There's no better time than a new year to renew your living space. Whether you have a tiny apartment, or a 10,000 square foot house, here's five simple changes that will make you feel like you're living in a brand new home.
1. Rearrange your furniture.
I'm a designer, which means I get easily bored with my surroundings, so I rearrange the furniture. I once turned my living room into a dining room. Move that sofa to the opposite wall. Swap out your nightstands with side tables from the living room, or use a floor lamp next to the bed. A dining room sideboard can work just as well in the living room. Hang a mirror above it or put the flatscreen TV on top. You can do it. Really. Even if a decorator has carefully selected and placed each and every piece of furniture. Mix it up. You'll be amazed at how you feel like you're in a new home.
2. Edit.
Now that everything is in a new place, clear the clutter. Clear off every knick knack and tchotchke and put it on your kitchen or dining room table. Then edit. Rethink what you had on those side tables and mantle. Put back only what you love, and put it back in different places. Store everything else to swap out at a later time. You might even have holiday gifts to add to the mix.
3. New color scheme.
It's sale time, so it's the perfect opportunity to change up the colors in your home. No, I don't mean going out to buy new furniture, or painting the walls... just change up the accessories. New throw pillows in a different color or pattern will revive that old sofa. If you have colorful cushions, try neutralizing... shades of pale can be just as stunning as a profusion of color. Add a comfy throw blanket for those cold winter nights. In the same vein, replace your bedding. A new duvet cover and shams will transform your bedroom. Make it cozy. Fold up a wool blanket at the foot of the bed, and add a little throw rug next to it.
4. Move your artwork.
Now that you have a new furniture arrangement and color scheme, move your artwork around. If that painting has been on the same wall for so long it's left a mark, maybe it's time for a new location. I constantly move my artwork around from wall to wall, room to room, because, frankly, why not? You'll be surprised at how artwork is given new life when it's moved to a new wall.
5. Organize your bookshelves.
Books are one of my favorite decorating accessories. Reorganize your bookshelves... try sorting books by color, or by subject, or by type. Separate hard covers from paperbacks. Lay large books flat on the shelves, using them as a bookend for smaller books. Place a few memorable objects on top of the large flat books, or in front of the smaller ones. Remove some books and use them on a side table or coffee table.
That's it! Prepare to be exhilarated.
New Year, New Home...in Five Easy Steps
To see where I get my inspiration, check out my blog.