If you’re like me, you spend a lot of time at home. Your home should be your happy place, but if it’s not currently a place you enjoy being, there are some simple fixes and ideas you can implement right away to make it cozier and happier.
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HERE ARE 19 SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAKE A HAPPIER HOME:
- Light a candle.Smell is such a glorious thing.I am guilty of lighting a candle every single day. Sometimes, especially around the holidays, I opt for stronger smelling candles, like cinnamon and Christmas trees.For the other 11 months, I tend to opt for lighter smells. I also like the sound of wood wick candles, which provide a flickering sound when lit and create an especially cozy atmosphere during the colder months.
- Start a fire. OK, this idea is really only for winter, but if it’s one of those days where all you want to do is snuggle under a blanket, starting a fire is a must. And go ahead and place that amazingly-scented, flickering candle next you, too.
- Make a flower arrangement. Flowers don’t have to be expensive. If you start a garden, in the spring, summer, and autumn months, you’ll have a one-stop flower shop for all your arrangement needs. You can also pick up fairly inexpensive flowers at your local grocery store. I love grabbing a couple different types to mix-and-match. Grab some ribbon and tie a pretty bow around the vase, and you’ll have what looks like an expensive bouquet for your viewing pleasure.
- Add some household plants. Household plants are beautiful to look at and their green colors can really brighten up a space. I also find that they’re good fillers. When I can’t think of what to put in a corner or on my fireplace, I always use plants. Plus, they’re natural air purifiers. It’s a win-win to have plants in your home.
- Open the windows for some fresh air. This is completely free and can make a huge difference if you’re feeling stuffy in your home. Sometimes so fresh air is really all you need. And if the wind is slightly blowing, it really does make your home feel wonderful as you walk back and forth between the living room and kitchen.
- Put on some light music. What better to go with a breezy house than some light mood music. I put music on in my house everyday and turn it up enough so I can hear it throughout my main floor.
- Make your bed in the mornings. Every single morning. This simple task has made a world of difference for me in my life. After I make my bed in the mornings, I feel like I am ready to take on the day. Even if you just throw the covers up over the pillows, it still gives the room a tidier and cleaner feeling – and it only takes a few seconds.
- Open your curtains. Along with making your bed, opening your curtains takes just a moment, but can really change the feeling of the space. The only curtains I ever close are in my bedroom, so I make it a point every morning to open them as a trigger to start my day.
- De-clutter. This task goes for really your whole house. De-clutter everything. I am super picky and like all my counters, in the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen etc., to be tidy and have a staged look. I know, I know. I need to actually live in the space, too. That brings me to my next point…
- Return things to their proper place. After you use something, say your hair brush and curling iron, put them back where they belong. Not only will you be able to find it quicker next time you need it, you’ll now keep maintaining a de-cluttered look.
- Add more lighting to your space. Sometimes spaces are dark and by just adding a simple lamp or two, you’ll make it look like a completely different space. Sometimes, simply turning on a light can make your space happier.
- Give your home a good cleaning. Chances are you have all the cleaning products you need around your house. You just need to get busy doing the dirty work. If you have a lot of house to clean, tackle it over a period of a few days. Nothing makes me feel happier in my home than having a clean space to live in.
- Spray room spray. There’s something to be said for a wonderful scent flowing throughout your house. Candles aren’t always the answer and when they’re not, room spray can fill your need. Sometimes I like to smell Febreeze, especially after I clean. And don’t forget to spray your furniture for instant freshness.
- Stage your bookshelves. Do you have a ton of books piled high on your bookshelves that make your home look messy? Having a home that looks somewhat staged makes for a more beautiful atmosphere and happier home. Do some rearranging. Remove some books. Replace some of the area with a candle or plant. It will make a world of difference.
- Rearrange your furniture. Have you been thinking that your buffet table in your living room would look better in your dining room? Try it. You’ll never know for sure what it will look like unless you try it. And sometimes repurposing your furniture in other rooms is just what your home needs. It’s not always necessary to buy new furniture – try rearranging first!
- Stage your sofa. I am obsessed with throw pillows and cozy blankets. If you don’t have any on your sofa now, get some. It’s also a good idea to get some holiday pillows that fit the room’s color scheme so you can swap them out and have a cozy sofa all-year-round.
- Make a tablescape on your dining room table. In my home, we barely use the dining room table. But I absolutely love to keep it beautiful. I like to have a generic tablescape set up, though I change it often.And, it’s beautiful to look at during the holiday months if you make it holiday-themed.
- Re-paint. There’s nothing like living in a freshly-painted home, especially in the places you’re most often in, like your bedroom, kitchen and living room.Even a fresh white paint coat on your ceiling, doors, and baseboard makes a huge difference. If you’re looking to lighten up your space, consider painting other things too, like your furniture or a brick fireplace.
See how we softened our brick fireplace by whitewashing it.Softening your space with different tones can make it feel lighter, brighter, and happier.
Make yourself a cup of hot tea or coffee, relax, and enjoy your space.
Candles make all the difference in our house; I love trying out new smells but usually end up with an ‘air’ or ‘ocean’ fresh scent!
Yes, totally agree, Kristina! Scent makes ALL the difference.
-Marly
I always make my bed in the morning – it is that one small accomplishment and it looks nice and neat before I start my day. If I get nothing done afterwards, at least I can say I got one thing accomplished!
So true, Tammy! I feel the same way.
-Marly