The last few years have forced many of us to spend unprecedented amounts of time in our homes. From self-isolation to remote working habits, the experience has led us to look at our dwellings in a new light and think about how we can create healthy homes and make them more comfortable and appealing.

Perhaps it’s time to introduce some new themes or rearrange your furniture to create an instant new look without the expense. Regardless of your reasons, there are many simple things you can do to update and refresh your home and in this article, we will explore some of these ways further.

1. Add Scents

Smell has a powerful effect on our moods and emotions and can be used to promote a relaxed, peaceful and harmonious dimension to your home. Fragrances such as vanilla, lavender, cedarwood and rose have a calming effect and can be used in the bedroom to improve sleep quality while lemon, orange, rosemary, eucalyptus and peppermint can help to invigorate your indoor space.

Whether you use incense, essential oil diffusers or scented candles incorporate scents into your home surroundings to transform and elevate the atmosphere of your house which welcomes guests and adds a touch of luxury at little expense.

Instantly enhance your living space with the inviting allure of home scent diffusers, adding a touch of tranquility to your surroundings as part of these simple ways to freshen-up your room styling.

It’s a good idea to source natural scents wherever possible, as unfortunately some of the cheaper options contain chemicals that can trigger a headache and cause you to feel a little woozy. Opt for soy or vegetable wax candles, use eco-incense and make sure your essential oil is totally organic with only natural carriers used. 

If you want to create your own totally unique scent, then you can craft some luxurious scent boosters to place around your home. Find some cute net bags (make sure the material can breathe), and fill them with your own assortment of dried herbs, flowers and other ingredients that can provide the most delicious smells! Even some houseplants have their own scent that can refresh any room, so it’s such a great option to explore. 

2. Declutter 

A great place to begin is by creating space in your home by decluttering and disposing of items you no longer need or use. Clear out your closets, empty your drawers and give away old gear. Simplifying your surroundings gives your home a cleaner and more spacious feel, and it can also have a beneficial impact on your mental health.

Using the 80/20 rule which states that we only use and wear 20% of what we own 80% of the time, you can decide which things to keep and which to get rid of. For instance, if you consider you only wear 20% of your clothes 80% of the time, you can recycle or donate items that are taking up valuable closet space.

Streamlining your home in this way can help to create harmony and a sense of well-being in your home, as well as improve the overall air quality by reducing dust and other allergens.

3. Update Your Walls

Painting your walls can do wonders to transform your space and refresh your surroundings. As a general principle, follow the timeless color rule, which suggests using one dominant color 60%, a secondary color 30% followed by a 10% accent color to create an impactful and cohesive look.

Consider making a statement with a feature wall through a bold wallpaper design, a floating shelf, gallery or an eye-catching piece of artwork. This will bring energy and interest to a room and can make a visual impact at very little cost.

Another way to enhance your walls and also offer a protective function is through wainscoting. This is a type of decorative paneling that covers the lower portion of your wall and is great for preventing damage from scuff marks, dents or doorknobs. Wainscoting is a simple but elegant way to create a statement feature wall in one or several areas around your home and can be installed by companies such as Doors Plus.

4. Switch up your Lighting

Lighting can have a dramatic effect on the mood and feel of a room. Incorporate different types of lighting into your home to give you more than one option from your light source.

LED or spotlights lights above your kitchen counter or bedroom wardrobe can give a contemporary and luxurious feel to your home, while dimmer switches can be adjusted to create an intimate and relaxing ambience in a room. Floor and table lamps with warm bulbs can also be introduced to gently illuminate a room and brighten up dark areas without the need for an overhead light, making them the perfect accompaniment for reading or watching a movie.

Whether it’s a statement chandelier, an artistic floor lamp or an ornate wall sconce, choose light fixtures that will add a decorative element to a room as well as serve a practical function.

5. Use Accent Pieces

Incorporate accent pieces to add personality and character to your interior design and to draw the attention of your guests when they enter a room. Accent pieces stand out on purpose, making a statement through their bold color or unique design as well as serving a practical function.

Whether it’s an item of furniture such as a velvet armchair, luxurious chaise lounge or a glamorously gilded coffee table, choose a piece that steals the limelight yet complements the décor and design in the rest of the room.

Accent pieces can also be introduced through fabrics and textures such as cushions, throws and rugs allowing you to express yourself through your choice of pattern, color and design. This is a great way to add visual interest as well as change the look and feel of a room.

6. Introduce Art

Hanging art on your walls can refresh the look and feel of your home. Whether you wish your art to make a subtle or bold statement, pictures, paintings and photography can all be used to great effect in bringing your walls to life. Art is often a personal and subjective way to say something about you and your life, and also provides a way for you to make your house a home by adding a personal touch. Finding beautiful wall art couldn’t be simpler either, so it’s such an easy way to refresh your home. 

When selecting what to hang on your walls, a useful tip is to assess the overall look and aesthetic of a room. Introduce pieces that tie in with the general theme of your décor, be it shabby chic, eclectic or traditional,  and that reflect the colors and furnishings throughout the room. For instance, a room that has been styled according to an asian theme will come to life with painted landscapes influenced by Zen Buddhism or floral silk screens to accentuate and blend in with the look of the room.

Easy Ways To Refresh Your Home

To guide your choices, select artwork that matches a prominent color in the room or contains undertones which are similar to your furnishings or walls to add a cohesive feel that also adds depth and impact to your interior design.

Follow the suggestions in this article to refresh your home and make it a place you enjoy spending time in.