Feel like you need a change? Is your home décor crying out for an upgrade? Unfortunately, not everyone has the time – or the budget – available to do a total home interior makeover whenever they want to. But the good news is that there are some very simple things that you can do straight away to help transform the look and feel of your home without all the fuss! It’s all about understanding the basic principles of design and making a few thoughtful, strategic changes rather than lots of big ones. Here are 7 hacks you can use to elevate your home environment – and your life!
Hack 1: Give your bathroom a face-lift
Most bathrooms are relatively small spaces, so even small changes can make a big impact. One simple way to rejuvenate your bathroom space is to repaint it or add a single feature wall with statement color or wallpaper. Not sure which color to choose? Since you spend a fair amount of time in the bathroom looking at yourself in the mirror, it’s always a good idea to pick a wall color that really complements your skin tone. Choose a shade that you’ll want to surround yourself with and enjoy seeing every single day. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that the wall color you choose coordinates and contrasts nicely with your bathroom floor, counters, and shower area. You may also want to pull an inspirational color from your bathroom accessories. For example, your shower curtain, towels, or bathmat. (Want to turn your bathroom into your own relaxing spa? Check out this helpful blog!)
Hack 2: Change accents seasonally
While larger pieces of furniture or accents can take a lot of time and money, there’s no reason why you have to stick with the same accents all year-round. In fact, changing accent pieces along with the seasons is a great way to keep your space looking fresh. A good place to start is by adding some accessories to your living room that will make you and your family more comfortable, whether you’re sitting, relaxing, or napping. Throws and accent pillows allow you to adjust your own comfort level, especially if your sofa and chairs are exposed, or if the room is a little drafty. As one season rolls into another, it’s quick and easy to change out the color, fabric, and weight of your blankets and pillows. For example, nubby fabrics, wool, and dark tones are perfect for both fall and winter, while linens in light colors and creams and whites are more refreshing for spring and summertime.
Hack 3: Decorate with indoor plants
Indoor plants are a wonderful way to bring life to any room, and they’re healthy for you and your family too! Not only do they improve the quality of indoor air, they also help reduce stress levels and may even boost your mood and productivity! To make the most of your indoor greenery, look for assorted house plants of varying sizes and shapes, and select some varieties that are easy to maintain. Pay attention to where they will be placed and how much light and moisture they will get as different plants respond better to different conditions. When choosing containers for your plants, be on the lookout for pots and baskets that will not only hold your plants, but can also provide beauty and aesthetic value in their own right. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! (Or, in this case, the planter!)
Hack 4: Add an area rug to your space
One of the things we love most about area rugs is how versatile they are. They have a unique way of being able to unify and bring together all the different visual elements of a room. They also add warmth, comfort, and even safety – especially on hard-surface floors like concrete, tile, and hardwood. And did you know that area rugs have the additional benefit of being an effective, stylish way of helping to reduce ambient noise levels in your space?
Hack 5: Dedicate 5 minutes a day to tidying up
You don’t have to be a neat freak to benefit from the magical qualities of ordered space. In fact, upgrading your home also means helping to keep your home in its upgraded condition. In other words, you should tidy up regularly. This may sound like a laborious chore, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by creating a list of all the areas in your home that you want to declutter. (Actually write them down on a piece of paper!) Add a room name or room category, and then under each name/category, create a checklist of all the areas that need to be tackled. Now, simply designate five minutes a day to address a single point on your checklist. That’s it! If you’re consistent in working down your checklist, you’ll start seeing a real difference in your home in no time! Think of it as setting aside five minutes a day to establish a good habit.
Hack 6: Upgrade your bedding
Your bedroom is your ultimate personal sanctuary, so if it is starting to feel drab or uncomfortable, it’s time for you to take action. Upgrade your bed with some comfy new bedding, like a new duvet cover or coverlet with matching shams. Try a new design pattern or color palette as you seek to create the kind of personal oasis you desire. You can also play around with some new accent pillows or a new throw blanket. (For more ideas and inspiration, take a look at our bedding collections.)
Hack 7: Add a mirror
If a room in your home is looking and feeling a little cramped, one easy way to create space is with a mirror. Mirrors help to add light and depth to a room and can also be used to trick the eye into thinking a space is larger than it actually is. They can also be placed to reflect views, which is a great way of bringing the outdoors in.
As always, we wish you all the best as you work to create a home environment that you truly love. At Jennifer Adams, we’re here to help!