You’ve likely been staring at the same four walls for the best part of a year and a half now. No matter how much you thought you loved your home, it is natural to be craving change. For me, even the fruit and veg aisle has taken on a new appeal, purely on the merit of being different from my living room. That said, we understand that money can be tight. So, we’ve collected a list of ideas on how you can breathe a new lease of life into your space without spending a penny.
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Give it a good clean
Alright, you might not like the sound of this one but stick with us. Not only are the results of a good clean wonderful for promoting creativity and reducing stress levels, but the act of cleaning itself has also been proven to be extremely therapeutic. There are podcasts dedicated to ‘mindful cleaning’ or you can simply put on your favourite tunes and get to work. Do your future self, and anyone else you might live with, a favour and run the vacuum round.
Declutter
While you’re cleaning, if you’re anything like me, you will come across a horde of long-forgotten items you probably intended to get rid of years ago. Address them now. Anything that can be repurposed can be donated (there are a range of charities that will still collect donations even while their shops are closed) and anything that can’t should be disposed of. Don’t even think about stuffing it all at the back of the wardrobe.
Rearrange the furniture
Are all your pieces of furniture still in the same place you dumped them when you moved in, however many years ago? Now is a good time to reassess whether they’re actually in the best position for your room and your lifestyle. While you’re working from home, perhaps you’d like your desk to be closer to the window, for example. Or you could explore the supposed benefits of practices such as feng shui. Be as radical or conservative as you wish, it’s your house after all.
Homemade art
Blank walls can be pretty uninspiring. Making art at home can be a fun family activity that leaves you with some decorative, if not technically perfect, pieces at the end. There is something inherently charming about handmade crafts, especially when made by your loved ones.
Dream up some new colour combinations or try some patterns outside of your comfort zone by ordering some free blind samples. Changing just one aspect of your room can make a huge difference, whether it’s adding a statement block colour or incorporating a soothing texture. Your window is often a focal point, so switching up your blinds can be a game changer.
This past year is a testament to the importance of a house that feels like home. Your surroundings can shape your state of mind so it’s worth taking the time to reflect on how to make yours into somewhere you want to spend time in.Â
