Foreword: Moving in is hard to do…I kept singing this song (to the tune of “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”) when we started moving into our new place after two weeks of relocating to another country.
We needed help, needed it fast and needed to bring in the big guns. Hence, the desperate SOS to our guest contributor, former editor-in-chief of Real Living magazine, Rachelle Medina, who kindly helped this harassed momma get her act together.
Thanks, Rach, you are a godsend! Hoping these expert tips will also help other moms make their lovely houses into even lovelier homes…
So, without further ado, here are her six practical steps to make your residence into a refuge.
1. Mix, don’t match.
Personalizing your space is what will keep it from looking like a showroom! Instead of buying furniture in sets with the same wood color and upholstery, buy your major piece like a sofa, or headboard, then pair it with chairs and side tables of different styles, or with items that you already have.
2. Hit the thrift stores.
Another way to personalize your space and save money at the same time is to hit the thrift stores, garage sales, and online secondhand sellers for one-of-a-kind pieces to mix into your basic furnishings. Make sure to check dimensions, and also sit on it, turn it over, etc to make sure it’s not falling apart!
3. Deck the walls.
Bare walls can make your house feel antiseptic and unwelcoming. Make it homier and more personal (yes, that word again) with framed prints, paintings, and an assortment of family photos. It’s pretty easy to buy ready-made frames at department stores and dime stores. An alternative is to get a bold, graphic or colorful fabric or rug and use this as a wall hanging for a dramatic effect.
4. Focus on fabric and soft furnishings.
Since we’re on the topic of fabric, this is an affordable and fun way to create a unique look for your home. If you’re handy with the sewing machine, whip up simple curtains or boldly colored cushions for your living room or bedroom, or use a large throw to update a boring sofa.
5. DIY it.
A fresh coat of paint (why not try solid brights to liven up a neutral room?), a lighter wood stain, or new upholstery can update an old piece. Or, you could become a Weekend Warrior for a more challenging project, like adding accent wallpaper on cabinet doors, or doing a dramatic decoupage on a table.
6. Make it fresh with plants.
If you’ve run out of options (or money), live potted plants can add a lush, relaxing touch to your space. Go for large potted palms or rubber trees for the corners, flowering plants for tabletops (a living centerpiece!) trailing vines and ivys for the windows, and useful and fragrant herbs for your kitchen.
