Instant Decorating: Getting Rid of One Thing

Usually people think about decorating in terms of additions, but it's often the right subtraction that can really help a room. Over the weekend, we finally gave away the giant monolithic speakers that just didn't work in our living room. Getting rid of those 2 pieces completely changed our space, making the room appear lighter and more balanced. Click below for a few ways to lighten up your own space...

Getting rid of just one piece only takes a moment and it costs nothing. To jump-start your inner declutterer, check out the following posts from AT:
• 10 Things We Should Have Gotten Rid of a Long Time Ago
• How To: Donate and Recycle Common Household Items
• The 29-Day Giving Challenge
• The 100 Thing Challenge by Dave Bruno
• Tips for Having a Garage (or Yard) Sale
• Auction Off That Stuff!
• How To: Write a Craigslist Ad

Photos: Amy's Vintage-Modern Nest and Andreas' Greektown Loft

Comments (12)

i love this post. thank you.

posted by *heather leaf* on September 29th 2008 at 3:51pm
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Thanks for the inspiration.
I've just started a new job and realized, after reading this, that I don't have to bring things into my office - I need to take things OUT of my new office.

posted by blackbird on September 29th 2008 at 4:37pm
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Absolutely love this post! I've been telling people this for years and no one wants to believe me. Well a few, but most think more is better.

posted by chrubo on September 29th 2008 at 5:12pm
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Don't hate me for waiting until now to say so, but they would have looked really cool in that space painted glossy orange with white grill cloths.

posted by AlmostAD on September 29th 2008 at 5:21pm
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...or glossy white with patterned white-and-orange grill cloths.

posted by AlmostAD on September 29th 2008 at 5:22pm
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Ok, so what do you do when your uglies are items you can and do use? Maybe I'm just a cheapskate, but I'd be hesitant to replace a pair of functional speakers, however monolithic. Hmm... maybe there's something in my place I could paint glossy orange ;)

posted by whytephoenix on September 30th 2008 at 4:55am
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I love purging things. I constantly have a pile of stuff to go to Goodwill. My neighbourhood Goodwill donation center loves me! I'm in there every weekend dropping stuff off.

Question is: How did I ever accumulate so much stuff??!!?!?!

posted by revolution9 on September 30th 2008 at 4:59am
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Anybody know what kind of desk that is? I love it!

posted by leely16 on September 30th 2008 at 5:03am
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What about those side tables in the bedroom? Where did they come from? Just what I've been looking for...

posted by 1014philly on September 30th 2008 at 5:13am
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so, now that your room looks great, how do you listen to music?

posted by amt230 on September 30th 2008 at 5:28am
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I love the desk too. Do share.

posted by TripkeHughes on September 30th 2008 at 8:54am
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by the way, the dracaena marginata plant needs watering.. its leaves are drooping.

posted by peahen on October 17th 2008 at 6:09am
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