I hope everyone reading this is relaxing in their slippers and new jammies after a fun-filled family Christmas. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is downtime for many and a time to reflect on the year past and plan for the year to come! There is so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to.
It is also a good time to take inventory of your home, what have you made use of and what has sat in closets or boxes for the entire year? If your resolution has been to simplify your life and your home, this is a perfect place to start! Replace the old with what you may have received new for Christmas and either donate or re-sell those items that have not been used over the past 12-24 months.
Tidy up, put away and before you put back your existing décor, take a fresh look at your space. If you are like me, you put away your everyday decorative items and replace them with Christmas finery.
Before you put everything back in its place, take a look at the clean palette and see if there is any room for improvement. Do you want to hang that picture back in the same spot because the nail is there or will putting it in another spot in the room help breathe new life?
Could your living room use a fresh coat of paint or a new area carpet? Often when we see our homes day after day we can become used to the view and cannot see what needs to be done. Looking at the room while it may be partially undone may be the inspiration we need for fresh décor in 2012.
If you are on the hunt for fresh ideas, the news is good and the sales are even better! Dashing out Boxing week is an extraordinary opportunity to take advantage of discounts. I find that this is also the best time to buy Christmas decorations, wrapping paper and Christmas cards to tuck away for next year, just don’t forget about them and buy more next November!
Choose one thing that you will do differently in 2012 instead of making a daunting list of resolutions that will be difficult to keep. One habit, one task is all you need to change and improve your life in 2012. Rework and rethink your everyday tasks streamlining one of them for 30 days and then reflect on the improvement it has made to your life.
If it has shown to help out your daily routine, keep the habit and try modifying another task at the beginning of February. Keep adding a new every month as long as it feels achievable and is sustainable.
I will share a secret with you; I never make my bed – ever, except when company is coming over. I have come to realize that I have a more restful sleep in a freshly made bed so beginning Jan. 1 I am pledging to make my bed every day. I know, not an earth shattering resolution but it will improve my sleep and we all know the many benefits of better rest!
Small steps still help you arrive at your desired destination, enjoy your New and improved year!
Kim Lewis is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre. Contact her at 403-343-7711 ext. 227 or email her at klewis@carpetcolourcentre.com.
