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Whether it’s a change of seasons, a recent lifestyle change, or simply a change in scenery, a home refresh can be a great way to breathe new life into your space. As a designer with over two decades of experience renewing spaces with an eco-conscious approach, I’ll walk you through some simple, yet effective ways to refresh your home.
What is a home refresh?
A home refresh is a small, yet noticeable collection of changes and additions made to your home to bring new and more uplifting energy into the space. While it isn’t as in-depth or comprehensive as a home renovation, refreshing your home can completely transform any space. Depending on your goals and capability, the impact can be strong.
The benefits of a home refresh
Depending on the scope of your project, the benefits of a home refresh vary greatly. If you want to reduce clutter, a home refresh will make you feel more organized. Or maybe you’re trying to remove toxic materials to aid your health journey. All of this and more is possible when you refresh your home.
However, the most common and immediate effect that you’ll notice is a renewed sense of enjoyment in your home. Even if your starting point is simply adding throw pillows to your living room, the additional soft fabrics and colors will not only reduce echoes and add character, but will also contribute to a feeling of comfort and personalization throughout your home.
How to refresh your home
Step one: Where to begin with your home refresh
First, think of the feeling you want to achieve within your home. Do you want it to feel serene and peaceful? Or, maybe bright and lively? How about bold and unique? Whichever atmosphere you aim for, choosing a general direction for your home will help you identify what changes need to be made with your home refresh.
Step two: Choose the space
To keep this home refresh manageable and easy to achieve, start by choosing just one room in your home. My recommendation is to move forward with the room you spend the most time in. This is how you’ll feel the biggest impact with your refresh.
If you are a busy entrepreneur, take a look at your office or workspace and consider how you can optimize your productivity. Consider removing instead of adding items to reduce clutter and feelings of overwhelm. Less is more. If you and your family spend much of your time in the kitchen, search for small but impactful ways to make the space more inviting. Simple touches may include a table runner, tablecloth, and tea towels.
Step three: Identify the change
Next, you’ll need to identify the change or changes that will best help you create this shift of energy within your chosen area. With your goal in mind, spend some time observing the space, how you move within it, and the way that energy flows throughout.
Any item that doesn’t contribute to that feeling can be removed or repurposed. And if you feel that something is missing, you can add it!
Simple and effective home refresh ideas
Rearrange your furniture
This requires no financial investment and you can get started right away! You can consider factors like Feng Shui, or simply move things in a way that just feels right with the flow of the room. With the help of a friend or family member, plan the new layout of your furniture, then get to moving it. Once you’ve finished, treat yourself to something refreshing for all of your hard work!
Paint a wall or add an accent with wallpaper
For the room in your home that could use a touch of color, choose a wall to paint or add eco-friendly wallpaper, too. You don’t have to paint or wallpaper an entire room to make it feel cohesive. Simply find a color or pattern that complements your decor. This will bring a noticeable splash of character to any room.
Switch out your window treatments
Natural light is such an important component of any uplifting space. But old blinds can make your windows feel stale and bland. So, soften up your space with curtains. Match the fabric and color to your upholstery or other fabrics in the room and watch as the entire space is tied together with a gentle touch.
Add greenery to your home
Nothing can refresh the atmosphere of your home better than plants. They not only add a pop of color to your space, but they actively improve the air quality of your home. Start with beginner varieties like aloe or gerber daisies, then add to your collection from there. In my book Eco-Conscious Home: Creating a Healthy Lifestyle in Your Heart and Home, you can learn more about the air-cleansing benefits of various house plants.
Still need guidance about how to refresh your home?
As an eco-conscious interior designer for over twenty years, let’s get started with a complimentary clarity call. Together, we’ll map out the best way to bring serenity and calm, beauty and balance to your entire home, simply starting with a ‘One Room at a Time’ approach.
