Chaletmomma

I know today is Valentines Day friends - I wish you festive greetings of the day. I shared a post last week ♥ What the Heart Wants ♥ filled with all sorts of Valentine’s Day treats. Click the link above if you missed it.

Recently I looked around the Chalet living room and dining room and thought it’s looks good - I’m happy with it. But, in reality something felt off and I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then as things go I saw a friend on Instagram - Mandy Eno talking about organizing and then I had the aha moment. I could finally see it - finally see what was making me feel uncomfortable in the space. It was the Roll-Top desk.

There Was Just So Much Visual Clutter and even when I straighten up the desk- it was still crowded and filled to overflowing with art, books, keepsakes and more. Look at the images from over the years.

1-15-2017

6-9-2018

1-11-2019

3-2-2020

8-14-2022

10-26-2023

My de-cluttering started from the top down. Just like I do when I clean the Chalet. I removed the art, decor and photos from the very top and then moved onto the cubbies and the desk surface. I had so many items tucked behind other pieces. I ended up with a few books, a basket of family photos and a basket of keepsakes. I mean golly friends it was crazy to me how much stuff was crammed into the cubbies.

As we all know the beginning of the year is known as a time for organizing. This felt so good and I’ve learned something about myself as a Designer. I’ve always given the eye a chance to rest in the overall room I’ve designed but now, I understand that I must allow this on furnishings as well.

I’m continuing my path of de-cluttering. I moved onto the Sun Porch because I’ll be honest I still haven’t found homes for every single item I removed from the desk. I plan to move onto my sons room next - seeing what he can let go of both in terms of things and clothing and I will end up in our basement where all the things end up!

I know I will never ever truly be done… keeping clutter at bay is constant.

Til next time friends be well and I’ll see you over on Instagram.

Friends this week marks 20 years of Chalet ownership!

“Chalet: an alpine style of wooden building with a sloping roof and overhanging eaves”

— Wikipedia

While driving with a friend in April 2003 we stumbled upon a For Sale by Owner sign; although technically she was a flip the owner Mrs. Cullen had moved into an apartment. I was familiar with the house having grown up a few blocks away. I rode my bike on this street and trick or treated here; back then we called her “The Red Schoolhouse” because she was painted red and the center chimney looks like and old fashioned bell tower.

The Chalet was built on property subdivided from the Leaycraft Estate. Our street was the original drive. There’s a wonderful history of three large estates - Laurelhurst, The Knollwood and The Birkendene that now encompass our local park and the south west area of town. Our neighborhood is filled with quiet streets, unique architecture and the park is down the street.

We started calling her The Chalet soon after moving in. Built as a vacation home by Austrian craftsmen brought in specifically by the original owner she has 1400 square feet with three bedrooms and one family bath. We have incorporated what originally an outside galerie space into the sunporch and recently carved out space for our son to hang with friends in the basement.