We all go into the New Year with good intentions when it comes to fulfilling resolutions like losing weight, spending more time with family and saving money – but what about the goals for your home? Whether it’s to replace that peeling wallpaper or mend the garden fence there isn’t a better time to don the DIY hat than when Christmas has died down and life returns to (somewhat) normal.
Image courtesy of Pinterest
If you’ve got a bit of time on your hands when 2016 finally rolls around, here are some simple ideas on how to spruce up your home and give it that just-moved-in feel once again.
- Rearrange your furniture
This is the perfect place to start. Moving your furniture around can reinvigorate the entire room and it will also help you work out which other aspects of the room, if any, that you want to give some attention to. This update is also great for those who are on a tight budget because it won’t cost you a cent!
- Give your walls the wow factor
There are some really fabulous wall paper designs on the market at the moment so enjoy spending time finding the right one for your home. A statement wall is the perfect way to add a vibrant update to your main living areasbut if you’re afraid of a bold colour choice opts for a warm neutral such as grey or beigy-cream.
Image courtesy of Apartment Therapy
- Update your accessories
If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly way to add some newness to your home, why not part ways with some old accessories you are no longer fond of and replace them with new ones? These small changes will make a big impact. Nordic design has taken the interiors industry by storm – think minimalism and materials such as marble and brass and you’ll have a home that’s beautifully on trend.
- Bright lights
After the Christmas lights come down, things can feel a little lacklustre when it comes to your lighting scheme. You can get that warm glow back with a mix of different lamps placed on tables, on the floor and even in those forgotten corners of the room. Pick ones with cream or beige shades to create a cosy ambience.
Image courtesy of Pottery Barn
- Garden matters
The New Year is a great time to get out in the garden and give your outdoor space a little TLC too. A clever way to transform the look of your entire garden (that won’t break the bank) is to install a new style of boundary or fence. There are many adaptable fence designs available these days – those that can hold all manner of fixtures including water features and lights. A well designed boundary will also do a good job of keeping out noise leaving you with a sophisticated and tranquil oasis in which to enjoy the outdoors.
- Bring the outdoors in
Even if you don’t have a garden that doesn’t mean that you can’t inject a little nature into your New Year design plans. Plants add a wonderful colourful accent to any room and while fresh flowers will do an excellent job of brightening your home they don’t normally last beyond a few weeks. Instead, opt for indoor plants, Fiddle Leaf Fig trees are proving incredibly popular at the moment and you can always rely on an orchid or two to add an elegant touch.
Image courtesy of Apartment Therapy
- Top up the tea towels
In your kitchen, the smallest updates will make the biggest differences even down to the tea towels hanging on the stove. Pop a few pretty ones in your shopping basket and change them as and when the seasons –or your mood! – Change.
- Runner rules
Your hallways are the most frequently visited space in the house but rarely are they top of the list when it comes to decorating. You can easily take this space from mundane to memorable with a bold, bright runner under the feet of your family and visitors.
Author’s Bio: Michael Peggs is the founder of SEO agency Marccx Media, where they specialize in white hat link building, SEO and Content Marketing. Before Marcxx, Peggs worked at Google in business development, forming digital media and advertising partnerships. He is also a blogger and podcaster, hosting the iTunes Top 10 New & Noteworthy podcast You University – The Personal Branding Podcast.