the essentials

[dichroic]

Some people have the knack of making a place looking homey in a very short time, without spending much money. I, on the other hand, have the much less useful knack of spending gobs of money (in a very short time) and just making the place look cluttered. Lived-in, yeah, that's it. And I still don't have a dish to put my new soap in or a rack for the wine I bought today. On the other hand, at least I have the useful things covered, not to mention a pretty clear set of indicators of my priorities: wine to drink and vacuum corks to seal it, pretzels to eat and a container to keep them fresh, nicely scented soap to wash with, an iPhone to play with call people on, speakers to plug my iPod into and so I can hear music, a bathmat to keep my feet warm after showering, a big mug (well, big by local standards, normal in the US) to drink tea out of. Desk supplies so I can write things and file paperwork, herbs and a big pot to cook with, things to wash up with after cooking.

And some tealights to go in the several candle-holders here, so I can at least pretend I'm good at the ornamental side of things.

Comments

[antisoppist]

I was quite envious of your completely empty flat. Looking at the clutter here, including all over the floor in almost every room, I think the idea of arriving somewhere new and just starting all over again is rather attractive.

But yes, mugs and drink and soap are a bit essential. I don't know what the complete minimalists do with all their stuff. It does at least look as though you have some storage, though. One day I will acquire a wardrobe.

[dichroic]

The frightening thing, with all the stuff I've bought, is that my own stuff will arrive at the end of the month. Those bookshelves and the closet will be full, and I packed a few odd things like a small sculpture I bought in Taiwan and a glass vase from Prague as well.

Also, I still really need to buy a stool or I won't be able to *use* all my storage!