When too much is too much, it’s time to declutter

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News/USA Today Network

“A house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff.” ― George Carlin

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt stressed, even though you couldn't quite put your finger on why?

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator, I see it all the time. People think they need more space, when often what they really need is less stuff. The good news? You don't need to rent a dumpster or spend an entire weekend purging your home. A few simple steps can make your rooms feel larger, lighter, and more inviting.

A home should support the life you're living today. The goal isn't a perfect home. The goal is a home that feels peaceful, functional, and welcoming. When you remove the excess, the things you truly love finally have a chance to shine. It's about making room for what matters most. Shown: Walls in BM Ocean Spray (2-47-60); ceiling and trim in BM White OC 151. Photo: Benjamin Moore. 

And no, we're not starting with the junk drawer.

Start With What's On the Floor

This may sound a little unconventional, but one of my favorite ways to begin decluttering is to simply walk through the house and pick up everything that doesn't belong on the floor.

It’s a fine line. Curating and styling the perfect piece in your home. First rule: only include what you love. Shown: Pottery Barn’s Benchwright buffet with Seadrift finish, woven lighting, framed prints and etched glass. Photo: Pottery Barn. 

Shoes. Shopping bags. Laundry baskets. Pet toys. Stacks of magazines. When floors are clear, a room instantly feels larger and more organized. Many people become overwhelmed when they start decluttering because they immediately tackle the hardest areas. 

The secret to successful decluttering is avoiding discouragement. If we don't see results quickly, it’s easy to quit before we make any real progress. Starting with the floor creates an immediate sense of accomplishment and encourages you to keep going.

Take a "Before" Photo

Before you begin decluttering, take a photo of each room with your phone.

I know it sounds simple, but it's one of the most effective tricks I know. We become so accustomed to seeing our own homes that we stop noticing what's really there. A photograph creates a little distance and allows us to view the room with fresh eyes. Suddenly you'll notice the pile of mail on the counter, the extra chair that's crowding the room, or the collection of decorative items that has quietly taken over a bookshelf.

Easy Ways to Create More Space

Try these simple strategies:

• Clear countertops as much as possible.

• Remove duplicate items you rarely use.

• Edit bookshelves so decorative objects have room to breathe.

• Use baskets to contain everyday necessities.

• Donate items that haven't been used in the past year.

• Keep only the décor that truly makes you smile.

• Clear flat surfaces of unnecessary collections and paperwork.

• Leave some empty space on shelves and tabletops.

The Emotional Side of Decluttering

Let's talk about the hard part. Most clutter isn't really about stuff. It's about memories, hopes, guilt, and sentiment.

When less is more. West Elm’s woodworking floating shelf. Photo: West Elm.

We keep gifts because we don't want to hurt someone's feelings. We save clothing because we might fit into it again someday. Or maybe we made a mistake and it was just not right. But we hang on to it anyway. We hold onto inherited items because they remind us of someone we loved. We keep hobby supplies because we hope we'll get back to them. Sometimes we hang onto things simply because we've had them for a very long time.

If decluttering were only about getting rid of things, it would be easy. The challenge is that our belongings often represent much more than the objects themselves. They can symbolize relationships, accomplishments, important life chapters, or even the person we hope to become someday. I often hear people say:

• "My grandmother gave me this."

• "I spent good money on it."

• "I might need it someday."

• "I've had it forever."

• “I just can’t say goodbye to it.”

Keep this in mind

A home should support the life you're living today—not become a storage unit for every chapter of your past. The goal isn't a perfect home. The goal is a home that feels peaceful, functional, and welcoming. When you remove the excess, the things you truly love finally have a chance to shine. It's about making room for what matters most.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit spectacularspaces.com. Call 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

Renovate or Redecorate? What does your home need?

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News/USA Today Network

Most homeowners reach a point where they wonder: Do I renovate or can I fix this with decorating?

The answer depends. And it could be a combination of both.

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator, I am often called on to help clients decide what to do. So, I thought I would offer some practical guidelines to help determine what you and your home need. A renovation or is redecorating enough? 

Before you rip out cabinets or start pricing tile, take a step back. Many homes don’t need a renovation. They need a reboot and a plan.

 When is it time to Renovate?

Fact: Some issues go beyond surface-level updates. If your home isn’t functioning well, renovation is usually the right move. 

• Your layout no longer fits your life

If daily routines feel awkward: poor kitchen flow, no workspace, cramped rooms, the structure needs attention. 

• Outdated features affect usability

Bad lighting placement, limited storage, or aging systems make a home inefficient, not just in need of a refresh. 

• Obvious wear and tear.

Cracked tile, structural problems, electrical issues, water damage, or worn flooring often signal deeper issues that need to be addressed.  

• Cosmetic changes haven’t worked.

If you’ve tried paint or minor updates and the space still feels off, the problem likely isn’t visual. 

• You’re thinking long-term.

Strategic renovations, especially kitchens and bathrooms, will improve both livability and future value. 

Bottom line: If these are some of the issues you face, renovate.

When is decorating enough?

Fact: Not every home needs construction. Sometimes the issue isn’t structure. It’s cohesion.

• The layout works, but the space feels unfinished. Good bones, but no clear direction. 

• Color is off or nonexistent.

The right palette can completely change how a room feels. 

• Your space lacks personality.

Bare walls or outdated artwork can make a home feel sad. Even rotating pieces you already own can shift the mood. 

• You can’t pull it all together.

A decorator helps balance color, texture, scale, and finishes so everything feels intentional. 

• You want change without disruption

Decorating is faster, less invasive, and more budget-friendly. 

Bottom line: Not every homeowner is ready for a major project. And that’s okay.

Decorating may be an interim fix OR it may be the only fix that you need. From cabinet upgrades to simple bathroom refreshes, check out these ideas on how to update your home without starting over. Because many kitchens and bathrooms don’t need demolition to feel brand new. 

Simple bathroom updates that make a big impact

What to do with an outdated pink bathroom? Renovate or redecorate? Redecorate! Clean tile and grout. Peel and stick flooring. New hardware, lighting (ceiling and sconces) and mirror. Add wallpaper and new shade. Paint trim and ceiling. Add new, white countertop and rug. 

Bathrooms are one of the easiest spaces to refresh without major work:

• Replace vanity countertops instead of replacing entire vanity. 

• Change fixtures (faucet, showerhead, hardware) for a cohesive finish. 

• Upgrade lighting and mirrors to modernize instantly. 

• Refresh grout and caulking to make tile look new again. 

• Use peel-and-stick flooring or wall options for quick updates. 

• Layer in textiles and artwork to add warmth and personality. 

• Paint where needed.

Because plumbing stays in place, these updates deliver high impact with minimal disruption.

Smart kitchen updates 

Outdated kitchen with lots of clutter that makes the room look small. Renovation or redecorate? Redecorate! Declutter countertops and remove outdated wall art. Say goodbye to magnets on refrigerator and fake plant on top. Stain (you could also paint) cabinets and replace fronts and hardware. Replace countertops. New lighting. New window treatment. New chairs and new stainless appliances. Add a white tile backsplash. Paint ceiling.

A full kitchen renovation isn’t always necessary. Many kitchens improve dramatically with updates or a combination of renovating and decorating.

• Paint and/or reface cabinets instead of replacing them. 

• New hardware for an instant style change goes a long way.

• Update the backsplash for a fresh focal point. 

• Add under-cabinet lighting to improve both look and function. 

• Replace the faucet and sink details for a modern touch. 

• Replace countertops if needed.

• Painting is always a good idea. 

And if it means combining both options, start small. The best homes aren’t created all at once. They evolve over time.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit https://spectacularspaces.com. Call 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit https://spectacularspaces.com/blog

An interior decorator’s wishes for 2026

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News/USA Today Network

As we head into 2026 in Southwest Florida, I’m skipping New Year’s resolutions altogether. Instead, I’m making wishes: joyful hopes for the way our homes look, feel, and support us in the year ahead.

These wishes are less about tearing walls down and more about living better with what we already have (and maybe tweaking it just a little). So consider this a decorator’s wish list for your home.

Wish #1: A home that feels calm the moment you walk in

As an interior decorator working with clients throughout Southwest Florida, my wish is always to help them design spectacular spaces that reflect the way they live. And having said that, my first wish is for a home that gives you peace.

A home that allows you relax the minute you walk in the door. That lets you take a breath. This starts with editing visual clutter. Not adding more. Too many small accessories, overly busy patterns, or furniture that’s too much for the space can raise stress levels.

Try this instead:

•           Remove one or two items from each room and see how the space feels.

•           Leave a little space on walls. Especially in entryways and main living areas.

•           Choose larger, simpler pieces over collections of small ones.

Calm doesn’t mean boring. It means intentional and a well-thought-out-plan

Wish #2: Better use of what you already own

One of my biggest wishes for 2026 is that homeowners rediscover what they already own. You may not need a full renovation to refresh your home. What you may need is a fresh perspective.

Before buying anything new:

•           Shop your own home.

•           Rotate art and accessories seasonally, just like you rotate clothing.

•           Reframe artwork or photography you already love for an instant update.

This isn’t about making do. It’s about curating, not accumulating.

Wish #3:  Decide if you really need a renovation or redecorating

This is a big one for me. I often walk into homes with great layouts and solid finishes that just need fresh eyes. New furnishings, updated lighting, reworked layouts, and better scale can completely change a space without construction dust or months of disruption. It may also allow you to postpone a renovation depending on budget and time constraints. Redecorating can be tansformative when done thoughtfully.

Wish #4: Furniture that invites you to stay awhile

In 2026, make comfort the priority.

•           Comfortable seating that doesn’t look overstuffed.

•           Chairs that actually get used, not just admired.

•           Sofas deep enough for movie nights, naps and visitors.

If replacing furniture isn’t in the plan, small upgrades help:

•           New upholstery or slipcovers.

•           Updated throw pillows in pretty, fresh fabrics.

•           Replacing dated legs or hardware on existing pieces.

Comfort is always in style.

Wish #5: Thoughtful Lighting (Without Rewiring the House)

Lighting can completely transform a home and is often the missing piece. Include more lamps, especially in living rooms and bedrooms. Warmer bulbs that flatter both people and spaces. Table lamps, floor lamps, and rechargeable accent lights add instant warmth and depth. Photo: Pottery Barn

Lighting can completely transform a home and you don’t need an electrician to make a big impact. I find that lighting is often the missing piece in many homes.

Try this:

•           Fewer overhead lights on full blast.

•           More lamps, especially in living rooms and bedrooms.

•           Warmer bulbs that flatter both people and spaces.

•           Table lamps, floor lamps, and rechargeable accent lights add instant warmth and depth.

Wish #6: Outdoor spaces that feel like real rooms

Living in Florida, our outdoor spaces are an extension of our homes nearly year-round. In 2026, I wish for lanais, patios and porches that feel just as curated as interiors.

Try this:

•           Add an outdoor rug to anchor seating.

•           Layer pillows in weather-friendly fabrics.

•           Introduce lanterns or soft lighting for evening ambiance.

Wish #7: More confidence with color used intentionally

Color makes the most impact/change in a room. Sometimes it’s as simple as warmer neutrals, richer wood tones, or a soft color in a powder room or den.

 •          Add a rug with depth or pillows in layered tones

•           Update artwork.

•           Paint the ceiling.

A little color, used intentionally, can change the entire mood of a space.

Wish #8: Homes that feel personal, not perfect

Finally, my biggest wish for 2026 is that homeowners stop waiting for perfection before enjoying their homes.

Take the time to curate your collections to reflect you and your lifestyle. Shown: Malcolm Round Nesting Coffee Tables in a glazed pine finish with a powder-coated black metal base. Photo: Pottery Barn

Your home doesn’t need:

•           Matching everything.

•           The latest trend.

•           A total overhaul.

It needs warmth, comfort, a sense of ease.

Welcome a new year

As we move into 2026, my wish is that we treat our homes the way we treat good friends, with appreciation, care and a little grace. A beautiful home isn’t built in one renovation. It’s shaped over time, through thoughtful choices, small improvements and a clear understanding of how you want to live. And that, is the best wish of all.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit spectacularspaces.com. Call 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog