Six Ways to Enjoy Your Home To The Fullest In The New Year

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1. Create a Cozier Bedroom

The bedroom is the place where we spend the majority of our time in the home and yet it is often one of the most neglected rooms in the house. Create your own oasis. Start by making sure the walls that surround you are a color that feels peaceful and relaxed. The bed should be the focus. An upholstered headboard can set the foundation for your design scheme. Don’t be afraid to bring on the blankets and pile on the pillows. I love an extra throw and some luxe fur. Layering rugs also adds to a comfy look and warmth underfoot. Adjust the lighting so it is soothing and sexy. Use soft bulbs, dimmers and beautiful chandeliers to enhance the space. Upgrade your bedding with linen sheets. You’ll feel like you’re in a luxury hotel.

2. Craft a Relaxing Bathroom

Commit to self care as a priority this year. Your bathroom can become your own home spa with just a few special touches. To start make sure to declutter. Think of how a spa would organize toiletries. Try glass jars for cotton balls and baskets for towels. Incorporate nature to help create a beautiful environment. I love orchids. Update your towels and rugs. Indulge in a large comfy bath towel that you can wrap around yourself after a soothing bath. Finally, aromatherapy can add that last special touch to your home spa experience. Candles, essential oils, scented soap and lotions all help to create the mood. Choose your favorite relaxing scent. Is it lavender? Jasmine? Maybe Rose...

3. Style Your Shelves

One of my favorite things to do is styling shelves. Design pros know not to let books take over shelves without placing them with intention by size and color or weaving in a few special accents. Don’t be afraid to “shop your house” for special finds from travels or antique malls, framed photos, bottles and ceramic vases, baskets or whatever fits your room and mood. Books can alternate from being displayed upright to being laid flat on a shelf and can be used as “risers” for interesting sculptural pieces. Don’t take your shelf to seriously and don’t be afraid to have fun and break the rules. Throw in a small painting, a small lamp, a favorite vintage vinyl LV with a cover that you love. Enjoy and show your personality in these special places in your home.

4. Create A Workspace

If you don’t have the luxury of dedicating an entire room to an office a simple nook will do-even an empty wall can be utilized in imaginative ways. Place a compact table top where you can and pair it with an interesting chair and a piece of art or mirror above it to create a special place all your own. Look for functional storage such as baskets and boxes that can be stored away while keeping things organized and tidy. Make it come

to life with lighting, a small plant or maybe a little bouquet for yourself once a week. Your work day monopolizes so much of your time be sure when you’re working your in a place that suits your taste and feels good.

5. Decorate With Plants

One of the best ways to boost your mood and add personality without breaking the bank is to add plants to your space. Go for a “statement plant” like a Fiddle Leaf Fig or a Parlor Palm if you’ve got the space or tuck a succulent into unexpected places. I enjoy planting orchids in vintage trophies or wooden boxes or anything that’s not a pot! Thing outside the box. Maybe a silver ice bucket. Plants are an easy addition to your home decor that will give it a more finished and layered look. I like to bring the outdoors in. If you have a backyard or go for a hike collect fresh flowers, greens or even a branch to introduce a natural element to your home.

6. Get Ready To Entertain (Finally!)

It’s such a beautiful thing to open up your home to your friends and family. It’s a wonderful way to honor your friendships and show a bit of creativity and to share your authentic self. You’ve spent a lot of time and effort creating a lovely home so show it off. Set the atmosphere with candles, dimmers, votives and various levels of lighting. Keep it cozy. Bring in fresh flowers or greens. Be creative with where you put them. I prefer bottles, champagne glasses, trophies and a variety of mismatched vases to anything too contrived. Setting a table is one of my favorite things to do. The great thing about it is you can do it the day ahead. Be sure to layer with silver trays, mirrors, interesting napkin rings, herbs like rosemary, eclectic glassware, cloth napkins and anything unique. Light some candles to set the mood and if you need extra chairs have fun mixing different styles. I enjoy mixing it up on the table as well with fine china and more rustic pieces. Break all of the rules and make it fun. Everyone will enjoy the love and thoughtfulness you’ve put into it.