Making a virtue of necessity

After surviving the Grand Prix fire in October, we faced extensive damage to our home, but at least we still had a home. After moving every article in the house, we decided a lot had to go. We have learned to love the clean, uncluttered look that we once had by design but that after years of raising four kids had disappeared.

At first, looking at an empty wall or bookcase took courage. Now nothing goes back on the wall unless it is “chosen.” Jackie Terrell’s ideas in “So Clever, So Cheap” (May 20) have given me renewed strength.

Linda Keagle

San Antonio Heights

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Yeah, Jackie Terrell’s Eames coffee table probably only cost a thousand or two. And squeezing one person into 1,440 square feet is tough. I guess, like Freud said, everything is relative.

Patrick Derby

Manhattan Beach

Editor’s note: Design Within Reach lists the Eames table for $595 on its website.