When setting your home up for you and your family, the devil is always in the details. From remodeling dated closets to maximize space and organization to purchasing a coffee subscription as one less thing to worry about in the kitchen and pantry, there's plenty of ways to really get the most from your home. Here are a few ideas of how to do just that.
Small Isn't Always Bad
Some people prefer a small home. If you're like me and you grew up in a massive house, you may have always daydreamed of owning a smaller home once you became a homeowner yourself. Not only do small homes have an unmistakable charm, but they're also easier to maintain and keep clean. One obvious drawback, however, is you have got to learn how to maximize your space. Take your kitchen, for example - If you're working with a small kitchen space, you shouldn't lust after a kitchen table; instead, select chairs that tuck into your island. The island then doubles as a prep area and your dining table. You could even make the island an "open cart" style island which would add the benefit of even more storage. It's also intelligent to switch out counter space for more storage space if your kitchen is tiny, especially if you're going with an open island concept. And, if it's within your budget, consider some secret floor storage. That's right; the floor has a hidden door that opens into more storage space. Even if you don't utilize it for kitchen or pantry items, underfoot storage spaces are invaluable assets in tight spaces if the house is small.
Light and Bright
There's nothing like walking into a room in someone's home (or your own) and getting that simultaneous feeling of everything being clean, bright, and cozy. A design like this may seem out of reach depending on your decor style, but it's actually achievable with almost every esthetic. Mirrors are your best friend here as to whether a room is big or small; they add the illusion of more space - and who doesn't love that? You can easily brighten a room by working with the natural light from the windows by hanging lightweight curtains. Always have a strong statement piece in a room like this. Whether it's decorative wall art, a stunning sculpture, or something living like a 6 to 8-foot plant, you want something that draws the eye to the piece and keeps the rest of the room clean and clutter-free. Neutral color in your decor and minimal amounts of furniture keep a sense of calm and airiness as well.
Minimalist vs. Maximalist
Not only does minimalism typically give an instant designer aesthetic to the home of the minimalist, but it's also proven to provide you with a sense of lighter being. Minimalism has been shown to have numerous positive health benefits and is overall quite calming. On the flip side, it's received a bit of pushback since becoming a buzz in the last decade, so if you are more of a Maximalist, by all means, do you. Just make sure each room with a maximalist aesthetic still has a cohesive vibe pulling it all together, so it doesn't seem like a jumbled mess. Working with an experienced designer can help you to achieve the look you're going for when it comes to "more is more." In fact, theme rooms are currently having a major comeback. So, pick your vision and commit to making the whole house flow.
Time Management
When the designing, decorating, and everything else is done, it's time to run the household. You really should create your days to be as seamless as possible. 2020 taught us that subscriptions are absolute lifesavers and a way of life that most of us carry into 2021 and permanently. So grocery deliveries, coffee subscriptions, pet service deliveries, pretty much everything frees up or time to focus on ourselves and the ones we love. Even outsourcing cleaning of the house is absolutely worth it if it's within your budget. There's more time to focus on your hobbies and physical health when you're not worrying about the mundane tasks that add up in the home.
