Hi guys! Summer has now well and truly taken hold, bringing warm weather and beautiful, azure skies. Usually I would be traveling at this time, but since we are still living in the "new normal", I am fully embracing staying at home!

This newfound free time means we’ve all had to redefine our idea of home. "Home" is now our office, daycare, school, college and even bar or restaurant at the weekend!

Personally, I have found this lifestyle full of surprises. It’s not unusual for me and my family to operate on totally different schedules when at work and school outside of the house. Having the time together has seen us all learn to communicate with each other on a deeper level and it has created not only a physical closeness, but a mental and emotional one as well.

Although I am fortunate to have a supportive environment, there are those who feel stressed out and stuck at home with their families. And for those who live alone, “lockdown” can be incredibly isolating.

But creating a relaxing, loving atmosphere for yourself doesn't require a lot of effort or any grand schemes. Today, I will share with you the small adjustments I have made to keep my family home fresh and joyful. If anything inspires a few changes in your own home, let’s talk — with my new virtual design service, we can plan and execute home updates together via phone, email and video chat. Let me know, don’t be shy!

Making space for family meal times

With all the unusual ups and downs these days can bring, it’s comforting and grounding to come back to one routine: family meal time. In our house, we’ve agreed to have no electronic devices or distraction; just time to talk, share news and reconnect. 

As I said before, my family and I are usually on different schedules. But now we're at home, we are making time to have one meal together each day — and it’s been amazing! We have all agreed to try and keep it this way even after the quarantine is over.

A dining area can be made up anywhere — around a small kitchen table, a dining room or even a kitchen counter. The important thing is its clutter free and calming. Simply removing your work papers, the kids’ homework, or any other remnants of the working day, will help establish much-needed boundaries.

And this goes for single people, too. If you are living alone, clearing away your work files and having a decluttered space to enjoy your meal will really help you switch off at the end of the day. You deserve it!

Adding a centerpiece, such as a decorative fruit bowl, can brighten and renew the dining area for a more enjoyable experience — if nothing else, a simple tablecloth will transform Mom’s desk into a dining space at 7pm!

Remembering the good times

Vacations may feel like a thing of the past, but why not fill some empty wall space with memorabilia from family adventures? Adding photos, your kid's paintings and drawings, travel souvenirs, and various treasured objects, will create an interesting, intimate pocket of your home.

I like to call this space my "treasure corner", filled with little trinkets and a vast array of items collected over the years.

Creating this space has allowed me to truly pause and reflect on the wonderful memories we have made — and it makes me excited for the future! I suggest going through old photo albums, dusting off souvenirs you have hidden away, and creating a fun space for your memories. 

You may even feel a sense of pride when you realize all you have done so far! If you need any help, this is the perfect mini project for us to work on virtually.

Bringing the outdoors in

Being at home so much, you can begin to miss the outdoors — especially when the weather is this fine. Keeping your home feeling fresh is key in these unsettling times, but refreshing the home doesn't have to be a drastic DIY project.

I like to make minor changes to suit the season, usually with plants and flowers. During fall and winter I pick dried flowers, branches and berries to decorate the home, matching the rich, decadent colors of these seasons.

Right now, I have faux cherry blossom branches in my centerpiece vase to welcome spring and summer. Faux flowers are a great, inexpensive alternative to liven up your living space — and when the season changes, you can store them away until next year!

Of course, if you can get fresh flowers, then do! There’s something about bringing the smell of nature inside the home that makes everyone instantly happy.

As I mentioned in my last post, our local businesses need support right now; having a bouquet delivered might be the boost everyone needs. And yes, you can buy yourself flowers — I do!

Introduce a few of these little pick-me-ups into the home, and you’ll be feeling the love, joy and relaxation in no time. Then, when you’re ready to get excited about the future, get in touch. I’m now offering virtual design consultations and even full service redecoration support from my home to yours! Lighting, furniture, accessories and space planning — it can all be done online. 

So let’s not delay. We can complete your next home design project together today!