Has your home become the backdrop for most of your day? Whether you are working out of the house rather than in the office or skipping restaurants in favor of home-cooked meals, these tips from Northern Lights Home Staging and Design can help you refresh your living space and make it as cheery and welcoming as possible.
Declutter Your Space
Many home improvements are simple enough to be done without professional help. For example, decluttering is a DIY job that can make an enormous difference in the appearance and energy of your space. Moreover, research shows that clearing clutter from your environment increases your ability to focus, process information, and be productive. Additionally, keeping things clean and organized can help eliminate dust, which can reduce the symptoms of breathing conditions such as asthma (wheezing, feelings of breathlessness, etc.).
To begin, set realistic expectations and pick a method that appeals to you. You can attack the problem with the KonMari process, which encourages you to keep things that spark joy and get rid of the rest, or try a longer-term approach, such as getting rid of at least one item per day. The method is not as important as the commitment, so choose an approach that resonates with you to increase your chances for success.
Decluttered living spaces also contribute to a home’s feng shui, or positive energy that aligns with and supports your life’s natural balance and rhythms. As Architectural Digest notes, it’s a simple way to improve the vibes of your home’s interior, taking steps like strategically arranging furniture (which is difficult to do if clutter abounds) and integrating vertical shapes and lines in each room.
Let in More Light
Exposure to natural light can offer many benefits, including better sleep, improved mood, and increased productivity. Aim to increase the amount of natural light in your home by replacing heavy curtains with sheers or blinds that allow the sunlight to shine in. Adding a few strategically placed mirrors can increase the amount of daylight in your room through the power of reflection.
If your windows are outdated or too small to allow enough light, consider replacing them. Unless you have advanced renovation skills, you should hire a professional for the job.
Carve Out a Workout Space
Being home every day can take a toll on your health if you allow yourself to be sedentary for long stretches of time. To offset this, consider devoting a room or space to be used as your at-home gym. Having a designated workout spot increases your likelihood of maintaining a consistent exercise regime.
While it doesn’t need to be large or fancy, your workout space should provide:
- Privacy while exercising
- Enough space to move around
- Adequate storage for your equipment
Make Strategic Changes
When you are making home improvements, it always pays to think strategically and focus on changes that can increase the value of your property. For example, repairing or replacing your roof is a sure-fire way to reap a good ROI, so look into nearby roof replacement companies to get the job done right. This is especially true if you are planning to sell your home soon.
With this in mind for the home’s interior, invest in renovations that give you the most return for your money. Experts suggest that you can get 10% more for your home if you invest in kitchen and bathroom upgrades, including:
- Modern bathroom fixtures, such as a freestanding tub, a glass shower enclosure, or a frameless LED vanity mirror
- A kitchen island or breakfast bar, especially one with contrasting surfaces or interesting architectural details
- New, energy-efficient appliances
- Updated cabinets, often achievable with a simple coat of paint and new hardware
- A kitchen backsplash that features contrasting colors or textures
- A whimsical touch in the bathroom, such as a chandelier, a waterfall showerhead, or a black-and-white mosaic tile floor
While you can tackle the smaller jobs yourself, large-scale projects are best left to the professionals. Document any major home improvements with before and after photos as well as receipts.
Investing time, energy, and money into your house can pay off both now and in the future. In addition to enjoying your revived space right away, you can also benefit later when you decide to sell.
This article was written by Suzie Wilson of Happier Home for Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.
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My philosophy of great Interior Design, which I call Aligned Design, considers three key factors which are art (creativity), science (color), and energy (connection). The intersection of the three is where the magic happens.
I like to start with a look at what you already have and how we can re-arrange or re-purpose to create your perfect space. This is part of the art of great design.
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