I never thought I would actually say this but, I'm really enjoying the bare walls of our new apartment. After the stress and chaos of moving our family across the country, I've noticed that bare walls allow me space to think. We're constantly bombarded with information, and some of it we create ourselves. It's all much more than I can comfortably handle.

Somehow bare walls give me peace along with not decorating around the flat screen tv we sold before we moved.

As a work-from-home mom of a toddler, there isn't much time for being entertained anyway. Instead I'm on my feet much of the day unless I'm sitting down to eat or write. By donating and selling 95% of our possessions before we moved, we've created the task of replacing the important items upon arrival. That alone has kept me busy.

There are times where I think adding at least one large piece of wall art to our living area would be a good idea. Art adds an important element of personal style. Yet I haven't decided what art, if any. I'm actually more interested on creating a beautiful minimalist home around bare walls. I've noticed that bare walls make your place appear even larger and more spacious.

To decorate around bare walls, I'm finding that keeping things streamlined while considering pieces with texture like wood, ceramics, knits, linen, and plants are the key.

I'm in awe of the amazing finds at the many thrift stores in Raleigh, but I haven't gone overboard by any means. Although we've bought new items, I've focused on buying natural/organic items as much as possible along with secondhand finds. Thrifting saves money, and can help to create a truly unique space. I found the little white chair pictured for my son for $2. We also found a $50 couch in fantastic condition which we dressed with a slipcover.

I've been purchasing incredible baskets secondhand to easily add texture into our home which are also amazing for organizing my son's toys.

I have the new mindset to become much more frugal than I've ever been before after this move. It's so easy to find many pieces both new and secondhand to make your home cozy and reflect your personal style. I'm hoping to find my own balance with this. These bare walls are definitely keeping me in perspective.

I feel that we can easily overconsume with decorating as we do with clothing.

There is definitely an art to decorating a home around bare walls. I hope that I'm able to master this art with enough texture and interest, even if it is only by my own standards. Otherwise I hope to find or create the perfect piece of wall art.

What do you think about bare walls in a space?

Image by Dawn Michelle