Carla Bast, allied member of ASID is an interior designer at The Finished Basement Company, here, she shares her suggestions for making the New Year better for you and your home...
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● Organize of Course! It can be a daunting depending on how long things have been neglected, but well worth the effort. Don't worry about chronologically organizing your spices, but focus on “A place for everything and everything in its place.” It makes daily life less draining and you feel less overwhelmed without he mess and clutter.
● Start and finish a project! Remodeling the kitchen may have to wait, but you can choose a simple project that will give you a sense of accomplishment. A change of paint can breathe life and light into a gray winter day, and give you motivation to freshen the space in other ways, perhaps with a cheery throw pillow or new art. Aim to do one per month to keep the ball rolling throughout the year.
● Make a list! Create a list of everything you want to change about each room in your home. Having a master list makes it easier to see the work you want to accomplish, and you may find that many things are very doable right now.
● Be more energy efficient! Change light bulbs, unplug appliances, and of course – turn off lights when not in use - these are all easy things you can do to improve your energy costs, and help the environment.
● Splurge a little on yourself once in a while! Buy something for your home you've always wanted but never allowed yourself to buy. Whether it’s a new vase, a piece of artwork or a beautiful antique rug. Buy something that makes you smile and adds to the enjoyment of your home.
● Add some fresh flowers to your kitchen and/or bathroom once a month. These can be bought inexpensively at a farmers market, your local Trader Joe’s, or picked from your yard. The color and fragrance are a mood lifter - and will change with the seasons!
● Detoxify your home! Use non-toxic cleaning and laundry supplies. For many household tasks, simple baking soda (a gentle abrasive) or diluted warm vinegar work as well, if not better than more toxic alternatives.
All of these are great suggestions, and some are very simple ways that you can incorporate into your new year's resolutions to start out (and finish) the year right!
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