Podcast Summary: Simple Farmhouse Life Episode 259

Title: More Style, Less Mess: Declutter and Decorate Your Way to a Home You Love
Host: Lisa Bass
Guest: Shannon Acheson of Home Made Lovely
Release Date: October 15, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 259 of Simple Farmhouse Life, host Lisa Bass welcomes back Shannon Acheson from Home Made Lovely to discuss the intertwined worlds of decluttering and home decor. As the fall season approaches—a time when many seek to create cozy, manageable living spaces—Lisa and Shannon delve into effective strategies for transforming a home into a beloved, organized sanctuary.

1. The Foundation of Gratitude

Key Points:

• Mindset Matters: Shannon emphasizes that the journey to a loving home begins with gratitude. Appreciating the existing space, regardless of its current state, sets a positive tone for subsequent changes.

  Shannon Acheson [00:00]: "The very first step is the gratitude one. So that's really the mindset piece of loving the home that you have, no matter where it is."

• Impact of Gratitude: This mindset shift allows homeowners to see potential in their spaces, fostering a more proactive approach to making their homes cozy and beautiful.

2. Decluttering: Clearing the Path

Key Points:

• Essential Separation: Shannon differentiates between decluttering and organizing, stressing that one cannot effectively decorate or organize cluttered spaces.

  Shannon Acheson [00:00]: "You cannot, no matter how much you try, you cannot decorate clutter. You also can't organize clutter."

• Starting Small: Begin with easy, non-sentimental items to build momentum before tackling emotionally attached possessions.

  Shannon Acheson [07:04]: "The first thing to start with is like the really easy thing... things like old glasses, excess cords, etc."

• Practical Tips: Shannon offers actionable advice, such as asking whether an item has been used recently or if duplicates are necessary, to streamline the decluttering process.

3. Shannon’s "More Style, Less Mess" Course

Key Points:

• Five Pillars: Shannon outlines her course, which integrates gratitude, decluttering, organizing, creating home habits, and decorating into a cohesive system.

  Shannon Acheson [02:53]: "There are five basic pillars to it. The first one is gratitude... decluttering and organizing... creating home habits... and then, of course, decorating."

• Holistic Approach: Unlike standalone courses, Shannon's program ensures that each aspect supports the others, preventing the common pitfall of decorating around clutter.

4. Personal Transformation Stories

Key Points:

• Shannon's Journey: Shannon shares her experience of purchasing a rundown bungalow, initially perceived as an unattractive choice by friends.

  Shannon Acheson [12:53]: "But partly because I had to, because I had no other choice, I decided that I was going to look for the things about that house... over time, my attitude began to change."

• Success Through Gratitude: By focusing on what she loved about the house, Shannon not only transformed her living space but also launched her successful blog and business.

  Shannon Acheson [13:38]: "Because we chose to be grateful, it made a huge difference."

5. Decorating Without Adding Clutter

Key Points:

• Selective Addition: During the holiday season, Shannon recommends reusing existing decor and adding only a few new elements to avoid overwhelming the space.

  Shannon Acheson [22:42]: "Last year, I actually went much simpler. I put away some of our regular, everyday decor... and swapped out what was in them."

• Color Choices: Transitioning from very neutral palettes to incorporating natural colors like brown, gold, and forest green can enhance seasonal decor without the need for bright, jarring colors.

  Shannon Acheson [25:00]: "I don't do red mostly because I find red to be really jarring in the winter seasons... I find red to be too jarring."

6. Managing a Busy Household

Key Points:

• Systems and Habits: With a large household, Shannon stresses the importance of assigning specific places for every item and establishing clear rules to maintain order.

  Shannon Acheson [29:16]: "There is a spot. Everything should have a home... when needed, help remind people where those things go."

• Consistency is Key: Regular routines, such as daily cleaning and biannual inventory checks, help keep the home organized even amidst constant use.

  Shannon Acheson [32:13]: "The systems, they're there to help you. So it's only causing yourself harm if you're not doing it."

7. Overcoming Decorating Challenges

Key Points:

• TV as a Focal Point: Shannon discusses alternatives to placing the TV above the fireplace and offers creative solutions for integrating electronics without compromising decor aesthetics.

  Shannon Acheson [39:26]: "You can do art. You can do like actual art... a grid of family pictures."

• Budget-Friendly Decor: Leveraging secondhand markets like Facebook Marketplace and prioritizing functional pieces before decorative accents can enhance a home's style on a budget.

  Shannon Acheson [48:36]: "Check out Facebook Marketplace... you can get some really beautiful pieces."

8. Defining Personal Style

Key Points:

• Unique Style DNA: Shannon encourages homeowners to curate a personalized style by gathering inspiration and identifying common elements in their favorite designs.

  Shannon Acheson [50:04]: "Figure out what your style is. Know the purpose of the room... get those pieces that fit first."

• Focus on Function: Prioritizing the functionality of each room ensures that decor enhances rather than overwhelms the space.

  Shannon Acheson [50:18]: "So based on that and what the function of the room is... from there you can move on to like area rugs and curtains."

Conclusion

Shannon Acheson's insights offer a balanced approach to creating a home that is both stylish and organized. By starting with gratitude, methodically decluttering, establishing effective systems, and thoughtfully decorating, homeowners can transform their spaces into environments they truly love. Shannon's personal stories and practical tips provide listeners with the tools needed to embark on their own home transformation journeys.

Notable Quotes:

• Gratitude as a Starting Point:

  "The very first step is the gratitude one. So that's really the mindset piece of loving the home that you have, no matter where it is."
  — Shannon Acheson [00:00]

• Decluttering Essentials:

  "You cannot, no matter how much you try, you cannot decorate clutter. You also can't organize clutter."
  — Shannon Acheson [00:00]

• Intentional Decorating:

  "The function of the room is... get those pieces that fit before anything else does."
  — Shannon Acheson [50:04]

• Maintaining Systems:

  "The systems, they're there to help you. So it's only causing yourself harm if you're not doing it."
  — Shannon Acheson [33:55]

Additional Resources:

• Shannon Acheson’s Website: homemadelovely.com
• Shannon’s Course: More Style, Less Mess
• Follow Shannon on Instagram: @homemadelovely

This comprehensive discussion between Lisa Bass and Shannon Acheson provides valuable strategies for homeowners seeking to declutter and decorate their spaces effectively. Whether you're preparing for the holiday season or aiming for long-term organizational success, the insights shared in this episode are both practical and inspiring.