Joan Didion’s living room exemplifies curated clutter
With Joan Didion’s diaries recently in publication, the spotlight has never been more closely focused on the writer’s inner life. A picture is worth a thousand words, and photos of Joan’s New York living room are just as telling as some of her most intimate writings. Let’s take a look.
The famously chic writer was photographed in her living room by Gillian Laub in a series documenting the homes of notable New Yorkers. Just like Joan’s simultaneously controlled and vulnerable public persona, it’s a masterclass in curated clutter.
Joan’s maximalist living room features a telling collection of antique, vintage, and modern pieces. She has lined a range of antique oil lamps and colorful glass vases along her windowsill. She perches in a lived-in chair, next to a ceramic elephant plant stand. To her left, her full bookshelves demonstrate her literary leanings. Everything in the room feels full of character and carefully chosen.
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There’s nothing like a ceramic elephant, and this colorful chinoiserie version is especially stylish. Its vintage make adds a touch of interest to any space.
Beautiful Barrymore Teddy Accent Chair by Drew Barrymore
The ideal accent seat, in our opinion. Soft but sturdy, in a gorgeous, burnt-orange meets brown hue, the price is right on this piece of furniture. It’s the most accessible way to tap into the retro trend and make a statement while doing so.
These beautiful vintage glass bottles sit at different heights in different styles for a varied look.
Luckily, if you’re obsessed with Joan’s style, then you’re right in line with interior design trends. For instance, searches for ‘vintage style items’ on Etsy have increased by 186% in recent months. Though it’s been years since the writer’s space was photographed, the style has a timeless appeal.
(Image credit: JUDY GRIESEDIECK/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s Trend Expert explains: ‘Curating your clutter is the ultimate organizing solution for those who are torn between what to keep and what to throw away this de-cluttering season – who says you should throw anything away at all? Items don’t always need to be tidied away in a cupboard that’s already bursting at the seams. Try thoughtfully displaying your belongings instead.’
To tap into Joan Didion’s controlled storm, think about how you can display the things you love without making your space too cluttered. It goes beyond living room trends.
Dayna recommends: ‘Stack up your prettiest serving bowls on your kitchen counter and use them as a fruit bowl, or even use an aesthetic tray as a stage to place some of your favourite skincare products in your bedroom. I particularly love this trend as it allows you to create an environment that feels lived-in, welcoming, and uniquely yours, breaking away from the uniformity of minimalism and celebrating individuality.’
If you want to understand someone better, the first place to look is their living room. In the best instances, ‘curated’ doesn’t have to be the end of clutter.
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