Some ideas just resonate with us, to the point where they surface as “new” from time to time. The latest one that I noticed?

Marie Kondo “Keep only the things that speak to your heart.”

William Morris (1834-1896) “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

About 150 years and two continents apart, Marie Kondo and William Morris agree about what we should have in our homes. They did, however, arrive at their opinions under differing circumstances.

Marie Kondo has arrived at the forefront of the world of organization due to two words, “Spark joy.” The method she uses to help clients cut clutter and organize their homes may seem simplistic, but followers are ecstatic. People are transformed from hesitant or even hostile, to cool, calm, collected, and most of all, organized. Ms. Kondo has hit a nerve in today’s consumer society. How much stuff do we really need? How much is too much? How do we pare down to simple?

William Morris was a leader of the Arts and Crafts movement. This movement was concerned with the form and function of objects within a home. The movement sought to blur the lines between fine art and decorative objects in the home by encouraging craftsman to create useful items of beauty. This was in response to the beginning of the industrialized society and was a pushback against what was seen as inferior goods.

Certainly,  there are differences between the two movements. The Arts and Crafts movement was something of a social movement that aimed to transform society. Marie Kondo aims to transform individuals. But isn’t it interesting that the quotes evoke the same sentiment? How do you decide what belongs in your home?