HAPPINESS AT HOME

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During this time at at home, we're seeing lots of your kitchens being used with more home-cooking and family time, bars getting lots of love and attention, and big comfy chairs & seating serving the the whole family well while watching Netflix.  We've been hearing more questions from you about home offices, paint colors, and furniture arrangements.  So let's dig into your most pressing questions...

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DESIGN TIPS:

1. Making a home office work for you:

​The key is in separation of spaces.  Separate where you work and relax so that your body automatically switches gears when you switch locations.  Just as they say to separate where you sleep and watch TV so that your body is trained to shut off when your head hits the pillow, ease the mental effort of having to switch gears by using separate spaces to train your body to do it for you.

Natural light is really important for our well-being and connection to the outdoors as well.  If it's not possible for your desk or work space to be near a window, try putting a daylight bulb in a lamp or two.  What you surround yourself with in that space has a big influence as well. Without adding distracting items, maybe hang artwork that inspires you or brighten up the space with lighter colors if the walls are gloomy.  A comfy chair (that doesn't put you to sleep or hurt you back) is important, diffusing essential oils or lighting a candle can help, and sounds such as music, a podcast, or nature sounds played on your computer are also great for added focus.

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2. Paint Colors

If you're tackling a home project with some paint, many are scared they will make a mistake with choosing a color.  I offer virtual paint consultations, and it seems like a wise investment for the time, effort, and money you put into re-painting a room, or especially the exterior of a house.  Here are my favorite go-to neutral colors for those that need some generic help:

SW 9166 Drift of Mist
SW 9165 Gossamer Veil
SW 7015 Repose Gray
SW 7065 Argos
SW 7004 Snowbound (whites)
SW 7008 Alabaster (whites)

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3. Furniture Arrangements

In times like these, when it feels like groundhog day every day, it's important to change things up a bit in ways that don't add anxiety, but instead add some spice and fun to life.  It's so easy to rearrange your existing furniture to see if there's another way to lay things out in a way you like.  It's fun, easy, free, and you can involve the family as well.  Everyone can have input, and you can view it as an experiment... even if it's just your basement, or your kid's rooms.  I used to unleash my creativity in this way all throughout my childhood.  Switching up my room was one of the ways I could gain control of my surroundings while also learning how to use the space better.  Let your kids have some fun trying out different layouts... you never know, they could become a designer one day too!  If you know you need help, and don't know where to start, we also offer virtual furniture consultations as well.  Fear not, this is something you can do on your own or with help, but regardless - do it if you know you need it!  It can make a world of difference in your appreciation of your everyday space.