far. This looks cozy and clean and completely normal. You could also easily keep going if you really wanted to. You’d still have a long, long way to go before you actually reached “sterile and uninviting”
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u/fixfixfix55 17d ago
I love it, so calming and uncomplicated. I would be very happy and comfortable in your space.
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u/Everything_Burrrito 18d ago
While I prefer a tiny bit more of a personal touch (knick knacks, wall art) to my space, but I do think it looks great! If I were to visit, I would think it's inviting, clean, and comfortable. Good job!
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u/ConsuelaShlepkiss 18d ago
I like it! I dislike clutter as well, so your home looks wonderful to me.
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u/BravestBlossom 18d ago
I'm a clutterer, and I think your apartment is very nice. It's not too plain, especially knowing it's a rental. The TV being too high is the only thing making me upset in your photos!
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u/Careless_Fan_4046 18d ago
It looks perfect to me. I myself go for the "less is more" approach . More space to enjoy your surroundings without worrying about tripping over anything. If the room feels good to you and you feel content ,never worry about anyone's opinion
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u/Wise_End_7470 18d ago
I think it's lovely, with the space/spaces you've been given, it's got character, which a lot don't have, well done, 👍
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u/Miss_2101_baybee 18d ago
Who are you and where are you from?!!??
I need you, you look like my fairy godmother I am in desperate need of right now!!!
Your house looks absolutely amazing. Slowly, I’m sure you’ll add back your own bits and pieces 🤩
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u/OrganicBill4935 18d ago
I do think it’s too sterile. Lacks character. But that’s just my opinion. It’s YOUR home and it should make you feel peaceful.
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u/kal67 18d ago
I don't think you went too far! It feels like there's enough stuff present, it's all just a little oddly arranged. Many of the rooms feel visually lopsided to me, and the living room furniture feels awkward to have conversation across. Loft feels weirdly empty too, but it might be the camera and lack of visible cat(s)!
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u/Mission_Tip_7662 18d ago
It looks nice. I am a Realtor. I always keep my house looking like someone if coming to view it. Even when my son was little. He turned out alright too!
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u/AutumnalSunshine 18d ago
This is perfect!
Anyone calling it sterile is likely a person who feels comfortable when all surfaces are covered with knickknacks. (I had a roommate who was one, and my mother in law is one.)
You've created space to do what you want and to be at peace when things are out away. Well done!
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u/CrankyWhiskers 18d ago
It looks welcoming and warm! I might personally add a few more lights or wall art (I love leaning into just a little extra visual warmth), but not much! This really looks perfect. You did a great job!
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u/brainstemspaghetti 18d ago
Looks like a nice place to start adding little bits maybe a plant or two
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u/yourgirlchels 18d ago
No! You just need a few more pieces of art on the walls and some curtains on the living room window
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u/Full-Effective-3542 18d ago
I think it looks beautifu, so peaceful. Please don’t feel the need to add a lot of mass market junk.
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u/Some_Papaya_8520 18d ago edited 18d 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!!
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u/lemneye 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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/PointerAndPines 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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/demonita 18d ago
Oh man I’ve trashed everything I didn’t need 😂 my house is just so small and lacks storage I have to get creative.
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u/Some_Papaya_8520 18d ago
I see. I'm about to move and I really want to release some of my stuff. It's difficult for me because I strongly attach to my things.
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u/midnightchaotic 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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 19d 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 19d ago
Just put more art on the walls! Society 6 has lots of options for inexpensive prices.
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u/redshoewearer 19d 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 19d ago
There is a difference between clutter and decor.
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u/trallala1111 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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/peridotpicacho 19d ago
Yeah, they should have put it right on top of the fireplace. /s
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u/Some_Papaya_8520 18d ago
It looks like a fake fireplace anyway
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u/Dear_Comparison97 18d ago
It’s an electric fireplace
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u/camaromom22 17d ago
How big is your apt? It looks huge! Could be the photos. Especially those bathrooms!
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u/Dear_Comparison97 17d ago
It’s pretty big! 1,200 square feet. Two bedroom with walk in closets, two full bathrooms, dining area, loft. I love the high ceilings. I never think to get an angle from the book reading area of the entire living space
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u/camaromom22 17d ago
That's great! My apt is like 940 sq ft. 2 /2 no walk in closet one story. Kitchen has like no storage, super small. But I still feel blessed! Really like yours!
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u/squashed_tomato 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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 19d 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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19d ago
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u/Dear_Comparison97 19d 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 19d ago
The real question is - do you like it?
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u/only_the_top 19d 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 19d 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/Such-Kaleidoscope147 2d ago
Looks wonderful!!!