ome New Year’s resolutions, like hauling your bum to the gym on the regular, require commitment. But others, like zhooshing up your home for a fresh outlook, are easy as pie. We asked a few of our editors to share the one trick that make a happier home.
COMMIT TO ONE AMAZING HOME FRAGRANCE
“I’m obsessed with making my home smell good, but there’s nothing worse than competing scents,” says lifestyle director Angela Cuneo. “For this this reason, I’ve spent the past few years stocking up on Diptyques Baies votives, as well as their diffusers and scented ovals that I stick in my closet. It may seem like a lot, but just one of these in each room insures that things smell fresh rather than nauseating.”
DECORATE WITH YOUR ACCESSORIES
Declutter while using your favorite pieces of clothing as decor! Pull out that beautiful pair of shoes that just sits in your closet and use them as a paperweight, or to add dimension to your coffee table. It’s unexpected and fun!”
RETHINK GREENERY
The ultimate shortcut to a cheerful home? Plants. They’re an immediate mood booster and add an extra layer of life to the space. And I doesn’t think you should be demure when it comes to styling options either: Get creative with planters and play with the scale of plants in relationship to your space—don’t be afraid to suspend them from the ceiling!
PLAY MUSICAL CHAIRS, BUT WITH YOUR RUGS
Who says a rug needs to stay in one room, and one room alone? I’m a big fan of shuffling my rugs (and throw pillows) from room to room (say, swapping your dining room and bedroom rugs), to set a new tone for the new year—on the uber-cheaps. It’s a great way to make a room feel fresh without spending a dime!
PRETTIFY YOUR FOOD STORAGE
The key to living happier all comes down to food. Arrange the ingredients in your kitchen like an art display to make the space feel more inviting. You’ll find you use less packaging, less plastic (if you commit to all glass containers) and maybe even eat healthier since healthy foods will be presented instead of hidden away in a produce drawer.
INVEST IN AN AIR PURIFIER
Cleaner air at home has been shown to affect asthma and allergies (obviously), but also to improve your sleep and even breakouts! Not only do air purifiers trap pollutants, but they grab viruses in the air too, as well as VOC gasses, which have been known to cause fatigue and nausea. Consider this your secret weapon for flu season.
CRAFT PERSONAL VIGNETTES ON YOUR SURFACES
I rely on styling my console table with personal touches to boost my mood. Essential to a happy vignette? Fresh flowers, a favorite candle and a cast of rotating photos for a new perspective. Photos are easy to arrange and rearrange this way (as opposed to hanging them on a wall), and every time you walk by the table, you’ll be instantly filled with happiness!
PLAY GAMES WITH YOUR FAMILY
Less a decor tip and more a way to create good energy in the space, executive editor Nina Hearne swears by turning off the TV and gathering her family together in the living room for some good old-fashioned fun. Playing games—cards mainly, with the kids by the fire—grounds everyone and gets them off those wretched screens!
TRY BLACKOUT SHADES, BUT CRACK THEM
Blackout shades are great for blocking out errant streetlight when you’re falling asleep (and you know, napping to your heart’s content), but I actually prefers to leave mines with a few inches open. This way, the sun will shine through just enough in the morning, making it easier to wake up and leaving you feeling a little bit happier as you greet the day.
