Hey friends, are you feeling uninspired in your home? Well, you are not the only one. Being the serial re-designer that I am, I often go through phases where I feel bored with my own home (at least twice a year).
After the Christmas decor went down a few weeks ago, I felt lackluster with my surroundings. In an effort to lift my spirits, I went out and bought a few new home things. Upon getting it home and trying it out, I immediately felt better about my house. I felt inspired and refreshed…just what I needed for the new year.
If you have fallen out of love with your home, I have some inexpensive and simple strategies for rekindling that spark. Don’t give up on the home you once loved (and if you have never completely LOVED your home - seriously, let's fix that ASAP!)
1.Organize and De-clutter
There is a reason this is #1 on my list! I know you don’t want to hear it, but clutter contributes to stress. Stress + happiness in your home cannot co-exist. Not only do messy countertops, closets or cabinets dampen your mood, they interfere with productivity. How much of your life and money is wasted retrieving items you have misplaced or buying things you already own? Take a weekend to sell or donate items you no longer use and organize what you want to keep. If you are not great at organizing then decorative storage is your best friend. Not sure where to start? Your pantry is calling your name! Get rid of those expired foods. There is a reason why you haven't ate it yet. It doesn't have to be a fancy makeover where every seasoning jar has its own label and matching jar. PRO TIP: commit to one small area of your home for each week of the year. Ex: junk drawer or that cabinet with party supplies from 6 years ago. That is 52 spaces that will feel refreshed. Little effort. Big reward!
2. Burn a Scented Candle.
The power of scent is not to be overlooked. And yes, when we are expecting company we may think to light up a scented candle, but you don’t have to wait for a special occasion. I particularly love to burn candles that smell like nature (think woods and eucalyptus, but also love the dessert yumminess). Having your decluttered home smell nice will lift your mood, comfort your soul and add an element of cozy warmth to your nest. Candles not your thing? Diffusers are an amazing alternative. Oh: and turn on some relaxing background music while you are at it.
PRO TIP: Just like your diet, keep it clean when you can. Until we know more about candle toxicity, it is best to opt for candles from companies committed to transparency, quality and sustainability. Look for 100% essential oil, phthalate-free, plant-based wax with cotton, hemp or wood wicks.
3. Buy New Throw Pillows
I must admit….I have a serious addiction to throw pillows (my husband thinks I should be institutionalized for it). When I went thru my post-Christmas depression a month ago, the first item I purchased was new throw pillows. I was craving a more luxurious feel for my home, so I purchased some down-filled pillows with woven textured fabric. The best thing about throw pillows, is that they are affordable and can instantly transform a room. If you ever get sick of them, move them to another room or make a pillow cover with different fabric. Pillows are typically my first source of inspiration when re-designing a room.
PRO TIP: inserts should be one size larger than the pillow cover. Amazon & Ikea are great options for pillow inserts. Amazon, CB, Pottery Barn, Woven Nook & Etsy are my go-to for covers.
4. Fresh Flowers and/or Greenery
It may be the dead of winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring some organic life into your decor with a vase full of fresh flowers. Hell…you don’t even have to go to the florist…Publix has 3 for $12 that you can scoop up on a whim. Through various studies, science has even proven the mood boosting properties of florals and greenery. Do you possess everything but a green thumb, like me? Faux flowers and greenery can bring life to any room too. However, invest in higher quality fakes (cheap plastic stems are a dead giveaway).
PRO TIP: even a small little faux greenery can add a life to a small space. I grabbed this faux plant for less than $10 from Marshalls.
5.Create Purpose for a Wasted Space
Do you have areas of your home that are not being fully utilized? Have a dining room that never gets used or an office that just collects dust? Each room of your house should serve a purpose. If it is not, you may want to consider rearranging items or organizing so that you get the most from your home. It could be as simple as pledging to eat dinner in the dining room (instead of in front of the television). Or acknowledge you don't need a dining room and change it into a gym, office play or craft room. Assigning intent to each room really provides a new-found appreciation for your home.
PRO TIP: If you are going to be undergoing a major renovation, like a bathroom / kitchen, take time to think through the layout of all surrounding unused space (especially if you are moving plumbing anyway). We decided to convert this unused side porch on the side of our house into a walk-in shower which left room for a much larger master closet. Both are now my favorite room in the house!
That is all for today. More tips to come...
Now get out there and design some good vibes and fall in love with your home again! If you ever find yourself stumped and needing some extra help; I am always happy to help on any budget, any time.
Think of me as your personal trainer for your home... Could you lose weight or get fit without a personal trainer? SURE. But sometimes the extra accountability & knowledge is exactly what you need to make significant change in your life - and honestly will often save you the frustration & funds on ineffective methods. Think of me the same way; except we will sweat less and laugh more! xo-J
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