Philadelphia, PA
- Our home environment matters. In fact, It plays a significant role in our everyday satisfaction level and general productivity. In fact, according to a survey of over 2,000 homeowners by online interior design company Modsy, respondents realize their homes were disorganized during the pandemic. This led to participants being significantly stressed out by their at-home surroundings and increasing DIY home redesign projects.
How to Refresh Your Home for a Brighter Start to 2021
Here are a few tips to refresh your home for a brighter, fresher start to the new year.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
We've said it before, and we'll repeat it: a fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room. It's one of those simple bedroom design upgrades that makes a huge difference. So, whether you jump on bold colors trend or decorate with neutrals, merely giving your walls some fresh color can refresh your room and give you a new perspective on the space.
Try A Desk Refresh
Like most of us, your home office has probably been used a lot this year, and frankly, it's overdue for a refresh if you no longer look forward to sitting there. Start with taking everything off your desk, and go through every drawer to make your space feel like a fresh start.
"I also hung some new wall art above my computer. It's nothing fancy, but a few eclectic yet sophisticated wall hangings in the space give me a new view and spark of creativity," says Lameraner.
Get Houseplants—Don't Be Afraid Of Killing Them!
Houseplants make any home feel alive, especially during these colorless winter months, and they help clean the indoor air. "For those who don't have much of a green thumb, I recommend starting small with a jade and a fern both had to kill and setting a goal to have at least one plant in every room," says Lameraner.
Assess Clutter Hotspots
In addition to a mess of craft project supplies and copious amounts of kids' toys, there is also other clutter that quickly build-up (for example, hats, gloves, and masks in your entryway and toiletries on bathroom counters.)
"I recommend going one by one and finding a solution for each, like a wall-mounted basket for masks, a new shelf in your bathroom, or storage baskets that are stylish yet functional and can be elegantly hidden," says Lameraner. "
Make a list of clutter magnets in your home. From experience fine-tuning, these small pain points will make everyday cleaning so much easier."
Break Down The Pantry & Cleaning Supplies
Earlier in the year, cleaning supplies were a hot commodity; many people found themselves stuck buying products they wouldn't usually choose. Clean out your cleaning supplies to make finding what you need painless in the new year, recommends Lameraner. And when it comes to the kitchen pantry, there are all sorts of stuff lurking in the dark corners of most people's cabinets, like a random gluten-free bread mix, dried white corn, and canned mussels. Make it a point to cook through some of it, and also strive to organize better the staples your family regularly uses. Lameraner recommends decanting the things that come in plastic bags into upcycled glass jars to see everything you have and no clumsy bags taking up space.
Embrace New Year's Cleaning in January
"Make house cleaning part of your January to-do list. I always feel like what I do at the start of the year sets the tone for the months ahead. Set aside time for deep cleaning and think of it as a positive action instead of a chore, making the work more satisfying. says Lameraner.
