Ergh. This is how I’ve been feeling for the last week or so. I did way too much over Christmas and new year and then straight back to work so I feel totally exhausted, which is not what I hoped for at the start of a new year when I’m supposed to be starting afresh. I’m looking forward to the weekend when I can get back on track and catch up with myself a bit.
I don’t know about you, but one of the things I always like to do at the start of a new year (are you sick of resolutions talk yet?) is to try and de-clutter a bit and find some quick and inexpensive ways to rejuvenate my home. I recently saw photographs of a house in Stoke Newington, that is used for photo shoots (hence the absence of any ‘stuff’), and it made me crave a more stream-lined approach at home and to change things around. It got me thinking about some easily achievable things we can all do, that can take minutes and most require no money, to give our homes a fresh new start for the year. I find that even changing the smallest thing in a room can make all the difference and bring a room back to life…
1) Style a set of shelves differently.
Swap things around, find bits from around the home to replace objects, add a lamp or a plant.
2) Change the cushions on your sofa.
This can instantly change the look in your sitting room and, if you can make them yourself, doesn’t cost too much.
3) Reupholster your dining chairs.
I learnt how to do this last year and it is so much easier than you think!
4) Change the pictures on your walls.
Either swap them with others from around the house or display them in a different formation.
5) Print a pattern onto a plain curtain, blind, cushion or lampshade.
Use a lino cut or even a potato to customise plain textiles in your home. This could change the whole feel of a room.
6) Clear up your noticeboard.
Take everything off, have a good throwaway and start again.
7) Style your bedside table or dressing table differently.
Either de-clutter or find objects from around the house to replace the ones that have been sitting there for years.
8) Do a furniture makeover.
You could paint a piece of furniture, sand it back to wood, cover it in fabric, line it with wallpaper.
9) Buy new bedlinen in the January sales.
This instantly lifts any bedroom and is key to a bedroom makeover.
10) Plant some indoor bulbs.
Use pretty containers or tea cups to plant bulbs so that there is some much needed colour in the house.
Do any of these ideas appeal to you? Have a look at these photographs, courtesy of JJ Locations, that inspired me to want to change a few things around in my constant quest for a light, organised, de-cluttered home (although, obviously not to the extent of this minimalist ‘locations’ house!)…
I’ll be back to show you how I get on restyling my very ‘real’ and messy dressing table!
Katy x
Hey Katy,
I hope you’re not too stressful. I think so many of us end in your situation; Christmas is often far from restful, even if we do take time off work!
I love all of these ideas – changing around your bookshelf especially is so easy but gives a bookcase a fresh look.
I always make a point of having a spring clean at the start of the year; clearing out rubbish is so therapeutic. I’ve also started buying myself a bunch of flowers regularly, to brighten up my room.
Hope you manage to rest soon!
Leanne x
Thanks, Leanne. Totally agree about the fresh flowers too! Jules used to buy me flowers every week – shame that doesn’t still happen 😉 x
Great ideas! I’m planning to make some cushion covers – and trying to brace myself for a jolly good sort out – definitely need to make some room. Space is so important. Just need to get started and not distracted….!
It’s definitely a case of bracing ourselves! I love making cushion covers – so quick and easy but instantly satisfying. Hope the clearing goes well 🙂