“There’s no place like home.”
-Dorothy, the Wizard of Oz
It’s a brand new year. Are you ready to start fresh? Have you made some resolutions? Let’s make a pact. Rather than make the same old resolutions about flossing more often, dieting, Banting, exercising, let’s each vow to tackle at least one of the projects on our home “to-do” list!
1. I will reflect on what I truly love
Take a look around your home and decide what you really love and what you can do without. You will discover many outdated items or items that have no function. Frame those pieces of art that you’ve collected over the years that are just gathering dust. When you find a unique piece at an antique shop or flea market that you truly love, give them a place in your home.
2. I will put down my Pinterest board – for a little while
Look up from your devices and start acting on your interior visions. Scrolling through Pinterest, it’s evident that there’s a lot of same-ness out there and current trends. But is this truly your own individual and unique style? We certainly have our favorite inspiration go-to for interior design ideas, but keep them to a minimum this year. Find inspiration in the unlikely places. Take home global influences from travels or take in ideas from fresh restaurant interiors. Go out and find your own unique inspiration.
3. My ultimate break up with minimalism
Less is more? Enough with minimalism. Sure these spaces look beautiful in photographs, but let’s be honest, they aren’t realistic for anyone with a life. Now is the time of colour, texture, graphic patterns and bohemian attitude. Paint those white walls. Add some flair with patterned colourful rugs and pillows. Bring in personality with original artwork and witty accessories. Embrace the imperfect!
4. I will create my dream home office
We all have a room in our home that needs an upgrade, mine is my current store room which is meant to be a home office. This change in your home’s interior design is a big commitment, so make sure that you plan your changes carefully and take time and cost into consideration. Making this a reality is definitely worth the investment, as it will make you more productive. Invest in that desk you’ve had your eye on and buy a quality, comfortable chair. This is your year to shine!
5. I vow to stop taking myself so seriously
Your rooms don’t need to look like a catalog or design magazine or Pin worthy haven. Throw in some fun elements that make you smile, laugh or think. Look for accessories with personality, pillows with some sass, paint your hallway bright yellow or your window trim in hot pink. Be unconventional!
6. I resolve to take a colour risk
Using bold colours in the home is a sure way to quickly revamp an interior design with exciting impact. 2016 is the year to shake things up a little! While paint is an easy design change, it is more of a commitment than the pops of colour accent pillows, throws, or vases can bring.
7. I will declutter and purge
Start your year with a clean slate by clearing out any unnecessary items from your home and donate them to charity. This is a huge task in itself, but is easier if you break it down into smaller projects. After purging items that are holding both physical and emotional space, relying on smart storage solutions like adding boxes to house smaller contributes to design happiness.
8. Rearrange the Living Room or Bedroom
Rearranging a room is a way to achieve a new perspective and give your room a fresh new look. Consider moving pieces from other rooms into your living room or taking pieces out to fit a new arrangement. Start by drawing a diagram of the room and plan before moving. Have fun with it and don’t feel the need to get it perfect the first time. Once you’ve lived in the room for a few days, you may decide to make changes.
9. Refresh your decorative accents
It is often the little things that make the biggest difference. Get playful with geometric designs or typography on pillows or change up a lamp base with a new shape of shade or add a vintage copper tray to the coffee table. Such items are nice investments since they can be reused in varied spaces or with other combinations. New towels and linen can make a big impact. A nice plush rug in the bathroom also infuses a fresh look. Install new light fixtures or update existing ones for fresh appeal or a modern upgrade. Reupholster a chair or set of chairs to add a vibrant addition to a room.
10. No more “Maybe’s”
Stop stalling and take action!
Resolve to make your living space more livable and enjoyable this year. It’s a resolution you’ll look forward to keeping.
