Fall is my favorite season, and not just because of the pumpkin spice lattes! I love the crisp mornings and warmer afternoons, the beautiful colors, and the ability to bring out all the comfy home decor items like throws and cushions. For those of you in the northern hemisphere, you might relate. For those of you just going into spring, it might be a time to bring out all things fresh and summery! Whatever season you are going into, you may want to look around and really see your home for what it is.
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Does your home reflect your style? Do your furnishings and decor seem dated or are you on-trend with the latest bells and whistles? If someone were to describe your style, would it be Traditional, Shabby Chic, Modern Farmhouse, Seaside, Minimalist, Gray (because gray has been in for a long time), or cobbled together from yard sales and Ikea?
When we were younger and raising a family, we may not have had the ability to decorate the way we would have liked. Creating a personalized space often took a back seat to sticky fingers, untrained pets, and finances used in other ways. If decorating isn’t your passion, then it may not be a priority – though it would be nice to have a home that reflects your taste, and personality, and makes you feel at home (kind of like the Danish feeling of hygge – a quality of coziness and comfy-ness that brings a feeling of contentment or well-being.) Read more about hygge and how to create hygge for the holidays here.
Changing up your home decor can give you a fresh start. Loving the space you’re in not only pleases the eye, but it is also restorative for the mind, body, and soul. Creating dynamic spaces that reflect who you are and what you love is an outward expression of your inward thoughts and personality.
Here are some less-than-obvious ways that changing up your decor can refresh and rekindle your enthusiasm for life.
First, get rid of the clutter
You can’t see what you’re working with if clutter is in the way. Clutter is also very distracting to the mind and decreases your ability to relax. Get some boxes and label them “Donate”, “Store” or “Trash” and add all the clutter to one of those categorized boxes.
Choose colors that you love
Painting or decorating your home in colors that bring you joy can alter your mental health for the better. Are you a warm or cool-toned person? Painting your walls in either tone can greatly improve your happiness. If you love warm tones and live in a home of cool tones, you may experience depression due to the effect the color has on you. Warm up your home with rich tones, and your mood will improve.
Textures and fabrics
Fabrics that are soft and cozy can restore your mindset and your sense of security. Create a master bedroom complete with updated sheets, fluffy comforters, plush pillows, and fluffy rugs. The delight to your sense of touch will help to restore you every time you are unplugged and regenerating for the next day.
Lighting
Lighting affects mood. Having adequate lighting that is soft and pleasant is an important way to refresh yourself. First, replace all the burnt out or fading bulbs. There are always a few! Finding bulbs that cast a soft glow and create a happy mood will help you feel good every time you are home. You may even want tp purchase a new lamp or light fixture.
Art and furnishings
Your art should reflect who you are. There is a saying that no one should buy art or fragrance for someone else, (and I would add scented candles) because it’s so personal. These are intimate decisions that only the owner can choose. From the furniture you sit on to the decorations that adorn your walls and shelves, having pieces that are functional, comfortable, and delight your eye is vital. If you have sentimental furniture passed down from relatives, it may be time to let go of it or find a different way to use it. I have a lot of my mother’s artwork and pieces that I’ve purchased at our local “Art on the Green” celebrations. But looking around my home, I also see a couple of things that really don’t bring me joy. I kept them out of guilt. For instance, I have a very old iron wood-burning stove that my father hauled all the way from Canada to California for me. It may be time to let it go as it just doesn’t fit. It made a good coffee bar for a while!
Changing up your home decor to make it reflect your personality and the particular season you’re in is an excellent way to refresh and recharge. Being comfortable in your home is the best way to energize yourself to be and do all that is expected of you outside of those walls.
LEARN TO LOVE YOUR LIFE AGAIN
Do you feel like you need to hit the REFRESH button on your life? Download our free guide and begin to create your best life yet!
