Remember when I went to wine country and visited the most lavish chocolate shop since Marie Antoinette? And then I wrote this post about aesthetics and blogging and how I learned how to appreciate a more detailed approach to marketing? Well, a few weekends ago I went to an equally beautiful bakery decorated with less. Much less.
The shelves were plain white, almost bare, with only bread and a few hat boxes as decoration. The labels on the goodies were simple, if not handwritten, and the packaging for everything was nearly non-existent.
And I loved it.
The focus wasn't on the decor but on the goods. You could tell they didn't have to rely on gimmicks or fancy packaging because their food spoke for itself.
If that's not powerful marketing, I don't know what is.
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| I loved the handwritten sign for those donut holes. Those donut holes were the best I've ever had. |
As a blogger trying to be herself, it's tempting to want it all when I see where the blog world is headed. More banners! More buttons! Let's add another app! Your blog doesn't look like a magazine? Next!
How the heck are we supposed to focus on content when bombarded with the pressure to be a better version of everyone else?
Crickey, I just got real preachy. Please note, if you have lots of banners, buttons, and apps, I don't judge. It' s your blog. I read it for the content and for you.
I guess my point is that a beautiful world doesn't have to be a decorated world. There is more beauty in what's not there versus what is. Choreographers, writers, and composers know the value of editing.
Strip it bare. Let what remains shine and speak louder than the rest.
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| A good sign the bread tastes yummy? They were nearly sold out of everything. Legit. |
Are you a simple person or is lavish the name of your game?
This bakery was the one my dad grew up going to when he was a kid.
It's in San Juan Bautista, CA: a tiny town with an amazing bakery.
photos by Dancing Branflake
27 comments:
I recently stripped away my cutesy background from my blog and feel like it's much airier and free. Simple all the way!
I love white in interiors
and in bakeries like this where the bread and other baked goodies should take center stage, white is a very good color for background.
Those breads look so yum!
Wow, that was really moving, you touched by jaded little heart there.
Love it and totally agree. Last time I updated my blog, I went white and very simple. Thinking it's time for another update, but then again maybe I should just focus on the words.
And now I'm hungry thank you very much!
@Mary I think tweaking the layout is part of the process of having a blog. It's so hard to find that balance of simplicity versus expression. Although I do love your layout.
that is so cool!
xoxo from rome
K.
kcomekarolina.com
You're absolutely right. If the product speaks for itself then there's no need for the fanciness. But who am I kidding, I definitely fall hard for a pretty package :) xoxo
@The Alternative Wife Oh, me too. Me, too.
I do often fall for the pretty design when I'm out looking for something, but open space, light, and clean lines always please me more at the end of the day. If only I could manage to get that feel in my home!
I think that balance is the key! Simple and neutral and streamlined can be so beautiful, but so can thoughtfully chosen decor and colors and textures.
I loved this post!
Kate
Something Ivory
My home is basically neutral and I try to keep the decor simple and without clutter. I agree, we have too much going on everywhere and it makes it tough to focus on what you need to! This spot looks perfect! Just the bones, open, light, serene...
Woah, it is bare! I like a balance unless you're really into the more detailed busy look or the simplistic minimal look. For my blog, I lean towards the simplistic look: it feels cleaner, fresher, and more professional with emphasis on the content. With the bakery, I can't help but wish the stands were painted a darker dream color or the walls with color.
I really have to agree. Great design brings a lot of beauty and joy into my life, but it really can be simple and still gorgeous. Don't gild the lily, right?
I really love simple & sweet as it's very much my style. But I do love & appreciate pretty packaging too!
I've always loved the look of your blog BECAUSE of it's simplicity. I like simple with a touch of something. I honestly don't like to read blogs with all the banners and buttons. It's distracting and hard to navigate. And that's how I feel about boutique shops that "over decorate". However, I don't like completely bare either, but a little decoration can go a looong way! Like a rockin solid color dress with an awesome necklace to go with it.
Amen! I'm definitely attracted to pretty, sparkly packaging, but at the same time, it can be a huge distraction. Some blogs I've followed for awhile have actually been really annoying me as of late, due to all the buttons, bells and whistles (and a sudden increase of sponsored/promo posts rather than sharing their authentic voices, what is that all about?! give me YOU!).
xoxo J
Those dougnut holes look delish!
I for one am a simpleton in creativity, design and writing. Too much fancy and it loses my attention. I'm more focused on the look and not the content. Which isn't the point of blogging
-Heather
{heatheringheights.com}
This is such a good reminder. Most times simple is better. Clean, crisp and fresh! :)
Both in real life and in blog life, I desire simplicity...because life is complicated enough without all the extras.
Love this post! When I re-did my blog, I tried to keep it simple. Now that I look at it, it isn't as simple as what I would want. Maybe next time...
Amy
Fashion and Beauty Finds
I actually JUST emailed the girl that does my blog design to see if we could switch it around and make it more simply. I want people to read my posts, not concentrate on all the other STUFF.
Love this post lady.
Simplicity is my credo - interior design-wise as well as for the blog. It should still look pretty though :)
I'm quite simple and love the decor - light is very important to me and I love how the room is just flooded with light. The shelves, the tables and the chairs and the colors all just work so beautifully together...
interesting perspective for sure! i'm def a simple girl ;) xoxo
Great post, it's always a balancing act for me.
Have a sweet day!
it is nice that every blog is different. too many bells and whistles can be distracting, but too plain jane can be boring. then again, it is nice that they are all so varied.
a while back i did a google search for ugly websites. THERE ARE A LOT OF THEM. oof. many, many ugly websites. and not the kind of ugly that is interesting -- just plain UGLY. lol
I love this! I've always loved the more simplistic and clean look!
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