Your
summer vacation may have allowed a night’s stay in “the cutest little place
you’ve ever seen.” Or afternoon heat may
be keeping you indoors in front of a home renovation show marathon on TV. Whatever the cause, we can all get a “case of
the blahs” when it comes to our satisfaction level with the state of our place. Here are 10 simple steps to make a
satisfactory comeback before trading in flip flops for closed-toe shoes is even
on your radar screen.
1.
Reclaim a Space. Pick one spot – a kitchen counter, desk,
nightstand, dresser, or bathroom counter that you used to be able to see to the
bottom of, and clear it. Sort, throw
away, and reorder to get that cluttered surface gleaming. You never know what that one crystal clear
spot might inspire you to work on next.
2.
Do the Shuffle. Move the furniture around in one room, like
your living room or bedroom or other stifled area. A new look and orientation breathes new energy
into a space, and it doesn’t cost a dime.
3.
Replace Some Bulbs. Letting burned out bulbs just sit is
dreary. And some old bulbs are still
casting a yellow, dated light. Update to
bright white compact florescent bulbs (twisty bulbs, I call them) in key areas,
and enjoy the renewed glow.
4.
Updates Your Photo Frames. If you display family photos in frames
scattered here and there, make it a project to make them current and look for
more candid shots in your digital collections to print. Instead of what the kids looked like six
years ago, display moments from your recent trip, the last wedding, or random
action shots from this year.
5.
Turn Knick-Knacks into Collections. A random display of small
decorative items leaves something to be desired. Focus on groupings – on your end tables,
nightstands, coffee table, and shelving – and arrange little collections. A neat stack of books can be topped off with
a candlestick and small figurine. Put
things together purposefully so you have something more artful and less erratic.
6.
Spruce Your Bathroom. Store every product and styling gadget out of
sight in a drawer, cabinet, or lidded basket.
Hang a fresh hand towel daily.
Set out the “nice” hand soap for everyday use. Essentially, treat yourself like a hotel
guest.
7.
Be a Pantry Detective. Go through every staple item in your pantry
and fridge in search of expiration dates.
Throw out all the late-date culprits.
Then admire the space you opened up and tidy as you leave.
8.
Make a Small Change. Buy something small and trivial . . . and
love the update. Seriously, a new paper
towel holder, set of salt and pepper shakers, or even a package of bright
cocktail napkins can provide a little boost of that happy “I got something new”
feeling, and you appreciate it all over again.
9.
Clean Your Windows and Mirrors. A lot of elbow grease? Yes. A
better outlook? Yes.
10.
Remake the Beds. A littler fancier turndown service with the
covers pulled back and the pillows professionally arranged can make going to
bed in your home, sweet home that much sweeter.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star August 12th.
