No matter what phase you’re in – new homeowner, a few years, or decades – it’s very easy to focus on the things that could be improved. I’m sharing 15 little things you can implement to be happier in your home. Enjoy!
Create an Organized, Clutter-free Space
When we come home or walk into a cluttered space, we become instantly frustrated without even knowing it. Keeping things organized and clutter-free creates feelings of peace, satisfaction, rest, and joy. Grab a trash bag and go room to room to find items you don’t use, don’t love, or even, don’t work. Plan to donate or trash. Removing these from a space will instantly remove frustration and open up clear space to let it breathe & spark new ideas.
Remove What Doesn’t Make You Happy
Calling this out specifically as there is a big difference between this and decluttering. If there are items you’ve been gifted and feel like you have to keep, everytime you see it you want to get rid of it but feel bad – it’s time to trash it. In order for us to love our homes, we must have things we love and give us comfort. Not things we feel guilty about.
Rearrange Anything
When talking rearranging, it doesn’t mean moving the couch or bed to the other side of the wall. Take some small items and group them to create some negative space. This will instantly declutter and make for a space that feels a little better.
The phrase “Shop Your Home” applies here. It is very gratifying to take items that aren’t working in a space and try them out elsewhere. Working through one small area will make you very proud, and in turn, instantly happy when you enter the space.
Introduce Your Favorite Color
I studied the philosophy of color in college and through my day job focus on how certain colors evoke emotions and moods. Different colors can make you happy, bring you down, relax you, and more. I suggest going through Pinterest and saving what you’re instantly drawn to. This gut feeling is the same reaction you’ll have walking into a space!
If you already know your favorite color, start to introduce it in your decor. If blue makes you happy, use it as an accent in pillows, frames, rugs, and more! A little goes a long way.
Greenery. Greenery. Greenery
I included adding greenery in almost every blog post for a reason. I never used to be a plan person, but seeing fresh flowers (or faux) can instantly make you smile and also make guests feel extremely welcome.
There are many foolproof house plants that are great to give some life into your home – while also purifying your air.
Create a Spot of Joy
Often times we think the entire home has to be done. More on this later, however, creating a spot of joy in your most used area can go such a long way. Whether its a reading nook, your corner to watch tv, or your bedroom, invest time and money into making one special spot that makes you feel the most at home.
Get Good Rest
We start and end our day in the bedroom. Take the time to put little touches on it to make it yours. More importantly, just keeping it clean. Change the sheets, clean your nightstands, or change out that one item you’re just not loving.
Display your Collections
Think of items that you love. Mugs, cake stands, hats, etc. Put them on display! Create a unique wall arrangement or vingette to put some personality into your home, but also an area that you love. Anything that makes you smile when entering a room.
Slow Down, Unwind
As of late, we’ve obviously been home more. However, its so easy to get stuck in our routine of being so on-the-go that we often forget to stop and appreciate our home. Grab a good book, cup of wine/coffee, or your favorite snacks. Play a game with your spouse. Slow down the day and get mindless. Doing any of these activities allows you sink in and enjoy it.
Pay Attention to Scents
This one sounds obvious but it makes all the difference to enter a room (as a guest, too) to something pleasant. Using non-toxic cleaners can serve a duel purpose of sanitizing while also not smelling like bleach. Scents like lavendar are commonly enjoyed and calm your mood. Whether its a candle, diffuser, or linen spray – explore what you may prefer to love your home!
Gather
Get another perspective by having guests over. Everyone understands that you’re working on it and they may have a whole different idea for a layout, color, etc. On the other hand, having people over just forces you to clean – which feels so rewarding!
Make Decisions
The main reason why things are left uncomplete or pile up is because we become paralyzed when it comes to making decisions. Whether its about fixing a broken piece of furniture, which light fixture may go on sale, or if you will like something in the future. Of course all of these are important, but don’t let them hang too long. Not only does checking this off complete the project, but makes you feel great inside to improve your overall wellbeing.
Make. Your. Bed
I feel like a mom hounding their child to just do it. However, if you don’t do this already, I am telling you the benefits of making the bed are so worth it! It builds routine, task completion, achievement, and instantly makes your room clean at the start and end of the day.
End the Comparison Game
We are guilty of this in every aspect of life. Its very easy to get on Instagram and immediately compare to everyone else, our friends & family, and more. However, so many of those people have many different factors of why they have what they have. We’re all different and theres a difference between jealousy and inspiration. If you find yourself jealous, unfollow that person. They may live in an area, have unlimited funds, or an entirely different lifestyle that is not realistic. Don’t put yourself in that spot!
Don’t Get Discouraged
Lastly, don’t get discouraged. It doesn’t have to happen all at once. I have absolutely been there – stuck with little options, something you can’t afford to tackle now, or wanting it all done at the snap of a finger. But, the beauty of it all is that we get to take time. Spend the time to get to know your space. How it functions best. What your favorite parts are. Then, little by little, you learn the priorities and your style to have a place to unwind and feel your happiest.. By utilizing the little things I’ve listed above, you will slowly fall more in love with your home!