What’s wrong with this picture?

Does your average person own just three frocks? Two bags? Three pairs of trousers, three shirts and ten pairs of shoes? This storage appears to be for a hotel, not a home.

I worked as a photographic stylist for some years styling homewares for a major department store. A stylist is the person who makes the product look pretty with props using their artistic flair. It’s the stylist’s (and the photographers) job to make the product look good. Despite my background, I really hate unrealistic styling and propping … in particular, the lack of balance between the pretty and the practical. It’s all friggin’ pretty! I like to see some signs of life; newspapers, odd socks and unmade beds. Ok, I’m kidding.. I don’t want to see a shambles, but how would that wardrobe look if there was some more realistic content?

I would actually find the product more accessible – and I would certainly know how to use it better (do you think those cushions down the bottom of the wardrobe in those big deep baskets are the best of space?) I think it would also help those who are less visual and perhaps less able to imagine their stuff in situ.

There are many, many photos of products that are styled like the one above. Magazines are full of pretty, pretty pics that are very enticing and pleasurable, but how does one work at a desk with only a pencil cup and laptop? Where’s the actual paper and work? Do publishers really think we buy the promise of ‘unreal’?

What do you think? Should stylists get a grip and make things a bit more real? love to hear your thoughts.

recipes for organising

Well, my little book (small, but fat) has arrived from the printers. It contains over 250 organising tips – as well as truths, techniques and lots of how-tos … I think you’ll love it! The how-to’s are just like recipes (clever!) cover everything from work and paper to on the go and living. The publishers think this book will “transform your life”. I just think it’s practical and inspiring! but I would say that, wouldn’t I?

In stores October 10th, you will also be able to purchase a signed copy direct from www.sorted.net.au (even better, go to www.sorted.net.au/newsletter and sign up for my free monthly newsletter so you’ll be first to know as soon as they’re available…. next month we’re going to have a couple of new products too! Hooray!

How much is enough?

Great post here about storage – and not having enough at home.

I have long believed that the volume of stuff we own is dictated by the amount of space we have: our stuff will expand to fit (or exceed!) any given boundary. I think the trick is to reduce the bounday – eg, downsize and then deal with the content, eg declutter!

What do you think? Is your space big enough? Do you wish you had a bigger home or workspace? Could you live in a space half the size?