New Year, Fresh Design

I don’t know about anyone else, but I find January and the new year to be refreshing.  A chance to make changes, a chance to re-organize and start anew, a chance to re-focus.  I came home from our holiday break and immediately wanted to start “spring cleaning.”  Not just the put away Christmas kind of cleaning, but the dig in the junk drawers and clutter-y cabinets type of cleaning. Anyone that knows me well knows that I get really jazzed up about organizing.  Almost to a fault.

Not only have I been focused on my early spring cleaning, but I’ve been inspired to spruce up and mix up the accessories and design of my house.  I wanted to share some easy ways to update the look of your dwelling without starting completely over and without breaking the bank.  Actually, you don’t even have to spend a penny.

First, make small goals and make a plan to get it done.  By that I mean, decide what you might like to accomplish or change in your space and execute it.  For example, I am sick of my shiny, silver Pier One vases on my tv console.  Instead of buying new vases, why not re-vamp the ones I have?  I bought white spray paint and I am making a plan to paint them this weekend. Voila! Done. An updated look for 4.99 (price of spray paint).

Also, don’t underestimate the power of re-arranging what you currently have in your home.  An easy way to freshen up your space is to simply move accessories, art, pillows, and such to another room.  Tired of looking at the picture frame on your end table?  Switch it out with one in your bedroom, or change it by painting it or doing something unique like wrapping it with jute twine for a natural look similar to this mirror pictured below:

I’m serious about this switching accessories from room to room thing.  It’s such an easy way to liven up your home without going broke.  Another quick tip that is cheap and easy (if you have a green thumb that is!) is buying plants.  It’s amazing what a little bit of green can do to the place!  Plants have a way of not only filling space and becoming an essential part of an accessory “grouping,” but also bringing the outdoors in.  Check out these yummy succulents!

Even if succulents are not your thing, any kind of plant or flower will accomplish a fresh look in your space.  I also like to make old or boring furniture interesting by adding new knobs.  Anthropologie is one of my favorite places to find them, but you can also pick them up at your local hardware shop or Home Depot/Lowes.

There are so many ways to re-focus your look for next to nothing, so as you are starting your new year and making all kinds of plans and promises, don’t forget to make room for design and give your place a mini-makeover!