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If You're Not Gonna Wear It, Why Not Frame It?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Fresh Eyes For Your Home

Ok, so despite the warm temperatures up here in the northern tundra, it definitely isn't spring yet. But, it is the beginning of what is going to be a wonderful new year.  And my new year's resolution  - NO MORE CLUTTER!

Now trust me, I am not one to collect stuff (although, I make an exception for fabulous artwork, great watches, pearls and pocketbooks) and my personal design aesthetic is minimalism for sure.  But there is very little that tickles me more than a well organized home.  I love being able to find what I'm looking for and  my closets and dresser drawers all lined up perfectly, anal retentive that I am (just ask Debbie Gartner, The Flooring Girl - she has been here and she will attest to my craziness).  But when those sharp corners begin to fade, I get on it - Carpe Diem!

One of the things that I like to do with some of the things that I just can't part with, is to reuse or repurpose them.  Years ago, while in Paris, I had a passion for Hermes scarves.  I worked in the financial services industry at the time, and the dress code often included a scarf.  Those days are over now and although I love wearing scarves, I don't have the lifestyle to wear Hermes.  And besides, why not see the entire gorgeous print?  Voila, I framed it. 

I've actually done the same thing with a kimono.  One of my clients had gone to Japan and purchased a kimono to wear.  Hand embroidered and made of the finest silk - the idea of wearing this masterpiece was incredibly impractical.  But hung on her freshly painted white walls - now that is definitely an artistic statement.

I don't expect that we all find these treasures but I do know that most people have no idea what they have!  And so, lesson one: Make sure to go through your closets at least once a year.  And lesson two: If you are not gonna wear it, why not frame it?

 

 

Comments(103)

Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Thanks for stopping by Debbie Walsh and enjoy the hunt thru the closts!

Well Doyle Lee Austin Davison Iv now that is macabre and definitely NOT what I had in mind! Taxidermy is not art

Hello Gary L. Waters, Broker Owner Waters Realty of Brevard, LLC beauty is in the eye of the beholder, yes?

Hi Karen Fiddler, Broker/Realtor it gets expensive to frame so make sure you love what you are investing in.

Hey Wayne Johnson I love your comment and trust me, I know that drill.  But I know you can be subtle and still get something up on the wall.

Jan 08, 2015 12:44 PM
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

We just cleared out our closets to make room in 2015. Our goal is to lose weight and get into better shape. When in doubt, throw it out!

Jan 09, 2015 01:14 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Hi Harry F. D'Elia that is a good goal as well - or give it to someone else to enjoy!

Jan 09, 2015 04:01 AM
John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Like the framing idea we've done that with one of my daughters USD basketball jerseys as she earned a full ride scholarship and was one of the top 25 3 point shooters in NCAA Division 1 basketball at 5'4". Of course we're proud of her. She saved us 150k! LOL!

 

 

Jan 11, 2015 12:10 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Now THAT is a treasure to frame John DL Arendsen worth over $150,000 - I'd say it merits a wall in your home!

Jan 11, 2015 12:26 AM
Susan Jacobsen
The Alliance Group Realty - Hilton Head Island, SC
20 Years Providing WOW Real Estate Service

Joanna - unfortunately if I followed your advice I would have walls covered with all kinds of treasures! However, I love the idea of repurposing and will absolutely give that some thought - and revisit my closets.

P.S.  I'm also a former quilter, former embroiderer, former potter, former....you get the picture :-)

Jan 11, 2015 06:46 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Oh my Susan Jacobsen you must have some extraordinary treasures and I totally understand.  I too am a former potter - I worked on a wheel for a long time until my hands got so dry from the clay and age, that vanity forced me to give it up! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Jan 11, 2015 07:02 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I love the concept and I love the title of the post!  The framed scarf looks beautiful!

Jan 12, 2015 12:34 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Thanks so much Sharon Tara and I can only imagine that you have some wonderful things to frame!

Jan 12, 2015 12:59 AM
Toni Weidman
Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL
20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

That's such a cool idea, Joanna. I crocheted my son's baptismal outfil and displayed it for many years.

Jan 12, 2015 05:06 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

How lovely - that is just great!  I bet it is a real conversation piece.

Jan 12, 2015 11:53 AM
Nina Rogoff
Boston, MA
Wix Websites for Real Estate Agents

Joanna, I love this post! My goal is to have a clutter-free, serene home...while my teenagers are still at home! lol When my kids were younger and generated a TON of art projects, I had a hard time getting rid of any. Then I read a great idea: take a photo of the project and throw out the original. Guilt-free!

Jan 12, 2015 02:40 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Hi Nina Rogoff that is a perfect solution! Love it!

Jan 13, 2015 07:23 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Joanne - that is really a very clever idea.  It is a great way to showcase and unusual item.

Jan 13, 2015 02:52 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Joanna loved this post and clearly I am behind the times since you already have 90+ comments agreeing with me. On a side note I need a bigger house because I have about five Red Sox T-shirts that are begging to be framed...just sayin, Endre

Jan 16, 2015 02:16 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Oh no, Endre Barath, Jr. you must pick the one you like best and just frame one OR, frame all five and make a collection on a wall that has enough space-those T shirts are big! That being said to another Red Sox fan, have a wonderful meet-up today with some of my favorite Rain buddies!!!

Jan 16, 2015 09:53 PM
Liane Thomas, Top Listing Agent
Professional Realty Services® - Corona, CA
Bringing you Home!

What a clever idea! I have taken t-shirts and made pillows out of them, but never thought of framing some of the more precious items.

Feb 02, 2015 01:50 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Wow Liane Thomas - Corona & Riverside Real Estate love the idea of making pillows out of Tshirts-great way to recycle and they are washable too!!! Thanks for stopping by.

Feb 02, 2015 01:53 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Love the Hermes scarves - I have a few too - just waiting for the fashion to return!

Mar 10, 2015 09:09 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Hmmm, you are right - what goes around, goes around again!!!  Classic is always in style.

Mar 11, 2015 01:51 PM