The start of a new year is a good time to look ahead and consider what you’d like to achieve. However, if the unprecedented and unpredictable year of 2020 taught us anything, it was not to put too much pressure on ourselves and slow down a little. So, this year rather than setting the usual resolutions that can be hard to keep, why not think about more manageable goals that not only give you a sense of satisfaction, but also improve your home and keep you busy throughout yet another lockdown. Whether it’s that print you’ve been meaning to hang for months, or that room that could do with a lick of paint, there’s never been a better time to get started.
Get organised and declutter
Get a head start on that spring clean and have a good sort-out, taking on your home room by room. Once you have decluttered you can then start the satisfying process of figuring out the best storage solutions for your needs and organising your belongings, whether that be inside a cupboard, drawers or baskets. You can prioritise what’s important, what you want to have on display, and you might even find some hidden treasures you’ve not seen in years. Tidying your space can make it feel bigger and calmer, giving you room to relax in the knowledge that everything is where it’s supposed to be.
Sort out your WFH situation
For many, the initial two weeks working from home have turned into several months. With the uncertainty of the last year, you might have put off fully designating an area of your home to be your workspace and procrastinated buying that new office chair or desk that would ultimately make you more comfortable. Now’s the time to finally commit to creating a workspace that’s right for you, doesn’t give you backache and keeps you inspired throughout the day. After all, you probably spend a big chunk of your days there, so make it a lovely space to be in, perhaps with the addition of a vase of flowers, a candle, a new lamp and a few good-looking storage solutions.
Rethink your layout to make the most of your space
Give your home an easy and affordable refresh by switching furniture and accessories around to ensure you’re getting the best use out of your space. Try changing the layout of a room to make it work better for your current lifestyle. For instance, if you’re spending your time reading and have a certain spot that gets the best light, why not reposition a comfy chair next to that window? Or if you’re doing daily yoga videos, you could adjust your layout to create a calm and relaxing corner. Thinking this through will help you understand what pieces of furniture suit your needs and will help you narrow down your search. This process could also be done on a smaller scale, such as restyling the shelves of a bookcase or repositioning your artwork around your home.
Lift your spirits by adding personality
Brighten up your home with pops of colour and personal touches that will make you smile. Just a simple fresh lick of paint can transform a space, whether it be bold or neutral you prefer, it will give your room a whole new atmosphere. You could even try your hand at hanging wallpaper to define a space. Adding personality can also be done on a smaller scale through prints and other accessories such as rugs, cushions and vases. Choose things you love and connect to, so when the time finally comes to have guests round again, you will have a welcoming home full of character to show off.
Create an outdoor area you’ll love year-round
If you’re getting tired of being inside, why not turn your garden, terrace or balcony into an extra space you can use for longer than just the summer. It could be by adding a covered area or firepit for keeping warm in the winter months, preparing a vegetable patch ready for spring, or by getting your furniture in place for the summer so you can look forward to relaxing and dining outside. Consider your outdoor area an extension of your living space and so you can make the most of it all year.
