Home Design Trends for 2020
Judith Sutton ABR CRS IDS PMN ASP IAHSP SRES GREEN
Judy@JudithSutton.com 908 803-0472
Invited guest post Flanigan Innteriors
Over the past few months, we’ve likely all spent more time at home than ever before, prompting a number of changes to our homes to better accommodate our new lifestyles. For us, initially, many of these transformations focused on function—rearranging rooms to house home offices, setting up areas for classes held via Zoom—but it’s also important to create a place of calmness. Here is some advice on how to make our homes feel like havens that are suited to our needs, as well as soothing, uplifting, and inspiring. We want tips that truly don’t require a lot of heavy lifting, allowing us make small changes without adding a lot of stress in the process.
First and foremost, clear out the clutter. All of the experts agree that the first step in creating a more relaxing environment is to declutter your spaces. It’s important to remember a room’s functionality affects your enjoyment of the space just as much as its beauty. “Studies show that physical clutter can affect mental clarity, so now is the time to get organized.” We all have a hard time relaxing in rooms that are messy or contain an excessive amount of unnecessary items. Consider donating anything that’s rarely used, and for those you plan to keep, utilize handy yet aesthetically pleasing organizational tools, such as trays, wicker baskets, or under table shelving.
Embrace the power of color. Colors have a powerful impact on your mood and can be incorporated in a number of ways, from accessories to all four walls. I would suggest opting for pops of color that stimulate mood, whether through artwork, sculpture, throw pillows, or paint. In terms of hues that evoke a haven-like feel, “Blue, green, and soft cream colors can calm your mind, lower your blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and even slow your heart rate.”
Spend some time rearranging your "things." Before discarding furniture and purchasing new items for your home, try to see your pieces in a new light, layout, and location. “Simply altering the layout of a room can make a dramatic difference.” Arrange your rooms around windows to maximize the enjoyment of natural light. Additionally, you can “borrow” items from one room to complete another. Sometimes neutral throw pillows and rugs can be easily swapped from one room to the next; especially from porches to living rooms, and visa versa.
Most importantly, surround yourself with what you love. Looking at items you love is an instant mood lifter, so don’t hesitate to feature your favorite decorative pieces prominently in the rooms where you spend the majority of your time. If you’re currently spending hours on end in your home office, then rehang your favorite piece of art over your desk for inspiration. If you’re clocking more hours in the kitchen, pull your grandmother’s antique china collection out of the cupboard and put it on display. When you utilize beloved personal items, like family photos, souvenirs from traveling, or a family heirloom, you lend meaning to your space. Just take care not to over clutter.
In addition... improving air quality indoor plants or flowers make any space feel fresh and vibrant. “Living things improve your mental and physical well-being in ways you probably didn’t even realize,” Plus, bringing the outdoors in is an easy way to instantly give a room a boost and even a lovely unexpected fragrance!
Judy@JudithSutton.com
908 803-0472
"...the right relationship means everything..."
SERVING THE SOMERSET HILLS AREA ONE CLIENT AT A TIME
.
.