8 Design Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Home during Quarantine

As the global pandemic continues to rear its ugly head, causing people to stay home and stay safe, it might be hard during these uncertain times to find anything positive to focus on. Being stuck in your house for months on end may not be what you hoped for this summer, but if nothing else good comes from it, it at least gives you the opportunity to tackle some home improvement projects. Whether you know exactly how you’d like to redesign a space in your home or you’re stuck at the drawing board, check out these ideas to help you get started.

Replace Light Fixtures

Whether you rent or own, if you haven’t touched the standard light fixtures that came with your apartment or house, it’s time to give them some much-needed attention. Swapping out boring, dated light fixtures for funky, modern ones is a fast, affordable way to elevate any room in your home. If replacing the overhead lighting in your kitchen or living room is too daunting, or you are limited due to a rental agreement, stick to table and floor lamps instead. Not only will they provide a softer ambiance than harsh overhead lighting, they can easily be shifted from one space to the next if you redecorate or move in the future.

Plant a Garden

Planting a garden may be just the thing to lift your spirits and make your home more inviting after sheltering in place for months on end. Skim through magazines or Pinterest boards to find some inspiration before getting your hands dirty and making your heart happy. If you don’t have a big yard to plant flowers in a traditional flower bed, consider investing in buckets or flower boxes that can rest beautifully on your porch or in your windows. Don’t forget about inside your home as well! Adding low-maintenance houseplants, such as spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies, or artificial plants, is a fabulous way to brighten up any room while keeping the air fresh and clean.

Upgrade Your Entryway

Your home’s entrance and entryway may be the last thing you think about when it comes to redecorating, but they shouldn’t be. After all, they’re the first thing you and your guests see when you arrive and the last things you see when you leave. For this reason, they should definitely pack a punch when it comes to style and practicality. To keep your entrance bright and welcoming, a little paint on the front door can go a long way. Choose a color that won’t just complement your home’s exterior but catch folks’ eyes as they pass by. For a finished look, add a charming wreath or door hanger. As for your entryway, functionality reigns supreme. Choose furnishings and decor that are attractive and multi-functional, such as a nice throw rug. You can’t go wrong with a bench, storage bins, and hooks to keep everything from kids’ shoes to coats neatly stowed away. Just remember, less is more. Choose fewer items that earn their keep with style and functionality.

Declutter

What’s the difference between most real homes and those you see in magazines? Junk. Take advantage of your extra free time to consider which items in your home you use regularly and which ones you’re willing to part with. While it’s certainly a good idea to organize cabinets and drawers, your top priority should be what rests on countertops, tables, and bookshelves, since this is what everyone who steps foot in your home will see. If it isn’t useful or meaningful, take the plunge and give it a second life with someone else.

Paint

Nothing can improve a boring room in one’s home quite like a fresh coat of paint. Breaking out the brushes may seem like an overwhelming feat, but it doesn’t have to be. Elevating a room can be as simple as painting an accent wall a fun color to add big personality to a small space. Better yet, you can incorporate pizzazz in your home without touching the walls by painting an old piece of furniture. Painting your coffee table, desk, or even kitchen chairs is an effective way to let your personality shine without breaking the bank.

Organize the Garage

Even if you don’t spend much time in your garage, making sure that it’s well organized is a smart way to make your daily life easier. How? Garages are the ideal place to store items you don’t need every day, such as tools, holiday decorations, and kid toys. Keeping these items out of sight while still being easily accessible will save you time and effort looking for them when you need them. Make sure everything is in its proper place by utilizing shelves, bins, and hooks, so every item has an intentional spot to rest. Just like in your home, if you don’t love it or use it, it’s time to kiss it good-bye.

Rearrange Furniture

Sometimes all it takes to make a room look like new is moving furniture around. To make your space look airy and open, eliminate any unnecessary furnishings that could be contributing to the room feeling cluttered, such as extra side tables. For an unexpected element, try turning a bed, chair, or bookshelf at an angle in the corner. A little creativity can take an ordinary space and transform it into something unique and inspiring.

Update Window Treatments

When is the last time you upgraded your window treatments? If it’s been awhile, don’t put it off any longer. Cheap blinds and out-of-date curtains can take even the most sophisticated room and make it feel dull. Trade out plastic blinds for wooden ones or Roman shades for a clean, timeless finish. If curtains are more your style, swap out overbearing drapes for chic panels that will complement the room without overwhelming it. With so many options available on the market today, finding the right window dressings to meet your taste and budget will be a cinch.

With the help of these practical steps, you can easily give your home a makeover while quarantining. No matter what your style needs or budget may be, our team is eager to help you achieve the look you are going for in any room in your home. Visit us at our convenient showroom location or contact us today to learn more.