New Year’s Resolutions: 5 Easy Ways To Improve Every Room In Your Home
Photo: Thomas Loof
When the new year rolls around, we make resolutions (some more successful than others) to lose weight, save money and get healthier. But what about your home? You can also make plans to elevate, update or brighten up your space in 2020!
We’ve got 5 simple (and easy to keep) resolutions to help you give every room in your home a boost for 2020, whether you’re in need of some serious organization, a new cleaning routine, or ways to welcome guests into your home. Because we all know that a healthy and happy home equals a happy and healthy YOU, so why not treat your space with the same care you do for yourself? And if you live with a partner, roommate, spouse or kids, share your home goals with them and work towards achieving them together.
Continue scrolling to see all of our ideas for home resolutions and how make them happen this year. (They’re a lot easier than going to the gym everyday- we promise!)
Looking for even more ideas on how to improve your home in the new year? Check out our posts on 5 Ways Your Home Can Make You Feel Better Right Now and Rental Upgrades: 5 Easy Things You Can Do Today.
1. GET A CLEAN START (EVERYDAY)
The easiest way to give your space a fresh start for 2020? Get clean! Schedule a small cleaning every day for 10 minutes instead of spending a whole day tidying up. Try focusing on one specific task daily- whether it’s vacuuming, dusting or cleaning surfaces. You’ll end up saving time, and energy, so you can focus on other things (like reading this blog and keeping all your other resolutions!)
BOBBY’S TIP
Keep all of your cleaning supplies in a portable container that you can move with you to each room as you clean.
2. HAVE A HEALTHIER HOME
If one of your personal resolutions is to be healthier this year, try including your home too. Adding an air purifier is the easiest way to effectively remove dust, allergens and other nasty particles from the air. Or use an aromatherapy diffuser to bring a beneficial oil into a space. (We like eucalyptus which helps with respiratory heath and is a natural decongestant.)
BOBBY’S TIP
Start the new year by cleaning all your filters and vents of the dust that has built up. Your lungs will thank you!
3. SIMPLIFY YOUR STORAGE
Organizing your closet, drawers or kitchen cabinets can be a dreaded activity. So to make things easier in the new year, try simplifying as much as you can. Group all like items together (that goes for socks, soup or sandals) and in locations that make sense (everyday items on low, easy to access shelves). Placing items in clear containers will also keep them together and help simplify your search when you go looking for them.
BOBBY’S TIP
Before implementing any new storage, go through your existing items and remove or donate anything broken or no longer used. That means it’s time to tackle that tupperware drawer. Take it all out and if it’s broken, mismatched or discolored then toss or donate it. Anything that stays should have a lid that fits and can stack neatly.
Photo: Sean Litchfield
4. resolve to rearrange
If you’re looking for an update for the new year (that wont cost you a penny), you can rearrange your existing furniture or accessories to give your room a brand new feel. Swap a chair in your living room for one in your office or bedroom, or move books and decorative accessories from your coffee table to your bookshelves. It will keep things fresh, and you can rearrange through out the year whenever you feel like a lil’ update.
BOBBY’S TIP
When arranging a bookcase, don’t go from tall to short, instead mix up the heights to create an organic flow across the shelf. And to mix it up stack a few books up horizontally in between the vertical books and then use it as a place to display a small vase or accessory.
Photo: Nicole Franzen
5. BE OPEN TO ENTERTAINING
Everyone loves entertaining through the holidays, and for good reason. So in 2020 let your home become a bigger part of your social life by opening it up to your friends and family. Adding a few small touches, like some fresh flowers, an ottoman for extra seating, and a small bar set up will have you prepared for any guests that may stop by. While you’re at it, upgrade your bathroom with plush hand towels and a scented candle. Your guests will notice the extra details (plus you’ll be able to reap the benefits too!)
BOBBY’S TIP
For a simple makeshift bar, fill a large tray with a few bottles of your favorite liquor, a bottle of club soda, some cocktail glasses, and a bottle opener. Those are all the essentials you’ll need!
Excellent!! I love your work and your elegant taste. I plan to follow your tips and make my house a home again. It was hard since the passing away of my youngest son but now I am determined to do so and I spired by you! Many blessings to you and your family. From Argentina with love
Bobby,
Love reading your tips. Help me a lot to reorganize my home. And by the way, I admire you so much in queer eye. You have done an awesome job. I salute you, Bobby.
Love all your suggestions
Bobby,
Thanks so much for the suggestions. Every time, I watch Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, I am impressed by your designs, colors and accessories. You never disappoint! Do you have any recommendations for selecting paint colors? We need help in the area. Thank you, take safe and healthy.
For paint, I always start with the room itself. What does the light look like and how does it change throughout the day? Then think about how you want the space to feel, whether it’s light and bright, relaxing or dark and moody. I would select a few colors and paint a sample in a few spots in the room. You can then see how it looks at different times of day and with your furniture, etc. Hope that helps! xx -B