Too Much is always a Good Thing when you can share

by Barbara Schmidt, studiobstyle.com

Editorial Project: Interior Designer Barbara Schmidt; Photographer Michael Haug

Things just accumulate in our lives and we need to get them to the right places. I have so many items left over from photo shoots and family, sometimes it’s unbelievable. Some I hang onto forever like artwork and some just need to be recycled to a new home where they will be appreciated instead of living in a prop box at my studio.

I’m a big believer in recycling and upcycling instead of always buying new. There’s something to be said about everything finding its home in the world. Mike Wolfe from American Pickers thinks the same way - “rusty gold” has value no matter what the genre. 

Everything in this world has a look and a feel no matter if it’s the tallest tree in nature down to a tiny figurine on a windowsill. Every single thing has an energy and form that can be captured in light as we create visual stories. Layering each and every piece into a narrative is what we do best whether for homeowners, editorials storytelling or brands.

Antique Wicker Tray sold @Facebookmarketplace

Now how would I find a home for, say an antique wicker bed tray? I’ve been selling a lot @facebookmarketplace and guess what? My grandmother’s wicker tray went to a young woman starting out in the design world and one of her favorite decor textures is wicker. 

My grandmother would be so happy that her special tray went to someone who appreciates it. Marj, my grandmother, had exquisite taste and she only chose the best things to be surrounded by in her apartment. This wicker tray came down from my Father who recently downsized his collection as well.

We’ve sold her vintage red velvet bench, her vintage brass wall mirror and her bedroom East Lake chair. Every single item has gone to someone that is so excited to feature these treasures in their home that it makes me feel happy to share their special energy and form with someone new. 

Perhaps the hardest item I’ve had to part with, was my other Grandmother’s piano. It sat in our studio for decades and was not played. She loved it more than anything else in the world, so I moved and stored it, and moved it again. Finally I realized that I would never play it so it was time to let it go after many decades of ownership. 

Before I let it go, I tuned it and had the repair man play it for a short video. That piano was just like having my grandmother reach out and say hello. Thinking about it makes me happy. And now other people will listen to that baby grand piano and enjoy it just like she did and that’s the right outcome for this special piece.

After many years of designing spaces I love, it’s simply time to slowly let some things go as they get unpacked at our studio. I find that I’m happy about it if the right person comes along to love that particular item just as I have loved them in my imagery and design.

Swinging Chair sold to a Bride for her own Wedding Gift

Take this outdoor swinging chair for example. A bride came to our studio and said it was her gift to herself for her wedding. She was so happy to have it that I just don’t think anyone else should have gotten it. She was absolutely thrilled and I was so happy to think about her newly married having her morning coffee out on her patio in that chair. Life is funny that way - timing is everything. Happy gathering - happy sharing - happy designing your own home!