Hasta La Ideas

Reader Beth submitted the following to Ask Unclutterer:

Can a “cozy” space be uncluttered without being just a synonym for comfortable? I hear “cozy” used sometimes as a polite way of saying cluttered, but also as a way of describing an uncluttered space as feeling warm and inviting as opposed to “cold and lifeless”…

What say you?

Where I live, euphemisms like these abound. “Charming” usually means a place is in need of repair and “cozy” means a space is extremely small. If a home is cluttered, the euphemisms are typically “eclectic” or “shabby chic.” My guess is that these phrases hold different meanings in different parts of the country, but I get the intent of what you’re asking.

More to the point, a dwelling doesn’t have to be sterile to be uncluttered. The ascetic, minimalist style works well for museums, but most people aren’t comfortable with this look in their homes. They feel at home when there are signs of life, a bit of reflection of their personalities, and something that delineates they aren’t their neighbors.

An unclutterer is someone who gets rid of the distractions that get in the way of a remarkable life. Therefore, clutter (a distraction) has a subjective definition. In my home, flower vases are clutter because I never have fresh flowers on display (my cats think flowers are tasty, tasty snacks). In the home of a florist, however, vases are likely used daily and not a distraction.

I prefer clean lines, and all I want out on display are the few items that bring me great joy. I don’t want baubles or knick knacks to obstruct my line of vision of these important pieces. I’m also pretty sure most people find my home to be a bit formal. Other unclutterers might be okay with more than two items out on display in a room. One definition of uncluttered isn’t better than another, it’s just a better definition for you.

Style your space the way that brings you the greatest joy, the least stress and distractions, and reflects the remarkable life you desire. Get rid of what you believe is cluttering up your space, thoughts, and time. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. Let them use euphemisms like “cozy” to describe your home — their word choice doesn’t determine how you feel in your space.

Thank you, Beth, for submitting your question for our Ask Unclutterer column. I hope I got to the point of your question.

Do you have a question relating to organizing, cleaning, home and office projects, productivity, or any problems you think the Unclutterer team could help you solve? To submit your questions to Ask Unclutterer, go to our contact page and type your question in the content field. Please list the subject of your e-mail as “Ask Unclutterer.” If you feel comfortable sharing images of the spaces that trouble you, let us know about them. The more information we have about your specific issue, the better.