Being minimalist

I'd like to celebrate life this year with less exceses and clutter. How?

I tried to make a resolution this year to be more aware of what is best and healthy in life. Meaning, eat and prepare more healthy food, more 'US' moments with hubby and BE MINIMALIST! (long time dream) -meaning less clutter and buy only things that is necessary, more quality time with family and with my kiddos.

I think being minimalist is a great challenge for me at this time. Having a two kids soon would be something. Kids are MANY-malist they love to clutter and put things around. So, being minimalist should start with us parents. So, from now on I have to keep the clutter to the minimum and only buy the basic necessities and go away with the extras. You know, I am such a sentimental person..and hubby too! I usually keep things in the house in a box or some places in the houses hoping i could still use it but end up making space and clutter in our little nook and never ever touch it again. This year I have to do something about all these and reduce clutter.

I hope! crossing my fingers to that.

Here's some link I found in ehow site while surfing in decorating your living room in minimalist style.

Things You’ll Need:

• Area Rugs
• Chairs
• Coffee Tables
• Curtain Rods
• Curtains
• End Tables
• Exterior Shutters
• Lamps
• Light Fixtures
• Pictures
• Sofas
• Chairs
• Pictures

Step1 Choose furnishings that are simple in construction, ornamentation and look. Use only pieces that you really need in the room - footstools, occasional tables, plant stands and spare chairs can be left out.

Step2

Go with a sofa and easy chairs that are plain - a rectangular transitional style or a simple Chippendale (curved backs with straight legs). Skip the toss pillows or use just a couple of unembellished ones - forget the fringe, lace and flounces.

Step3

Keep the coffee and end tables understated, too. Consider Parsons styles; simple cubes of wood, laminate and clear acrylic; or glass- and stone-topped metal tables.

Step4

Be sparing with the floor coverings and wall treatments. A simple area rug such as sisal or a Berber style over a hard-surface floor is fine (but don't layer over wall-to-wall carpet).

Step5

Keep the walls one color - a soothing neutral is popular for the minimalist look.

Step6

Choose lamps and shades that are of simple design (nix the Tiffany styles and faceted crystal). Lamp bases of plain ceramic or wrought iron, and contemporary, spare brass designs tend to work well.

Step7

Add ambient lighting from recessed fixtures such as cans, and indirect lighting. You won't see ornate chandeliers and fussy shades over faux-candle lights in minimalism.

Step8

Hang the windows simply or leave them bare. Tab-top curtains on a simple wrought-iron rod, plantation shutters or 2-inch-wide wood blinds, and Roman shades are all options.

I'll try to arrange my living room just like this...Goodluck to me.

:-)