In this post – a guide for refreshing your home.
As we begin the new year, one of the things I like to do is take inventory of my home. Not only do I like to do a purge of unwanted or unneeded items, but I also like to think about how to make my home work better for myself and my family. This can be as simple as moving some furniture around, swapping some accessories out, or reorganizing a closet or cabinet. It feels good to start the new year off organized and refreshed!
Tips for Refreshing a Space
Now that I’ve had a few years to hone my decorating skills, I want to share a few things that I’ve learned. This is the general process I follow when thinking about a room redesign. To make it easier for you, I put together a handy checklist to help you with the process. If you would like a free copy of my guide “Tips for Refreshing Your Space” be sure to sign up for emails below! You will automatically receive a link in your email.
Reflect on Your Current Space
Focus on one room or space at a time. If you try to work on multiple spaces at once, you’re more likely to get overwhelmed. Start by honestly assessing your room’s current state. Ask yourself these questions and write down your thoughts. Take note of functional issues, like a lack of storage or poor lighting, as well as aesthetic updates you’d like to make, such as refreshing paint colors or swapping out furniture.
Questions to consider:
What do I love about this space?
What areas feel outdated or inefficient?
What specifically isn’t working for me?
What’s missing that would make this space feel complete?
Take Time to Edit
One of the things I’ve learned from all of our moves over the years is that it’s ok to let things go if they’re no longer serving you. It’s good to make space in your life, both literally and figuratively, to allow new things in. When we sold our first San Diego beach home, we let most of the downstairs furniture go to three young couples who are just starting out in life. It was so fun to see how excited they were to furnish their homes with our stuff.
Below you can see how cute one of their places looks with some of our furniture in it! I love that surfboard art piece on their wall and the cool coffee table! They have awesome style!
Spend Time Researching
Magazines & Websites
I’m constantly learning, and I love interior design, so “researching” for me is simply going to all my usual favorite sources for inspiration. If you’re not as familiar with current design trends, I suggest you use Pinterest, magazines like AD and Elle Decor, and the home tours on the HomeWorthy website for inspiration. These are just a few of the resources I use to keep up on current and classic home design.
You can also learn a lot from real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com. Homes that are on the market are usually updated with current trends in an effort to appeal to more buyers.
Define Your Style
Your dream space should also reflect your personality and lifestyle. Take time to explore different design styles to find what resonates with you. Pinterest is a great place to start. Whether you prefer minimalist, bohemian, coastal, or modern farmhouse, creating a mood board using Pinterest to collect inspiration for your ideal space is good way to start, especially if you struggle to describe the design style you’re going for.
Take a Quiz
The Designer Society of America also has a fun interior design online quiz. My results told me I like coastal chic style. Not too surprising! What’s your style?
Set Realistic Goals and a Timeline
When we were living in our first home we were definitely on a budget. Any home improvement projects were DIY. Fortunately, the home was newly built so we didn’t need to do any expensive updating right away. That was good, because any major renovations were beyond our means. We were just happy to be able to afford window coverings!
It’s important that you set goals that are achievable, both in terms of time and money. Break your goals into manageable phases to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This phased approach helps you stay on track and ensures you’re making steady progress throughout the year.
Questions to consider as you finalize your goals for the space:
Does the space need decluttering and organizing?
Does any furniture need repairing or replacing?
What style or feel do I want for this room?
What is the function or purpose of this space?
What is my budget?
What is my deadline for making these changes?
Stay Flexible and Celebrate Progress
Even with the best plans, unexpected challenges can arise. Stay open to adjusting your goals and timelines as needed. Remember, creating your dream home is a journey, not a race. Take time to appreciate every milestone, no matter how small. Whether it’s reorganizing a closet or finishing a major renovation, each step brings you closer to your dream space.
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