It’s time for a refresh. What simple changes can I make that pack a big mood-boosting punch?
While you’re busy living life, you might stop one day, look at a certain space in your home, and thing, “Hmm. This needs a change.” Maybe it’s not functioning as well as it could. Maybe it doesn’t spark those warm and fuzzy feelings that it used to bring about when you spend time there. Maybe the seasons have changed but the space hasn’t yet caught up. Whatever it is, every once in a while, we get a nudge to change something. And often, the end product makes you feel refreshed yourself!
Earlier today, I was flipping through a Pottery Barn magazine I found among the other junk mail. I’d been looking to give my bedroom a little refresh lately and thought I’d might find some inspiration. While everything looked absolutely perfect, I couldn’t relate to it. My house does not look like a Pottery Barn magazine. The reason I mention this moment is because I realized how easy it is to be influenced to raise your standards, and price point, when it comes to refreshing your home. It doesn’t have to be this way. And I threw away the magazine. You don’t need a total transformation to feel a sense of satisfaction.
Here are three ways I like to refresh spaces in my own home (and feel a big mood boost from doing!):
Rearrange Your Furniture
Back to my bedroom refresh for a minute. I live in a home that is over 100 years old, and when the upstairs addition was added, with it came adorable dormers and a big beautiful window, as well as awkward and restricting roof pitches. In our room, there is only one place that our bed can logically go, further restricting the ability to move around the other furniture.
But, if I could, this would be the first place I’d start when refreshing my space. They say, sometimes all we need is a new perspective. Switching up furniture can do just that. Just a little bit of time and muscle, and you’ve got your same space feeling completely new again. Maybe now it functions better, or maybe now you can fit your holiday decorations perfectly. Furthermore, maybe now your view out the window to catch the sunsets over the trees is seen better from your favorite spot on the couch. Rearranging what you have is just a great place to start to breathe new life into your space.
Evoke a Mood Through Scent
Another thing that is very personal and that can evoke certain feelings and emotions is scent. Whether you are into candles, essential oils, room sprays, or incense, switching it up can help a space feel different. Whether you’re looking to create a certain emotion in a space or bring some holiday or seasonal touches, scent is a great way to do so. I have a friend who is a chandler, and she speaks about scent memories. Certain scents can also trigger happy memories, and being able to light a candle and close your eyes to return to that moment can be very powerful for a space. It brings about coziness and boosts your mood. For my bedroom, I recently brought in one of my favorite relaxing fall candles to add to the relaxing atmosphere I was trying to create.
Add a Little Texture Here and There
Texture is another way to refresh a space. Whether this is brought in through toss pillows, throw blankets, a houseplant, baskets or what-have-you, adding new textures to a space can help bring new interest. As the weather cools down for fall, I swapped out my cotton sheets for some soft flannel ones and added a new super-soft throw blanket to the base of the bed for extra-chilly times. Going for a cozier mood, soft, neutral and earthy colored tones were something that helped highlight that feeling. Other ways you can add texture is through wall art, woven trays or baskets (that can double as organizational items), or even something as small as some cute coasters that seem to contrast with the room’s overarching texture or lack-of. And, if you haven’t tried it, shop your own home first! You never know what awesome swaps you can come up with!
Your home is a direct representation of who lives within its walls. It’s perfectly imperfect. It has quirks and character. Love it for what it is, and refresh it for who you are and what fits your budget.
If you’re wondering how my little refresh turned out and ways it boosted my mood, check it out!
To refresh my space, I shopped my linen closet for the sheets, comforters, and throw blankets. I purchased the accent pillows from Target, and the candle from Yankee Candle. Shop here.
Tag me in your mood-boosting refreshes on Instagram! @bloomingwithmeghan
