It's so important to surround yourself with beautiful things (and that means whatever you think is beautiful). Carol-Anne talked yesterday about the power of your home environment and here are a few ways to really punch it up.
Get rid of clutter. You don't have to be the person who has to have everything in its place to benefit from having less clutter. I am especially fond of a place just inside the door for coats, wallets, and keys so that they don't find their way deep into the house (calling my name, Teerrrryyyy, come pick me up. What that doesn't happen to you? Okay, moving on.) A clean space is easier to keep clean and is calming.
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Treat yourself to fresh flowers. Flowers don't have to cost a fortune and do wonders for your home and your mood. For great prices, try your local market or your florist on off days. Our florist has half-price Fridays, where the stock is limited but still gorgeous and 50% off. Also, don't be afraid to use an unconventional vase like these cans below if that is something that will make you happy.
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Add a pillow. Or a throw. Or a slipcover. Changing up the fabrics in your rooms can add freshness and interest. I especially like to make sure that the heavier winter fabrics are cleared out for lighter summer materials.
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Make it smell great. I like to burn candles or incense in the winter months, but lean more toward flowers or windows wide open in spring and summer (when humidity and temperature allows). I am also terrified that our house might smell like our furry friends, so I'm always spraying this homemade fabric freshener (right now in a lavender fragrance).
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Let there be music. Don't ignore your sense of hearing when you're working on your surroundings. You could try some soft music or maybe you're into something really rocking. If that doesn't work for you, a small fountain might be nice (though that would definitely make me have to pee) or maybe some chimes.
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This last one is completely impractical and entirely decadent and after reading it here, I absolutely want to do this. Wallpaper the inside of your closet. Could be your walk-in closet, your linen closet, maybe your pantry. How fun is this? I want to hear from every one of you who does this. And I want one of you to come to my house and do it for me. :)
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10 comments:
Terrific ideas here. Particularly the one about music, which I sometimes forget.
Last year, I FINALLY painted the insides of my closets, after living here for 15 years, and realized how much nicer it makes life! I can't wallpaper anything, but I think it would be lovely.
I agree totally that flowers make a difference. I still get a kick out of picking them from my own garden. You're right about the clutter, but it's sometimes easier said than done.
Great tips. For me clutter is an issue. Having three children we have clutter - toys - sports stuff - gaming and cds seem to be everywhere :)
Dee
This truly speaks to me! Environment is so very important to my personal well-being. Even lighting a candle can make a setting so much nicer. T.
Thanks for not using the "before" picture of my craft room as your clutter model!! I love to light candles, sometimes I'll have 8 burning at once! You've reminded me that I used to have a fountain in my home and I loved it! I'm getting another one. So worth the splurge! Maybe I'll even make another pillow!!
Oohhhh, that closet is very cool!
Some really great ideas there! I'm swooning over that closet... So pretty!
I have finally gotten even my housework-phobic husband to admit - it's so much more relaxing without clutter! (Getting it all tidied up with a 1-year old in 900 square feet is a challenge, but that's another story).
Also, I think wallpapering a closet wouldn't be too big a job. The hard part is taking everything out and putting it all back in!!
I HATE clutter. I'ma de-clutter-er.
Next home the closet will definitely be wallpapered, I was going to do it here, but got sidetracked...
I'm not a knick knack collector, when I go somewhere I like to find something useful to take back, or something like seashells from the beach wherever that may be. I don't have to dust the memories. :)
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