5 WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR SPACE FOR THE NEW YEAR
It’s the new year, we all do it - we think of ways to improve our life, cut back, laugh more, live fully and feel good. There are diets, work out routines and cookbooks, the list goes on!
While you are thinking of all the ways to improve different facets of your life for the new year - don’t leave out your environment! People often underestimate the value of a happy living space, but if you think about it, it is where you spend most of your time, where you get rest, where you have quiet moments, where you dream and where you plan.
So, if a full remodel or decor overhaul isn’t in your plan, here are a few tips to help give new life to your home:
PAINT
Photo by Sladic/iStock / Getty Images
Ohhh the quick transformation of paint! To me this is one of the best ways for big change with low risk - because guess what, it can always be repainted! Even just painting the same color can help a space stay bright, clean and fresh. This year, we are seeing people gravitate to more saturated colors on their walls, which we couldn’t be more excited about. However, if sticking to a neutral like a calming gray or a refreshing shade of white is more your speed, that’s okay too, there is no wrong answer here, paint your home a color that brings you happiness, calmness and inspires you.
NEW AREA RUGS
Colorful interior by Lisa Gilmore Design | Image: Native House Photography
Have you been staring at that old area rug for far to long? Yeah. You have. It’s time to refresh your space with some new knots. Area rug knots, that is! I often hear people say they are worried to spend a lot of money on a nice area rug, because of kids, pets and daily life. However, it should really be the opposite! When you invest in a truly well made area rug with a great fiber content (stay away from poly blends) you can easily clean with something as simple as soda water. Another thing to pay attention to - the back of the area rug and the knots per square inch, the more knots per square inch = more durability, so things like spills can’t get through as easily and stains are easier to remove. You can really breathe a ton of new life into a room with a new area rug to ground the space and pull color inspiration for moving forward with other decor elements.
PRO TIP: don’t make your room feel dwarfed with a rug that is to small! We often see people underestimate the power of a larger rug. To make sure the rug size is proportionate to your room, the rug should hit underneath the front legs of all furniture.
FRESH BEDDING
Master bedroom by Lisa Gilmore Design | Image: Native House Photography
There is really nothing like getting into a bed made with fresh crisp sheets, right? Our bedding gets a lot of use, so treat yourself to some new threads for your bed, your dreams will thank you and you will wake up feeling extra refreshed!
THROW PILLOWS
Custom throw pillows by Lisa Gilmore Design | Image: Native House Photography
Seasons change, so does your mood. Sometimes it’s nice to switch out your throw pillows for those seasons. Maybe in the winter time you like more cozy, soft and monochromatic throw pillows. While in the summer time you might prefer something with more color, pattern and pop! Either way, dressing up your sofa with a new set of throw pillows for the year (or season) is a great way to refresh any space.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Okay, here’s the deal. I’m a sucker for essential oils. I use them - a lot. I used to burn a lot of candles (and don’t get me wrong, I still use candles) but I have pretty much converted to the use of essential oils in my home (and office). It has such a clean and refreshing impact on your space. I personally love mixing different blends for different moods, seasons and activities. This is an instant refresher for any space and also a mood booster!
What are some of your favorite ways to refresh your space with the new year? Any tips or tricks that you feel must hit the list? Here’s to a happy new year - and an even happier home!
With love & design-y dreams,
