Lose weight. Drink less. Eat healthier. Quit smoking. Volunteer. These are just a few of the top New Year's resolutions for 2012. Was your resolution on this list? And have you stuck with it or is it a distant memory you've repressed like the neon yellow spandex you were wearing in 1985? How about making a resolution this year (if even a few weeks late) and resolve to freshen up your home? It's simple. It's inexpensive. And, we have the best design ideas for you in this article so you won't have to do the footwork. Where's that "easy" button when you need it?
*Get Your Home Ready To Entertain (Even If You're Not Entertaining)
The experts at HGTV.com suggest you prepare your home for a party even if you do not have one planned. Make sure the home is clean, tidy and ready to receive visitors at any time. Designer McCormick offers affordable suggestions for remodeling a kitchen. There is no need to purchase all new appliances and accessories at one time. Create ways to organize your current possessions and add a handful of updated items. Houseplants serve the dual purpose of looking nice and cleaning impurities from the air. Select an accent color and purchase throw rugs or new window curtains in that shade to brighten up the room. Place furniture pieces facing each other in a conversational group instead of making the television the focal point of the living room. An interesting wall painting or piece of artwork is an ideal conversation starter when company calls.
*Small Changes Make A Big Difference
There is no need to change everything in the house. Small changes can make a big difference. Start redecorating one room with a coat of fresh paint. Choose one wall to paint and hang artwork or cherished family photographs. It will cost a fortune to buy all new energy efficient appliances. Start with one and make plans to replace the rest at a rate of one per year. It is often possible to take tax credits for those appliances you replace with more energy efficient models.
*Make Visible Storage Beautiful And Show Off Your Style
According to experts at Briar Cliff Village, visible storage systems should add to the aesthetics of a room. Retailers, including the Container Store and IKEA, carry decorative bins and baskets that are useful for containing clutter. At the same time, they can add style to the room. Bookends help keep books organized by subject matter, author or size.
*Keep Your Mess Under Control, Daily & Weekly
Jeff Campbell, author of Speed Cleaning and founder of a housekeeping service in San Francisco, provides the following hints for keeping clutter from getting out of hand.
Do Chores Daily - Do not let dirty clothes and dishes pile up. Make a point to fill the dishwasher and put dirty laundry in the hamper every night before going to bed. Putting everything in its place will give you the freedom to relax and get a good night's sleep.
Do Not Take on Too Much at One Time - Stick with one chore at a time such as wiping all the surfaces clean of fingerprints. Clean all the windows or all the appliances in a single session. Set aside time to focus on windows only. Finally, turn your attention to the floors and sweep, mop or vacuum the rugs.
Ask for Help - Cleaning can be a team activity if you ask family members or a roommate to help. One person can clean the bathroom while the other vacuums all the rugs. With some coordination and planning, you can have the whole house cleaned in an afternoon leaving free time for fun activities during the weekend.
*Get Your Home Ready To Entertain (Even If You're Not Entertaining)
The experts at HGTV.com suggest you prepare your home for a party even if you do not have one planned. Make sure the home is clean, tidy and ready to receive visitors at any time. Designer McCormick offers affordable suggestions for remodeling a kitchen. There is no need to purchase all new appliances and accessories at one time. Create ways to organize your current possessions and add a handful of updated items. Houseplants serve the dual purpose of looking nice and cleaning impurities from the air. Select an accent color and purchase throw rugs or new window curtains in that shade to brighten up the room. Place furniture pieces facing each other in a conversational group instead of making the television the focal point of the living room. An interesting wall painting or piece of artwork is an ideal conversation starter when company calls.
*Small Changes Make A Big Difference
There is no need to change everything in the house. Small changes can make a big difference. Start redecorating one room with a coat of fresh paint. Choose one wall to paint and hang artwork or cherished family photographs. It will cost a fortune to buy all new energy efficient appliances. Start with one and make plans to replace the rest at a rate of one per year. It is often possible to take tax credits for those appliances you replace with more energy efficient models.
*Make Visible Storage Beautiful And Show Off Your Style
According to experts at Briar Cliff Village, visible storage systems should add to the aesthetics of a room. Retailers, including the Container Store and IKEA, carry decorative bins and baskets that are useful for containing clutter. At the same time, they can add style to the room. Bookends help keep books organized by subject matter, author or size.
*Keep Your Mess Under Control, Daily & Weekly
Jeff Campbell, author of Speed Cleaning and founder of a housekeeping service in San Francisco, provides the following hints for keeping clutter from getting out of hand.
Do Chores Daily - Do not let dirty clothes and dishes pile up. Make a point to fill the dishwasher and put dirty laundry in the hamper every night before going to bed. Putting everything in its place will give you the freedom to relax and get a good night's sleep.
Do Not Take on Too Much at One Time - Stick with one chore at a time such as wiping all the surfaces clean of fingerprints. Clean all the windows or all the appliances in a single session. Set aside time to focus on windows only. Finally, turn your attention to the floors and sweep, mop or vacuum the rugs.
Ask for Help - Cleaning can be a team activity if you ask family members or a roommate to help. One person can clean the bathroom while the other vacuums all the rugs. With some coordination and planning, you can have the whole house cleaned in an afternoon leaving free time for fun activities during the weekend.
About the Author:
Learn all there is to know about alphabet photography and get tips on how to incorporate family photos in your home decor, right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comment Here