Image copyright Clair Strong Interior Design
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break. Today I’d like to talk about resolutions, and what you can do to make your home even more enjoyable, productive and relaxing this year.
I love January; it’s a month of new beginnings and exciting opportunities. It’s also a great time to refresh the home – the weather is grim, so what else will you do with your weekends? Now’s the perfect time to show your space some love. Here’s how:
Declutter and Organise
Clothes, books, toys, old towels, surplus chargers for mobile phones you no longer own – get rid of it all and feel wonderfully free. Just yesterday, I was listening to a programme on Radio 4 about living with less. It was fascinating, and the perfect kick to get started on my own ‘stuff’.
The best tip for decluttering is this: if you haven’t used or worn it in the past 12 months, you won’t miss it. Go through everything methodically and be ruthless. Remember to declutter responsibly; donate, recycle or sell if you can.
Once you’ve purged, you’ll see your space in a whole new light. It will be tidier, more spacious and ready for a few interior design updates.
Touch Ups and Basic Repairs
Our homes endure a lot of wear and tear and over time they can become a little tatty. Paintwork needs touching up, loose door handles tightening and frayed curtains repairing.
I like to go around each room and make a list of everything that I can do myself. I can use polyfiller to smooth over superficial cracks in the plasterwork but I can’t re-wire a light fitting (at least not safely).
Many jobs are very easy, quick and cheap to execute, and the feeling of satisfaction once it’s all done is immense. I can have my home looking good as new in no time.
Try a New Look or Trend
It can be as simple as a new throw or cushions in a pattern you love or it can be as dramatic as a turquoise feature wall in the bedroom. Whatever you do, resolve to try something new in your home this year. For inspiration and a guide to 2015’s top interior design trends, check out this post and this post.
Be creative, be open and be brave. If there’s a look or style you really love, make 2015 the year you try it out.
