Sprucing Up Without Going All Out
2022 is knocking. How does your front doorstep look?
We’ve gone from working from home to returning to the office, to back to working from home—and it’s been a lot. So it’s no surprise that the place we have bounced back and forth from might be in need of a little love. What better excuse than a brand new year to clear out some clutter, rearrange a few sofas and perhaps swipe a pop of color onto the walls?
There’s no time like the present, so here are some ways you can spruce up your space, without taking up too much time and precious resources.
Go shopping—in your own space
It’s very easy to get attached to an idea for an object: the green vase goes in the dining room, and the gold frame goes in the living room. But do they really have to? Consider moving accessories, artwork and even rugs to different rooms in the house. By switching up where things are “supposed” to be, you easily breathe new life into a room that has felt stagnant for a while. And, by the way, when you move those items, go ahead and give them a nice dusting. Trust me, they need it.
Refresh your front entry
The front doorway has seen a lot of action these last few months. Deliveries, trick-or-treaters and holiday guests have likely done a number on your doormat. It might seem a trivial item, but consider replacing that mat or, at the very least, give it a good cleaning. The sweep of a broom to the corners of the entry will also help spruce things up. Cobwebs are for October.
Initiate the purge
It is time. Your kids have outgrown the shoes you trip over in the hallway. You’ve never worn the faux leather trousers you wanted before the pandemic introduced you to Costco sweatpants. It’s time to let some things go. Get your family together and give them this task: Bring 10 items from your bedroom that you wish to throw out or donate. GO.
Don’t limit the purging to only clothing either. It can be easy to hang onto objects you spent money on, but if artwork or an accessory is no longer supporting your space or your aesthetic, it’s okay to gift them. If Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist is your thing, you might even be able to add a little jingle to your pocket! (Please meet in a safe place to make those exchanges.)
Clean your windows
Your windows are the home’s eyes. Give them a nice cleaning and watch them sparkle. If you can, consider hiring someone to have your windows professionally cleaned once a year. It’s worth every penny. Window washers are whizzes at getting grime off that you never knew was there. And while we’re talking windows, when was the last time you cleaned your draperies? That’s what I thought. Take them down and wash away years of dust mites, or consider replacing them altogether if they’re beginning to show signs of wear. If you love the curtains still but want a change, you can switch out the curtain rod or the hooks to give the draperies a fresh vibe.
Upgrade your lighting
Change out every bulb in your house that flickers, dim, or flat out doesn’t work. Bonus points if you can switch to an energy-efficient LED bulb. Additionally, ask yourself where adding an extra light or lamp might help. Lighting is an instant mood lifter and space changer. Give yourself some extra watts and watch the atmosphere change. Let there be light!
The Great Comforter Debate
What is it with people and holding onto their comforter for 100 years? With so many patterns, colors, and textures to choose from, know that the switch of decoration on something you spend 365 nights a year with is more than acceptable. Go on a comforter hunt and find one you love, then donate the old one. You’ll be shocked at how much fresher your bedroom feels.
Don’t get me started on mattresses
Your mattress is icky. It’s been on your bed for 12 years. I’m not saying you have to replace it (and with supply chain shortages, I don’t know that you even could), but you do need to vacuum it, remove any stains, and douse that bad boy with some baking soda to deodorize. If you have a mattress that can be flipped, do it. Lastly, consider purchasing some fresh new sheets to go with your newly cleaned sleeping oasis, then settle in for a long winter’s nap.
Change small details
Oftentimes, people mistakenly think they need to change something massive to create an impact. Not true. Perhaps you want your kitchen to feel fresh without painting every cabinet. Switch out the hardware on the cabinets for an instant uplift. Change the covers on the throw pillows in your living room to shift the vibe. Lastly, consider changing the photos in your frames. It can be a daunting task, particularly if you have a lot of frames to start with. But trust me—photo frames are like makeup. Switching out the images that you pass 25 times a day is like shifting from Chapstick to a bright red gloss. Everyone will notice, and so will you.
No matter which room you choose, or how big a change you make, the energy will undoubtedly shift. Ruts are easy to fall into in home décor, so occasionally mixing things up is an easy way to inject some inspiration into our lives. And don’t be surprised if you start small and wind up getting ambitious for more. Improvement is addictive, and your home will thank you!
Quick Changes for the Lowest Cost
Paint a room – Low cost and laborious, but worth it. And you get to eat pizza afterward.
Clean the Floorboards – Once again laborious, but so satisfying when it’s done. Encourage your kids to help; they’re lower to the ground!
File your papers – Get a filing cabinet and kick that paper clutter to the curb. If you’re inclined, there are thousands of websites dedicated to showing you how to start this process.
Blast that grime – A pressure washer will do wonders for decks, front stoops, lawnmowers, and garage floors. It’s amazing what a blast of water can do to clean up the grossest of spaces.
Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for KC. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and son.