Chelsea wrote in and said this:
…I feel like I am always on Pinterest, looking at all the pretty spaces, and I just leave feeling overwhelmed with where to start. You probably get this question a lot, but we are, our little family of five, renting a house right now. I’d love to hear some simple fixes and ideas that you recommend on starting small. We’re allowed to do a few things, and we would like to make it more ‘us’. Maybe something with big impact, that is manageable on a smaller budget. I would love to hear any ideas you have!
First things first: We have consistently shared and touched on this topic, because it’s a popular question that a lot of people have, and it’s always good to revisit. Last year, we wrote a post on how to fall in love with your home where we expanded a little on it, there. But just know you’re in good company when it comes to all things pinterest.
But I’ll start with a confession: Sometimes, I struggle with feeling like our home is lacking. We certainly don’t have it all together. Jamin and I both hope that on this site, we never perpetuate the myth of the perfect house because there is no such thing as a dream home. And when you see a pretty shot, it’s just a bunch of crap shoved out of the way. ;} That’s a truth you can find everywhere, whether people are honest about it, or not.
Whenever I start to feel that way, I remind myself of this quote…
Isn’t this a great quote about life in general? I think you can apply it to just about anything. So whether you’re renting or you own a home, we think that it comes down to these tried and true points that really help enliven your space again, without breaking the bank. These are a few of our faves on simple changes for your home.
Because little changes can make the biggest impact, without an entire room overhaul.
1. Purge
We’ve been on this journey for two years now. And it’s about to reach DEF CON level orange or five or whatever it is around here that means hit the proverbial red panic button because we’re all going to die, and burn all the things.
My point, however, is that it’s been a very rewarding process. It really has. And I’m going there first because sometimes the best changes you can make for your dwelling place aren’t all decor changes. Sometimes they start with the simple process of paring down to what you really want and need.
If it’s that kitchen drawer that keeps clogging up because of all the paper. Or your kiddos closet with outgrown clothes. Start with a purge. Start with a cleaner slate. This is something people can do, even if they’re renting with super strict rules. It’s something to give you fresh perspective and help lift your spirits. You’d be amazed what a tiny ten minute grocery bag rampage can do for the way you feel about a space. Seriously start small and then move on to the next. It’s addictive and can make you feel so much better. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be extreme. Just a few small changes can help you breathe.
It’s amazing how you can feel so much better, when you start fresh. It’s free. And freeing.
2. The other senses
Are you seeing a resounding theme here? I’m starting with the small, and sometimes overlooked. But very important: A lot of a space includes how it makes you feel.
Sometimes, {and by sometimes, I mean all the time} I trick myself into making my home feel clean or better or fresh by doing two things: Light a candle + have some fresh cut flowers. {We adore Volcano no. 6 for candles in the home.}
Fresh cut flowers may seem over the top. We actually just cut some from our back yard {I have an obsession with my Zinnia garden most of the year} and when it’s too cold {one of these days, I’d love a little greenhouse} we do the grocery store gig. It’s a great, simple way to lift your spirits. The space has a whole new, brighter, optimistic feel about it.
Throw in a little coffee, and I can conquer the world.
3. Bring in a new fabric
I’m a bit of what they would call the self-taught seamstress.
When you sit down with a sewing machine… if you can just figure out how to load that bobbin and thread the machine I promise things are all downhill from there. I think it’s a little bit of a lost art, but well worth the effort.
An entirely new world is opened up before you. I’m not saying you must make all the things. Even if you pair one fresh fabric with store bought items, you suddenly have a customized look for your home, with minimal effort and a shoestring budget.
If you can sew a straight line, you can sew curtains, pillows, bedding and more. I’m serious. It only takes a little effort. I’ve only used a pattern once, and it was to make a baby bag when the kiddos were younger, It’s all about finding what works for you and using it in your home. But you’d be amazed at how a few fresh pillows or patterns that are special to your little space, can liven things up in a big way.
It’s totally worth it.
4. Let it breathe
Down with the brown: Maybe you can’t paint. But it helps to let items breathe in your home, by highlighting what makes them great. Maybe your walls are taupe, but that old laminate piece that needs a new look could use a fresh coat of paint.
We all know it helps to get rid of a builder’s beige, if you can. But when you can’t, look for other ways to freshen up those pieces you’ve been meaning to get to, anyway.
I’ve seen homes filled to the brim with beautiful antiques, but they can’t be appreciated because they aren’t given room to breathe and be appreciated. And if your walls are dark panels circa 1975, you can still rock the space with what you have, by looking for opportunities to bring in the things that reflect you, and tell your story.
Keep it fresh, give it space, and you’ll enjoy what you actually have. Which brings us to…
5. Look for contrast
It’s time to break the ‘rules’, of all matchy matchy in a space.
You know that feeling you have when you’ve worn all your outfits in your closet the same way? But if you mix something up with fresh accessories or new shoes, it can feel new again? Suddenly you’re all, Duh. I look amazing… why don’t I wear this more often?
Balance what you have, and bring interest to it all, by looking for small ways to bring interesting twists on the expected. Mix it up. Maybe it’s a touch of metal with wood in a space that has a lot of white. Or white to balance out a lot of color.
Keep in mind the process of checks and balances as you revive a space, and it helps make it fresh. Sometimes it’s just shopping your space and switching out pieces to get rid of that stagnant feel. Sometimes its switching up one pillow for another for a fresh color. Be a little more fearless with the old, and create a new look with a coat of paint and easy changes in the home.
Sometimes, it’s just the little changes that can make a huge difference.
6. Let them create
The best, one of a kind creations come for free with the best little artists you can find. If you frame them in creative ways, they can be some of the coolest accents around your home.
We think that a home should tell a story and reflect the people who live there. So revel in who they are, and who you are… in the way that only you can.
And not just with their little creations: Some of our favorite art are the photos from our instagram account, that we’ve used for art around our home. They’re just split second moments, but for us, they’re our favorite memories.
From photographs of special moments, to cool creations… the result is up to you, and the possibilities are endless.
7. Bring the outside in
Back to the flowers, but with plants. And jute. And stones. And elements of geology and beautiful pieces that only nature can provide.
If it’s a windowsill herb garden, or a simple rock collection, or a nice little succulent that you haven’t killed happen to be fond of… It keeps your space fresh and not-too stodgy when it has that thriving feel about it.
It’s that element that you can’t find anywhere else, and sometimes people don’t really consider it.
8. Down with the boob lights. And fluorescents.
And anything else you hate.
If you’re going to be there for a while, it might be worth switching them out. If you’re renting… They’re actually pretty easy to install. It’s amazing the ambiance that you can get from lights that bring in some major character to the space. They’re like a crowning jewel, with a minimal investment that you can take with you, when you move. (Just be sure to hold on to the old ones so you can put them back up.) It makes it more you. And you don’t have to look at those lights you can’t stand, every day you’re at home.
9. Let the windows go naked
I don’t know about you, but vertical blinds, heavy window treatments and dark spaces can feel oppressive.
Maybe it’s just pulling them back every day to let the light in. Maybe it’s just changing up the windows a bit to bring in major light and space that can make a huge difference in how you feel about it all.
Sometimes you can sew something basic for just one window, or pick up a fresh panel at Target, and it can be a game changer. Think about what you can change and affordable, simple ways to add major character to the windows, just by taking down whatever bothers you.
Sometimes, the windows can influence an entire space. Just letting the light in, or eliminating those heavy treatments, can change everything.
10. Make it work for you
No matter where you live, know yourself. Once you’ve changed things up, let your space work for you.
Open shelving isn’t for everyone, but it’s something you an include, even if it’s in a simple bookcase. Our point? Storage can change things for you, and holding yourself accountable to have a system that works for your family can make things truly livable in the meantime. That system will change and evolve as your family grows. It’s great to be flexible and proactive about how it’s all coming together. And it’s worth it to make a space work for you, even if you’re just renting.
It’s amazing how it can actually make you feel.
So maybe it’s not open shelving. Maybe it’s just getting things a little more organized for everyone so that you can breathe easier. If you can let your home work for you, and figure out a system to it all, the better you’ll feel about everything. It doesn’t have to be anything major, but maybe holding yourself accountable with what works, and what doesn’t.
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No matter what area of life you find yourself in, no matter what season, we hope these help bring some perspective for simple changes you can make to your dwelling place, without a complete overhaul. No, it doesn’t have to look like it belongs in a magazine. No, it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a dream house, and we’re just here to enjoy it, while it’s here.
It’s all about embracing the season of where you are, and making it work for you. We hope this helps Chelsea, because it’s true… small changes can make a huge impact in your spaces, even if it’s just your feelings about them.
What are some of the smallest changes you’ve made to make a big impact? We know we couldn’t have listed them all here and we’d love to hear from your personal experiences… especially the renters out there…
Have an inspired day!
Maryann C says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Volcano candle! I have the blue ones, but I also have a crackled Mercury glass one. I waited for an Anthropologie 20% off coupon, then went and scooped up several!
Dharma says
Paint and doing my design on a dime challenges me and makes me look at vintage/ cast off in a new way. Adding small flourishes of my wannabe-mermaid cottage to my home has been making my inner girl feel groovy these days…I started with out master bath but have moved on to the living room. The bath was $80 and I have a $300 limit for the living room….stay tuned š
http://dharmainthefalls.blogspot.ca/2015/07/from-spaz-to-spa-with-only-80.html
Diane@InMyOwnStyle says
Hi Ashley – Love your style. It is so colorful, fresh and fun. Can’t wait to see what you do with your new home. š Friends of ours live in Nashville. They have lived in a few areas around the city. Brentwood and now Franklin. They love it there. We plan on passing through to visit them on our house hunting journey. XO
Jen says
Hey there! I wasn’t getting your posts for some reason for the last month or so, and I’m now trying to catch up. But I wanted to say that I’m glad someone else also hates “boob” lights! I died of laughter–because I’ve been calling them “nipple” lights forever and my family of all boys are cringing when it comes out of my mouth. Loved this post, and as always, you have great advice.