My home is where I seek refuge and escape to at the end of a long day at work. Many of us don’t have the time to keep up with the myriad household chores during the week, much less turn our house into a welcoming sanctuary at the end of the day, but with the tips below, we can help you do just that.
1. De-clutter. Coming home to a clean, organized home gives me the most peace at the end of a long day. Spending a few minutes everyday to sort through and throw away paperwork, magazines, catalogs, bills and notes that have accumulated around your house will not only prevent you from devoting a chunk of time on your weekend to it, but will also provide a sense of accomplishment and organization.
2. Bring the outdoors in. Houseplants not only make bright and beautiful additions to any room, they also help keep the air clean and don’t require a green thumb in order to enjoy them. Species like Philodendrons are hearty and easy to grow; just be sure to place them near natural light and water them weekly.
3. Add some color! Color inspires creativity and relaxation and helps determine our mood and feelings. Add a burst of color to a room by painting an accent wall, or, add pops of color with throw pillows, window panels, fresh cut flowers, area rugs and art. The addition of color is the quickest, and least expensive, way to create positive energy and add a cozy feeling to your home.
4. Surround yourself with the things you love. Displaying photographs of friends and family, letters, books, and souvenirs from travels are a great way to recall favorite memories and reflect your personal style. If you decorate with the things you love, you will enjoy your surroundings even more.
5. Turn up the volume! Need some motivation to clean house, organize a closet or clean out the garage? Look no further than your iPod or stereo. Music can instantly magnify your mood and get you moving. Turn a chore into a fun activity with the help of your favorite tunes and your house will become a haven in no time.
