Discover methods of decluttering and decorating from around the world.

Organize to Re-energize

Spring is the time of “re-” — refresh, renew, rejuvenate, reinvigorate. Many use the season as an annual reminder to apply these concepts to their living spaces, and this is not limited to the U.S. You may already be familiar with Marie Kondo’s book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing and maybe its follow-up Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, as well. But do you know about The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter, which is not as macabre as it sounds? 

Creating Comfortable Spaces

Another helpful resource can be found in Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness by Gretchen Rubin. She is not alone in seeing the connection between surroundings and state of mind. There is at least one word for that: hygge (pronounced hyoo-guh). It is a Danish-Norwegian term that describes a feeling of coziness, kinship and hospitality. In The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Contentment, Comfort, and Connection and How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life, readers can learn how to understand and arrange their living environment to create this feeling. 

Make it Your Decor

Beyond decluttering and organizing, find inspiration this spring in the library’s interior decorating section. For guidance on ensuring your space is imbued with a sense of “you,” turn to Individual: Inspiration for creating a home that is uniquely your own by Jessica Bellef. 

Whether looking for general advice and inspiration for your spring home projects or for ideas that match your style — be it farmhouse, minimal, mid-century, whimsical or an eclectic mix — there is something for everyone. Start with the titles below and search “interior decoration” in the library catalog for many more.

Books for Your Style

General: 
▪ Get It Together!: An Interior Designer’s Guide to Creating Your Best Life
▪ Vern Yip’s Design Wise: Your Smart Guide to a Beautiful Home
▪ Remodelista: The Organized Home: Simple, Stylish Storage Ideas for All Over the House
▪ Open House: Reinventing Space for Simple Living
▪ The Whimsical Home: Interior Design with Thrift Store Finds, Flea Market Gems, and Recycled Goods

Minimal: 
▪ Simple Matters: Living with Less and Ending Up with More
▪ Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff
▪ 150 Best Minimalist House Ideas

Inspired by Nature:
▪ The Natural Home
▪ Decorating with Plants: What to Choose, Ways to Style, and How to Make Them Thrive

Rustic / Farmhouse: 
▪ Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave
▪ City Farmhouse Style: Designs for a Modern Country Life
▪ Salvage Style: Decorate with Vintage Finds

Inspired by Color:
▪ A Colorful Home: Create Lively Palettes for Every Room
▪ Crafting a Colorful Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to Personalizing Your Space with Color