Written by Natalie Witt
Since staying home is integral to slowing down the spread of the coronavirus, it can be difficult to find new and fulfilling things to do after being inside for months. Our homes have become our workplace as well as our living space. I’ve found that the one thing I never get bored of is decorating my apartment and making it feel more like home. Changing the aesthetics of your space can change your entire outlook of what it means to be “stuck at home.”
1. Make your own art!
Creating your own art is a great way to have your home reflect who you are. Buy a canvas and paint with colors that uplift you. Not only is this great as a self-care activity, but you’ll also get an amazing piece of art out of it. If you don’t feel artistically inclined, perhaps try out watercolor and fluid painting techniques. I’m not a painting prodigy by any means, so I decided to try out fluid painting and I’d highly recommend it because it’s relatively simple and captivating to look at. Making your own art will give your quarantine space the personal touch it needs since your art is one-of-a-kind!
2. Buy plants!
Having plants and greenery around will make your home more beautiful and lively. Plus, it gives you something to care for! Plants are kind of like pets because you have to nurture them to ensure they’re healthy and happy enough to grow. Philodendrons, bamboo, and succulents are some of my personal favorites because they’re easy to tend to and will bring life to your home. Studies have shown that indoor plants boost mood and productivity, while reducing stress and fatigue. After buying your plants, you can find fun planters online or at home improvement stores to put them in. You could also buy gardening books specific to your plants so you can learn how to best care for them. Although it may be easier to Google gardening tips, the books can double as a piece of decor in your home.
3. Find a color palette that suits you!
Prioritizing what colors you want in your home is important because colors can influence your mood and overall energy. If your space is mostly darker colors, consider introducing a brighter color to your room(s). I had a lot of dark furniture and wanted a beach-y theme so I found some sea-foam blue colored pillows, throws, and wall decor which made a huge difference. I’m not an interior designer, but I’ll say that having a solid four or five colors that you stick to will elevate the overall vibe of your home and bring everything together. Websites like Pinterest and ElleDecor can help you visualize what colors work best together.
4. Dedicate time to decluttering!
Nothing is worse than wanting to be productive and then walking out to your living room or bedroom to see stuff everywhere. If you can relate to this, put on your favorite playlist and spend some time getting rid of all that clutter. By organizing your space, you’ll feel more organized overall -- guaranteed. Items that are left out should make you happy and serve a purpose. Photographs, lamps, plants, and even crystals bring good energy into your space and bring it to life. Throwing out clutter and cleverly storing your things will create room for new decor. Alternatively, you can go for a minimalistic approach and keep only a few things around for the sake of simplicity.
5. Use uplifting scents!
There are so many ways to get your space smelling beautifully and uniquely your own. Room sprays, incense, wax melts, and diffusers are just a few different options, ranging from inexpensive to expensive. Personally, I use a lemon and mint scented room spray from Target which is a cheap option that smells divine. Good smells are important for your wellness because scents have varying benefits. For instance, lavender relaxes you while rosemary energizes you. Some studies have even shown that essential oils can help with anxiety and depression. Finding scents that you love is an enjoyable way to elevate your space, as well as improve your own wellbeing.
Making your space your own is a project that can take as long, or as short, as you’d like. Either way, having your space reflect what makes you feel the happiest will make staying safe at home more enjoyable. If you try out any of these tips and tricks, please share your pictures with us!
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