5 easy tips for a space refresh

There’s something so refreshing about taking down that Christmas decor, and starting with a clean slate. This year, we went a little bonkers with Christmas, and while we enjoyed it while it lasted {we went all out right after Halloween this year, because apocalypse} we were also relieved to have our house back. The day after Christmas was like the holidays exploded, and once we put everything away after enjoying it a little longer, it was so nice. Cleaning and organizing and freshening up, are forms of self care. Especially with the year we’ve just had, and creating retreats in our own spaces are more important than ever. Today we’re sharing 5 easy tips for a space refresh. 

After Christmas hit, this was the cleaned up version…

Since this room in particular was the heart of all things Christmas, and in dire need of a good organizational purge, we thought we’d share how we organized our pool room. We’ve now had this room for a year, and still hadn’t really had a chance to organize this space as we wanted to just yet, so we knew it was time to dive right in. 

1. 5 easy tips for a space refresh: Do what makes you happy

Just because the Christmas ornaments come down, doesn’t mean the space can’t sparkle. Nashville can get a little gloomy in the winter, and we have to say, we find that making it colorful and fun, first and foremost is what makes us happy.

So do whatever makes you happy. If blue ceilings are your thing, do it. If mirror balls to add a little sparkle makes it light and interesting, then go for it. Once upon a time, we had two mirror balls, and they were never right – they arrived broken when they came in the mail, so we gave them away when we moved because we didn’t have space for them. Then I realized how much I missed my mirror ball. So I went even bigger and ordered a {non-broken} new one. Good, long story… but it makes me happy, and helps combat the winter/covid blues. So add things that give you joy in your space. 

Speaking of what makes you happy… I added some fresh flowers the other day because they do so much for a space. Go to the grocery and pick some up to brighten your own day. Just because they might not be growing in the yard at the moment, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them. 

This is an old box we built years ago, that we use as a centerpiece to use every now and then. This time I just added some simple glass bottles, and filled them with flowers. It’s all about the little additions to brighten up a space in the winter time.  

Bring in the Green – There’s something about a plant that helps warm things up and keeps it fresh.

You may remember our wall of succulents from our backyard makeover this last spring. 

We built some easy diy succulent shelves to bring them all in, and I’ve loved helping new little succulent babies grow, along with making sure the old ones continue to thrive. 

 

2. 5 easy tips for a space refresh: Shop the House 

Shop your house and mix things up in the accessories department. My pillows stayed put because I still love them just where they are, but mixing up candles, books and anything else that may be feeling a little stale, by moving things around from one room to the next, can be a great game changer. It can make the room feel fresh all on it’s own without buying a thing. Think about what you can move around, to freshen things up. 

3. 5 easy tips for a space refresh: Purge it

Because it feels so good. We have all this storage under our window seats, and we’ve yet to get it all organized, until a few days ago. Because we have so much styling and accents at our house, it was good to clean out and then organize it all. The things we use often are on the ends – for instance, the snow cone machine and ice cream maker are all ready to go as soon as the weather warms up again.

While extra napkins and plates and party supplies are in the middle, so that when I need to get to them it’s not hard to do. But this area has doubled as great storage in this room, and we love the extra storage. 

The best thing you can do for your space, is clean it up. It helps to straighten and clean and get it organized. 

Designate certain areas for certain things, and you’ll feel so much better. Promise. 

I plan to paint more this winter, and that cabinet at the end is now used to store all my oil supplies, since this is my makeshift studio upstairs.  We added a shelf to these cabinets for more space and it helps to have it all in one place!

Oddly enough, this green cabinet is now used for dog supplies, beach towels, and sunscreen. Since we have a pool, it definitely helps to have a catch-all that doesn’t involve the bathroom, which is all the way upstairs. 

It’s amazing how much purging and organizing can be such a game changer for any space.

4. 5 easy tips for a space refresh: Freshen it up with art

While I adore my skinny dipping art, it felt a little premature for that when I pulled down our Christmas chalkboard.

So I thought this light and bright art {which still looks a little springy} would be fun, instead. I was just feeling a somewhat abstract landscape. April Showers. 

Psssttt… we’re still carrying our art sale – take 40% off any piece with the code ART40 at checkout. 

It’s amazing what a fresh piece can do, whether purchased or created by you or a loved one. Find some at your local flea market. Grab hand me downs from your family. Find something that expresses who you are. We tend to switch out our art like we do our accessories, by shopping the house and creating our own. It makes it so much fun, for a fresh look. 

5. 5 easy tips for a space refresh: Clean your windows

I know. It’s the new year. So cleaning in general will leave you feeling fresh and awesome. We’re big fans of Go Clean Co’s Tide recipe, and making our spaces feel fresh. Especially with two giant shedding doggos.

We’re in the process of knocking all these out one at a time, but windows can be a big game changer for a refresh start. It’s crazy how much larger your room can look, if you just clean them up. Don’t have time to clean? We get it. Some days, we don’t either. A quick vacuum one afternoon, along with spritzing down the countertops + lighting a candle can change your entire mindset.

We’re slowly tackling each space, one by one this January.

It’s a lot of work but super rewarding for the new year, and a fresh home. 

What’s something fresh for your space that you’re taking on, that’s a game changer for a room refresh?

We’d love to hear.

Have an inspired day!