Create a more uplifting home environment this year
Do you feel ready for a fresh start? It has certainly been a busy couple of years and we still need our homes to be our sanctuaries, particularly when forced into isolation.
Create a more inspiring and cheerful home environment this year with some light and bright upgrades that boost your mood.
Liven up your living room
Fresh plants make a welcome addition to a living room (or kitchen or bedroom for that matter). Make sure your plant gets plenty of sun and is watered regularly.
Hardy indoor varieties include:
- Philodendron
- Phalaenopsis orchid (which will bring colour to your world as well)
- Peace lilies
- Pink or red cyclamen
- Lucky bamboo
- Mother in law’s tongue
- Dragon tree
Give your plants the love they need and they’ll look great all year round. Trim dead leaves, wipe the pot regularly and brush off any dust that settles.
Add some light
If it’s viable, think about installing a skylight or even adding a window. You could also remove an internal (non-load bearing) wall to give a previously closed off area more sun.
Skylights can be cleverly installed to bring more natural light into your home so don’t rule one out because of the way your ceiling is angled.
Having sunlight in your home is an instant mood-booster. It increases your serotonin levels and contributes to better mental health.
Choose happier tones
Neutral shades of white and beige almost instantly make a space feel larger and less oppressive. A simple coat of paint is a cost-effective way to give a dark apartment an instant face lift.
Look at your window coverings as well; can dark blinds be replaced with stylish timber venetians, plantation shutters or blinds that have light-blocking backing? You can have the best of both worlds with lighter shades but sun protection when you need it.
Not into white? Your next stop is bright. Choose a colour you love and introduce it to your home so you feel happy every time you walk through the door.
If you’re renting and don’t want to paint or unable to, make your home more cheerful with cushions, rugs and furniture. Get rid of dark wood pieces or upcycle them with a fresh coat of paint.
There are schools of thought around which shades make you happier, e.g. green and blue for serenity and yellow/red for energy. However, it’s more about your personal response to a shade you love.
Get creative
If you really want to feel inspired from the moment you walk in the door, you could take the plunge and commission a mural, or purchase a bold piece of art that truly stands out. This is a long-term decision so make sure to find something you love.
Many galleries allow you to pay for an original piece in installments. Local galleries can recommend art based on the size of space you have and the positive atmosphere you want to create.
Make scents
The smell of your home can also impact your mood. If you listen to aromatherapy specialists, lighting a scented candle or popping some scented oil in a diffuser can make you feel more cheerful, productive or creative.
- Lemon/citrus
- Lavender
- Jasmine
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
Again, it all comes down to what you prefer and what makes you feel good.
Organise and declutter
A cluttered space can feel overwhelming and bring you down.
The first step if you want a home that’s tidy and organised is to spend some time getting rid of things you no longer need. Think about whether you’ll miss items after they are gone. If you haven’t needed them in more than a year, they can probably be thrown out.
It’s not just about decluttering. Staying organised means using systems, having good storage and following a routine. Yes, it can be easier said than done but if you spend a few minutes tidying each day or build a habit of never leaving a room without something to put away, you’ll find being tidy becomes automatic.
Finally, fill your home with things you love to look at. Be it pictures of your family, inspirational quotes or ornaments that spark joy, you’ll be more cheerful when you’re surrounded by meaningful treasures.
Talk to us! Thinking of selling your property this year? Give us a call for a no-obligation chat today.
