1. Lighten the Load aka “I’m going to get organized!”
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to feel better about your living environment is to de-clutter. Each year we acquire more and more stuff. Without some regular purging, it becomes nearly impossible to find the things you use and enjoy the most. Additionally, the clutter makes your home look dated!
This year resolve to go room-by-room, clearing away items that you don’t use or love. Donate gently used items to charity. Donations to charity are an easy tax deduction and remember – one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Another great tip for de-cluttering is clear your counter and table tops by stylishly storing not so beautiful (but very useful) items like remote controls, car keys, etc. in natural woven baskets or sleek trays depending on your decorating style.
Then, think about anything new that you bring into your space. Antoinette Nue, an Atlanta consultant who specializes in helping people organize and simplify their homes tells people to “Fill your home with the things that raise your energy level and make you feel good, and get rid of the things that drain your energy or are broken! “
2. Get a facelift aka “I’m going to spend more time with friends and family!”
Spending time with family and friends by entertaining at home is trendier than it’s ever been! To make you feel like inviting friends and family in, give your entertaining areas a facelift!
As an interior designer whose partner is a remodeler, I would love for you to give your family room, dining room, or kitchen a major remodel! But if remodeling your lower level recreation room isn’t in the budget this year, give your room a fresh new look by rearranging and changing out furniture so it’s oriented into conversation groups and not just facing the big screen TV that has become the focal point of your room. Try changing your wall palette to a more contemporary color or adding some live plants and a new flower arrangement. Update your window coverings and add new throw pillows and a custom rug to anchor your room and tie in your new colors scheme. Replace all the small knick-knacks with fewer accessories but on a larger scale. Remember our first tip – de-clutter! These changes will bring new energy to your living spaces.
3. Hire a Pro aka “I’m going to get in shape!”
Real Estate professionals report that few things add value to a home like kitchen and master bedroom/bathroom remodels. And, where do most gatherings take place – YOU GOT IT! Regardless of size, shape, and style – in the kitchen! The top design trends for kitchens include upgraded floors in a variety of tiles, woods and finishes; solid surface countertops like granite; upgraded energy efficient appliances for a more enjoyable cooking experience; large kitchen islands with under mount wet bar sinks, designer faucets, and roll out shelves; designer elements that add pizzazz like a custom stove hood and furniture like cabinets.
Don’t be afraid to tackle a project like turning your old master bedroom and small, outdated bathroom into a spa-like oasis in your home. By using a creative interior designer and a talented building contractor, your outdated master bedroom and bathroom can take on an entirely new life by reconfiguring spaces that better fit your sense of style and livability. Some of the top design trends for luxurious master suites include see-through or two/three sided fireplaces, elegant baths with expanded shower space, soaking tubs with and without jets, vessel sinks with upper end faucets, and extensive use of tile on the floors and countertops. Lighting is another area not to be missed. With creativity and planning, your general contractor can bring in more natural light with better windows or even French doors that lead to outdoor living spaces.
Once your contractor is finished with his job, let your interior designer get down to work with furniture placement that’s conducive to either entertaining or retreating (depending on the room); custom window treatments and area rugs (remember they anchor your room), accessorizing…
4. Learn Something New aka “Learn Something New!”
Once your home looks and feels they way you want, learn something new – take a dance class and host your friends for dance night on your new hardwood floors. Take a cooking class and invite family over to sit around the new island to try the new Thai recipe you learned on Monday night. Learn from your kids and get a Wii! It’s a great addition to our newly remodeled rec room and it’ll get the blood and the conversation going regardless of the age of guests!
5. Relax and Have Fun aka “Relax and Have Fun”
Remember friends, this isn’t a dress rehearsal. Life’s short – enjoy home, enjoy your friends and enjoy your family! Happy New Year from Speas Interior Design!
Remodeling and Interior Design projects are often times a lot more difficult than what we see on HGTV! If you would like a design consultation to get you started on your New Year’s resolutions, contact Katherine Speas, Speas Interior Design. An award winning Colorado Springs Interior Designer, Kathy Speas is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers and an expert on incorporating style, comfort, and livability into your home and lifestyle. SpeasInteriorDesign.com.