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We live in an HGTV world that tells you everything must be new. And shiny. And perfect. I beg to differ. I believe you can love your home even when a remodel isn’t feasible.
Wouldn’t we all be so much happier if we learned to embrace our homes as they are? Social media and instant-fix tv shows can make us less content with our homes, and I think that’s sad. Instead, let’s focus on adding touches to make our homes uniquely ‘ours.’
So. Let’s get started, shall we?
Clean, Clean, Clean
Before you begin, it’s best to start with a clean slate. Purge unused items that have be hanging around collecting dust. If you don’t love it, get rid of it! Some big culprits are paper clutter, kids’ toys, shoes, and sports equipment. Grab a hamper and give your home a quick walkthrough. Anything that doesn’t belong goes in the basket to be sorted and dealt with.
Head to the bedrooms and make all the beds. I don’t know about you, but a freshly made bed automatically makes me feel better! Your room will instantly look more put together and tidy.
Open your curtains and let in some natural light! This instantly makes your home feel more cheerful and will also highlight any areas that need extra attention. If your windows haven’t been washed in a while, do that. You’d be amazed how much brighter your room will look with clean windows!
Now, it’s time to tackle those floors and dust your furniture. Vacuum, sweep, and mop everywhere. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, vacuum your upholstery too. Go over all flat surfaces with a duster and polish your wood.
Take Stock of What You Have
Your home is now clean and decluttered, so this is a perfect time to walk through and really look at what you have in each room. Document it with your camera or a notebook. What’s working in there? What isn’t? Really pay close attention to every room. Little details are often what make a home feel special, so take some time really getting to know your space.
Do you have large windows? Think about how you can make them stand out. Add lovely coverings or trim. Place a low console or table in front of them to create a focal point for the room. What about your floors? Does your home have its original wood floors? Make them shine with a new coat of wax. Do your interior doors have great detailing? Why not showcase that with some great hardware?
On the flip side, what if your home doesn’t have large windows, wood floors, or great doors? I promise you there’s still plenty to love and celebrate. Instead of focusing on what your home doesn’t have, brainstorm ideas to make it work better. Hang drapes high and wide to make small windows appear larger. Create a pretty view through the window by planting flowers or adding a window box. Buy a large rug that covers those floors you don’t like. Add trim or mouldings to your hollow core doors and change the knobs. These are all small things that will really help contribute to the overall charm of your home.
Repurpose and Showcase
Do you have your grandmother’s credenza? Your dad’s collection of fishing lures? Tons of books that make you happy? Take note of special pieces you have and think about how you can showcase them. Maybe that credenza is too large for your dining room. Can it go somewhere else? What about the living room? Or even a bedroom? Don’t be afraid to put things in unusual places. It’s really what can give your home loads of personality! For example, here is my dad’s childhood dresser. For many years it lived in our gameroom, but when we moved I struggled to find a place for it. We have a lovely screened porch off our living room, so one day I decided to put it out there. It worked! Definitely unconventional, but I love the charm it adds. Think outside the box, and you might be pleasantly surprised!
Utilitarian spaces in our homes are often overlooked. Maybe your kitchen is tiny, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be gutted and redone. Paint the cabinets, change the hardware, or add new lighting for a fresh look. No mudroom? So what! Add a lovely wicker trunk for shoe storage beside the door. Laundry room an eyesore? Give it a mini makeover! Stencil or wallpaper the walls for extra charm. Add a skirt to that tacky utility sink. Install ready made cabinets above the washer for hidden storage.
Don’t forget to add some personality to these spaces. Many times they are overlooked decorating opportunities. Hang things on the walls to make it feel less utilitarian. Do you collect vintage straw hats? Hang them above your shoe basket! What about old gardening tools? Perfect for a laundry room wall display! The possibilities are endless, and making these spaces meaningful will go a long way in helping you enjoy your home more.
Live In Your Whole House
I think the best way to really come to love and enjoy your home is to use it! Create a reading nook in an unused corner. Drink coffee on your porch. Turn an unused bedroom into a library. Eat in your dining room. Add a seating area to your bedroom. Turn off the tv, light a candle and soak up the meaningful space you are creating. Remember, building a gracious home takes years, so go slow. Enjoy adding layers and memories and let your home evolve with you. Happy nesting!
