In the past, you’d rarely ever find me in my apartment. Like most everyone, my days were spent elsewhere—working at the office, working out at the gym, eating at restaurants and exploring my city. However, this year, life has mainly happened at home. The kitchen table (and let’s be honest, the bed) has doubled as a desk.
Plants are now considered coworkers. I became more attuned to the 750 square feet I inhabit than I could have ever thought possible. In a way, our homes are extensions of ourselves. The new year comes with new possibilities—a chance, if you wish, to recreate your life. Why not start with your living space? Redecorate your home, and you’ll be ready for whatever 2021 has in store.
The new year comes with new possibilities—a chance, if you wish, to recreate your life.
1. Settle on a style.
Maybe you’re in the mood to replace your furniture and go all in on a new look and feel for your place, but you’ll first want to consider what style you’re after.
Do your tastes lean more toward bohemian? Mid-century modern? Minimalist with a touch of Parisian flair? Once you’ve settled on a vision for your dream home, you can begin swapping out the old for the new, piece by piece.
2. Tell a color story.
Ever heard of color therapy? Certain hues can influence our mental and emotional wellbeing in some unexpected ways. They say that yellow gives us energy, blue and green can help us relax and orange can stimulate creativity and a sense of optimism.
By being intentional with the color swatches we choose, we can feel more at peace in our homes. A great way to bring a burst of color into your living space is with an accent wall. A bright, bold coat of paint or wallpaper is guaranteed to keep your spirits high.
By being intentional with the color swatches we choose, we can feel more at peace in our homes.
3. Don’t buy. Rearrange.
When you’re in the process of redecorating, it’s tempting to want to shop for brand new everything. Accent pillows? Fake plants? Wall art? Yes, yes, yes!
However, before you empty your wallet to redesign your digs, take a second look at what you already own. The lamp on your bedside table could look entirely different on your desk. What if your desk faced the window instead of the corner in the dark? Give your home the glow-up it deserves and start rearranging.
4. If you’re going to buy, then splurge on a statement.
Redecorating can feel daunting—especially when you want your home to resemble every interior you scroll past on Pinterest. There are lots of nifty ways to save money, but if you’re going to splurge on something, make it memorable. A unique light fixture, a striking piece of art that looks like it’s straight out of the MOMA or an antique gold mirror that instantly catches the eye could be all you need to transform your space.
There are lots of nifty ways to save money, but if you’re going to splurge on something, make it memorable.
5. Focus on less clutter, more joy.
Remember when we were all rolling up the shirts in our drawers Marie Kondo-style? The “KonMari” Method had its moment in 2019, but we could still benefit from decluttering every now and then. Do a sweep of your bedroom, living room and kitchen to see what items have gone unused. Then, donate or sell what you no longer need. Who knew nothing could be so satisfying?
6. Add a personal touch.
It feels like there’s always a new trend to keep up with in the world of interior decorating, but one thing that will never go out of style is our love for our loved ones. Have an empty wall that you just can’t figure out how to fill? Showcase photos (or even custom illustrations!) of your friends, family, significant other or pets.
The picture-perfect houses in the magazines aren’t as perfect as they seem because those aren’t real life. When redecorating, celebrate the things and the people you love because that’s what makes your house a home.
How are you planning to revive your living space in the new year? Which tip on the above list can you apply to decorating your home?
Image via Tony Li
