Home has a special place in all of our hearts, and there’s just something comfortable and almost magical about keeping your space clean and tidy. When everything from the floors to the countertops sparkle and shine, it takes your pride of ownership to a whole new level.
Getting – and staying -there is the trick. Keeping things organized can seem like a big chore in the midst of a busy work and family life. Fortunately, there are a few low-maintenance tips that can make it easy to live in a house that is consistently spic and span!
Here are a few of our top tips for giving your home a quick refresh.
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Clean & Declutter
Cleaning your home from top to bottom is the most challenging and time-consuming aspect of transforming your space. The good news is that everything gets easier once you’ve overcome this hurdle. A plan will help you stay on track and bring it all together.
First, decide on what method works best for you.
- Are you the type of person who thrives on momentum and just keeps going once you get started?
- Or do you prefer tackling small tasks so you don’t get overwhelmed?
Either of these techniques can be effective, and both have their advantages. If you dive in and get it all done in an afternoon, you can move on quickly to the next steps. On the other hand, committing to small goals can form a long-term habit in keeping your house neat and tidy from now on.
Whatever path you choose, the important thing is to get started. Take one room at a time, and discard or donate everything that you haven’t used for a year or more. Letting go of items with sentimental value is the hardest part of decluttering, but it’s important to remain objective. If you haven’t used it or even thought about it for months or years, is there really any value in keeping it?
Don’t forget to ask for help with this stage. Once you’re done and your home is free of unnecessary clutter, your space will already feel brighter and more spacious. And we are just getting started!
Searching for just the right neighbourhood for your new home? The posts below will give you something to ponder:
- Toronto Versus Everywhere Else: Why We Love It Most
- West End Vs East End: Which One Wins in Toronto?
- Everything You Need to Know About Roncesvalles
Rethink Your Layout
Redesigning your home always begins with visualizing the countless possibilities. Ask yourself: how long has your existing furniture been in the same space? If you’re like most people, you haven’t thought about the layout of your home for years, possibly not even since you moved in.
Your current arrangement may be what works best for you. Or it may just be a remnant of an old habit or routine. You’ll never know unless you imagine something different.
Start by experimenting with the idea of a new layout for all of your furniture. Before doing any heavy lifting, consider what it would be like if you moved your couch to the opposite side of the room. How would that impact all of your other arrangements and accent pieces?
After serious consideration, you might realize that things are perfect the way they are, or you might make a small change that makes you fall in love with your home all over again. At the very least, you could decide that you no longer need an unnecessary end table or other clunky piece of furniture. Whether your changes are subtle or make a big splash, the room will open up like never before.
Switch Up Your Soft Furnishings
Fortunately, moving heavy furniture isn’t something you’ll need to do very often. Plus, you’ll be amazed at what a difference you can make by adding variety to your softer furnishings.
(In interior design, “soft furnishings” are the smaller, lighter textiles that provide the finishing touch to your home decor. Decorative pillows, throws, and wall hangings are a few examples.)
All of these are easy and relatively inexpensive to switch out on a regular basis, and the result can be a total transformation of the room’s aesthetic. If in doubt, start small rather than investing in more decor items. Try rearranging the paintings on the wall from one room to the next. The difference may be subtle, but it’s enough to liven up your design.
Add Some Greenery
Almost nothing breathes new life into your home like fresh flowers and greenery. For those of us not blessed with a green thumb, there are varieties that require very little maintenance to thrive.
A few potted plants throughout your home create beauty and can lift your spirits any time of year. You can make your home feel like an indoor natural paradise with everything from colourful blooms in the spring to fragrant pine branches in the winter.
Certain types of plants can even freshen up your air quality. Just be aware of how much light flows in from the windows to ensure your new additions can grow and thrive.
Are you redesigning your home for the market? The resources below will help set you up for a successful sale:
- A Complete Guide to Home Renovations in Toronto
- Secrets of Selling When the Market Is Not on Your Side
- Is Staging Your House to Sell Still a Good Idea?
Don’t Forget a Personal Touch
Your home is clean, organized, and you have a fresh new layout and design that you love. It’s almost enough to make you feel like you’re living in a brand new house, and yet, it feels like it’s missing a certain “je ne sais pas.”
If that’s the case, it’s time to add a personal touch. Your local furniture and home decor shops can provide you with almost everything you need to completely revamp your space.
- Why not add your own artwork or painting? You don’t need any special abilities or talent to create something great and unique.
- Local art classes can guide you step-by-step to make the perfect painting or sculpture that comes with a memory and a story you can talk about for ages.
If all else fails, perhaps you can commission a masterpiece from a talented friend or family member. Once all of the pieces are in place, you may want to pinch yourself that this beautiful home really is yours!
Thinking of selling your home in the not-too-distant future? Get in touch at erica@ericareddy.com or call 416.443.0300 to learn how we can help you every step of the way!
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