Here we are again. This Valentine’s Day month is a good time to show a little love to your home. People are feeling isolated and a little worried this year. If we need to stay home more, we should at least enjoy our surroundings. I’m not talking about a renovation project, but rather, lots of little things that you can do to spruce up and “show the love” to your home. Some of the simplest tasks can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home and do not have to be expensive. Here are a few to consider:
Consider a color change in a bedroom. It’s easy to change the feel of a room just by changing the color scheme or adding to it. Change out a room’s bedding, curtains or rugs and add in a color or style that is new and fresh.
Use a diffuser. During the cold season with rain and snow, a diffuser, scented candle or wax burner can give a home a cozy feeling. Our sense of smell will often trigger memories of times past or elicit happy feelings.
Get that deep cleaning done. Pay attention to the details like baseboards, ceiling fans, high light fixtures, blinds, window tracks and doorframes. Scrub the baseboards and paint if needed. Clean out the window tracks and clean all the tops and edges of the doorframes.
Remove the clutter and let go. Just because you have had various knickknacks and décor for 10 years, doesn’t mean you really like them anymore. Re-evaluate what you have around your house and ask yourself, “Would I actually buy that again?” Is it something you really want to keep? Then make the decision to “let go” of the old or unwanted items and start fresh.
Clean windows and carpets. Your windows are your home’s connection to our beautiful surroundings and bring in valuable, health-building sunshine. If they haven’t been cleaned in months or even years, it’s time to do it now. Clean, sparkling windows can change the mood and feeling of your home. Dirty carpeting can carry dust mites and germs. If you have pets, hair and pet dander can get trapped in the fibers. Have a professional come out and clean the carpeting. Having your carpets cleaned will freshen the scent of your house.
Add a little life to your house. It won’t be long until you can start to plant some outdoor plants. But, you can plant indoors any time. Bring in some flowers, fresh cut or potted. There are particular benefits to having indoor plants and flowers beyond the obvious, including: Reducing carbon dioxide levels, increasing humidity, reducing levels of certain pollutants such as benzene and nitrogen dioxide, reducing airborne dust levels, keeping air temperatures down.
Express yourself. Does your house say anything about you? Are your hobbies and interests reflected in and around the rooms? During this difficult time of having to stay home more, having pictures of loved ones and things around that bring you joy and tell your story can be fun and comforting.
Change filters and clean vents. Filters should be changed out several times during the year. Pollutants and dust particles collect and get blown back into your environment. A dusty, dirty vent gives an impression of lack of care.
LOVE your home this Valentine’s Day. Show it you care. Do the little extras and enjoy the new year with a fresh, new, clean perspective. QCBN
By Lucy Leyva
Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order.
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