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Streamlining your home in 2022

THE events of the last two years have made many of us consider what’s important to us and streamline our lives – and the same applies to our homes. Lockdown has meant more time spent at home which has underlined how we want to improve our lifstyle and just make life simpler and more comfortable. So, in 2022, there’s the opportunity to carry out plans to make life better and easier - and it begins at home. For a start, take a look at the space around you. It’s a safe bet that most of us have gathered together far too much stuff, a large proportion of which we just don’t need. So now is an excellent time to DE-CLUTTER. Do this a little bit at a time but an easy start is to make a list of 10 things to get rid of from anywhere in your home. Identify a box, basket or area to gather the items you’re getting rid of and gradually add to it. Don’t let the task overwhelm you; de-cluttering can be spread out so you could do a small amount every day. Just identify the main areas that need de-cluttering. Have you got duplicate items in your kitchen, for example? This is a good place to start and you definitely don’t need two of everything, from mixing bowls to kitchen utensils. Keep your favourites and get rid of the rest. Make three separate piles: items you could take to a local charity shop, those for recycling and rubbish for throwing out. Clear off surfaces and make spaces on countertops, tables and other furniture where books and clutter mysteriously gather, cleaning as you go. Decide what is really essential and put away items in drawers and cupboards. Check out paperwork, get it up to date and shred and throw out into the recycling what you don’t need anymore. Go through your clothes and anything you’ve not worn for more than two years either goes on ebay, the charity shop, recycling or the bin.

Take a long, hard look at your FURNITURE. Do you have items that are simply cluttering up space unnecessarily? Charities like Emmaus and the British Heart Foundation take furniture to sell on for funds so your de-cluttering can help someone in need. As soon as you start making a space, you’ll feel better about individual rooms and want to streamline more. And keeping on top of it as a lifestyle. ensuring that items are put away, surfaces are clear and re-set and your home always looks fairly tidy, will continue to make you feel better. Is the EXTERIOR of your home looking sad and in need of a coat of paint? Does guttering need cleaning? Changing your FRONT DOOR makes a surprising difference to the look of your home. It’s the first thing visitors see so a contemporary, welcoming front door brightens up the whole of the outside.

Ensure your HALLWAY continues the warm welcome. If it’s looking gloomy, it could be a combination of lack of light and dark flooring and walls. Invest in good lighting and paint the walls a lighter shade, complemented by flooring that is both practical and attractive. De-cluttering should also happen here. It’s very easy to have boots and coats getting in the way in the hallway. Either find somewhere else handy for them or invest in a cupboard or other storage area to get them out of sight. Re-arrange your FURNITURE as this can make a huge difference to your living area and can simplify the overall look of your living room. You’ll also be surprised at the space you now have which can make relaxing time so much better.

Changing SOFT FURNISHINGS can also alter a room and doesn’t need to cost a fortune. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, or know someone who is, go to mill shops or outlets and buy enough material for matching curtains and cushion covers – even the odd throw.

This new colour scheme can liven up the most traditional room and help make it a lovely place in which to spend time. RE-DECORATE walls and either change or cheer up the paintwork. Even a fresh coat of white gloss can make rooms gleam and change the whole aspect of a living space. Consider the latest wallpaper, too, to add a modern twist to your room even if you can’t afford new furniture. New FLOORING can change the look of a room. If you’re lucky enough to have good floorboards, invest in a sander and then varnish them afterwards. Add some sumptuous rugs and you’ve got a cosy, glowing room. Or, take a look at the latest carpets and flooring and choose a type to suit the area you want. Your local carpet retailer is a wealth of knowledge so explain your needs and they will offer plenty of ideas. Better LIGHTING can transform any area. There are all kinds of lights available now that can brighten up a dark area and offer you extra space. LED light bulbs can both help with the bills and add that modern glow, not to mention being better for the planet. And while we’re on the subject of “going green”, PLANTS around the home – whether they’re hanging plants or in wellplaced pots – add a natural look to any area. They’re also a goodvalue way of improving any room. While energy bills are obviously in the news and could be a problem this Winter, it’s still worth planning on all the ways to insulate your home and help cut the bills. Making your WINDOWS, DOORS and CONSERVATORY more energy-efficient not only makes them cosier and weatherresistant all year round but is also more cost-effective. Consider double or even triple glazing to reduce draughts, cut down on external noise and lessen any build-up of condensation. This is also a good time to think about always turning off lights and heaters we don’t need, using the tumble dryer less and buying energy-efficient items like kettles.

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