Guest post from Mridu of Life is Organized
Wouldn't you love HGTV to show up at your door for a surprise makeover? Reality check. It's probably not going to happen. The good news is you can still experience a transformation without new furniture or adding a master suite.
Here are five no-cost and simple ways to makeover your home:
1. Rearrange your furniture.
Explore around your home and look at each piece with a new eye. Ask yourself:
- Is the item being used effectively? When your decorative hallway table has become a dumping ground for clutter, removing it might be your best bet. Use it in your family room to showcase your long-forgotten frame collection.
- Can it be used for another purpose? Don't be married to what a furniture piece is intended for. Reconsider your buffet table as your TV stand. Or an armoire as your china cabinet.
- Is there too much furniture in a given room? A bookshelf, side table, and dresser may be a bit much for one child's room. Purge one of the larger pieces and use it for storage in another space.
- Can you change current layouts to cozy things up? Face chairs and sofas toward each other to encourage conversation. Cozy key seating pieces up to the fireplace.
- Can you give the impression of more space? In small rooms use fewer furniture pieces of a slightly larger scale to maximize floor space and opt for tall pieces that add volume.
2. Clean your stuff
Bring forgotten gems back to life. Dust off and wipe down old items from the back of the garage or attic, like rugs, vases, or artwork. Polish your barely used silver and use it to decorate your home. Your antique tea set or candlesticks will add a new and refined look to any space.
Use a fresh coat of paint on worn furniture, cabinets, or walls. Change colors, add design, or simply freshen up. This is one of the easiest ways to home transformation.
3. Simplify
Purge your spaces (rooms and closets) and make way for more space and freedom in your home. Ask yourself tough questions about everything you own like:
- When was the last time I used this item?
- If I haven't used it a long time, what is the likelihood I will start using it now?
- Is this item getting in the way of my ability to find what I need, when I need it?
- Is it broken, and if so, am I really ever going to fix it?
- Do I love this item?
- What's the worst that would happen if I got rid of this item?
If you're brutally honest, you'll find yourself surrounded with only things you truly need, use, or love. And beyond the emotional and mental benefits of this exercise, your home will have a completely refreshed look and feel.
4. Use functional storage
Move storage from one area to another or invest in vertical solutions. Make the most of square footage with a wall of shelves that provide storage for a variety of uses: office supplies, games, crafts, china, linens, or books. Consider freestanding pieces in smaller rooms and wall-to-wall built-ins in larger rooms.
Store everything by like items, whether they are in open or closed containers, from your blankets in a closet to your remotes in a basket on the coffee table. Effective storage can double the size of your space and freedom.
5. Change your room function. Just like that!
Are you using your rooms the way you really want to or how you think you should be using it?
If you use your dining room once a year but create a "make-shift office" on your kitchen table daily, it's time to consider a change. Convert your dining area into the office of your dreams. As for that annual formal affair, dress up your kitchen table or rent a table and chairs for that one event.
Changing your rooms to suit your needs and habits is a rejuvenating feeling and one that will compel you ask, "why did I wait so long to do this?
Do you have any other no-cost transformation tips?
Mridu Parikh is a Simplicity and Organization Junkie for women who are tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. She'll show you how to get your life running smoothly – without the drama. Prepare to smile, get uber motivated and take action with Mridu's 5-day free organizing series.
photo source
Marie Madeline Studio is one of my very favorite companies in existence. Run by a very talented and creative mother and daughter team, they design sewing patterns, sell fabric and offer ready-made items which are handcrafted right in their home studio.
Their work is meticulous and their customer service is spectacular. You won't be disappointed with anything you order from them.
And this weekend, I'm so excited because five winners will get a free $50 store credit to Marie Madeline Studio. You can use this to choose from their patterns, fabric and sewing notions, or have something custom made!
If I were to recommend something, I'd definitely tell you to get one of their aprons. Of all the aprons I've worn over the years, the aprons from Marie Madeline Studio are my very favorite. If you are looking for a special gift for a budding little chef or a Christmas present for a special gal in your life who loves to bake and cook, I'd highly recommend the Marie Madeline Studio Aprons.
And be sure to follow Marie Madeline on Facebook to be notified of their specials, sales, and new products. Also, check out their Pinterest page. While you're at it, do stop by their blog as they have decorating ideas, gorgeous pictures of their recent projects, and delicious recipes.
Click below and type in your name and email address to enter to win a FREE $50 credit to anything from Marie Madeline. This giveaway ends Sunday, April 27, at 11:59 pm, CST. Five winners will be chosen and posted early next week.
