It goes without saying that the last couple of years have been challenging for everyone, with the pandemic making most people sick of being cooped up at home. However, as we settle well into 2022 and pandemic restrictions are mostly lifted, a few changes around the home can significantly improve our physical and mental health and make our homes feel like new again. Lisa Walker has some timely tips.
Many soft and supportive options are available to ensure you sleep as comfortably as possible. It may be time for a replacement if you have a mattress older than seven years. You might also consider new bedding. New sheets, bed covers and comforters can make your bedroom look and feel fresh again while ensuring you stay warm and happy throughout the night. Lastly, don’t forget about the light. At this time of year longer days and bright mornings can disturb sleep so make sure you have effective blackout blinds or curtains on your windows to help you sleep soundly.
Remodel Your Garden
Spring and the onset of summer is the perfect time to think about your outdoor living area, if you’re lucky enough to have one to enjoy. A well-cared for and maintained garden can keep the kids entertained during the day while hosting parties and barbecues at night, or by providing a place to relax with nature.
You can make these changes yourself, but you might want to consider a lawn service to help maintain plush grass for the kids to roll around on. A landscape company that offers fertilisation can boost the health of your grass. Before deciding on a service, read reviews, and look for quotes within your budget.
Create zones with seating areas for relaxation. Think of your outdoor space as another room or extension to your home.
Breathe Clean Air!
If you haven't already had the heating and air conditioning systems in your home reviewed, now is a great time to do so. Dust and pollen can stagnate during the winter months, and an old air filter can lead to respiratory problems. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system specialist can clean your system and replace filters to make sure you breathe easy again.
Check if it is time for a replacement. Upgrading an older system is also a great way to increase energy efficiency and save yourself some money on your monthly bills.
And don’t forget the simple act of opening windows to bring new life and energy into your home every day. Remember that the air inside our homes is more polluted than the air outside and opening windows daily is essential. For allergy sufferers it is generally better to open windows in the mornings and close them later in the afternoon to stop the pollen settling indoors.
If you haven't already had the heating and air conditioning systems in your home reviewed, now is a great time to do so. Dust and pollen can stagnate during the winter months, and an old air filter can lead to respiratory problems. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system specialist can clean your system and replace filters to make sure you breathe easy again.
Check if it is time for a replacement. Upgrading an older system is also a great way to increase energy efficiency and save yourself some money on your monthly bills.
And don’t forget the simple act of opening windows to bring new life and energy into your home every day. Remember that the air inside our homes is more polluted than the air outside and opening windows daily is essential. For allergy sufferers it is generally better to open windows in the mornings and close them later in the afternoon to stop the pollen settling indoors.
Update Your Bedroom and Improve Sleep Quality
There's nothing quite like climbing into a comfortable bed at the end of a long day to help you relax and unwind. Unfortunately, stress, light and noise can cause many problems for sleep quality, forcing you to toss and turn all night. A few changes in your bedroom can make all the difference.
There's nothing quite like climbing into a comfortable bed at the end of a long day to help you relax and unwind. Unfortunately, stress, light and noise can cause many problems for sleep quality, forcing you to toss and turn all night. A few changes in your bedroom can make all the difference.
Many soft and supportive options are available to ensure you sleep as comfortably as possible. It may be time for a replacement if you have a mattress older than seven years. You might also consider new bedding. New sheets, bed covers and comforters can make your bedroom look and feel fresh again while ensuring you stay warm and happy throughout the night. Lastly, don’t forget about the light. At this time of year longer days and bright mornings can disturb sleep so make sure you have effective blackout blinds or curtains on your windows to help you sleep soundly.
Remodel Your Garden
Spring and the onset of summer is the perfect time to think about your outdoor living area, if you’re lucky enough to have one to enjoy. A well-cared for and maintained garden can keep the kids entertained during the day while hosting parties and barbecues at night, or by providing a place to relax with nature.
You can make these changes yourself, but you might want to consider a lawn service to help maintain plush grass for the kids to roll around on. A landscape company that offers fertilisation can boost the health of your grass. Before deciding on a service, read reviews, and look for quotes within your budget.
Create zones with seating areas for relaxation. Think of your outdoor space as another room or extension to your home.
Add a Home Gym
Starting a regular workout routine can be challenging, but with the right equipment in your home, you'll be counting push-ups and sit-ups in no time. You can attempt this update on your own if you have an area you can convert simply, such as a spare room. If you have a basement or outbuilding to convert, consult with a contractor about the costs and discuss what is involved. Don’t skip the wall, roof or subfloor insulation. Whatever space you do select for your workout area, make sure that it’s safe, clean, and decluttered. The aim is to create a space which welcomes and draws you in to help keep you motivated.
Starting a regular workout routine can be challenging, but with the right equipment in your home, you'll be counting push-ups and sit-ups in no time. You can attempt this update on your own if you have an area you can convert simply, such as a spare room. If you have a basement or outbuilding to convert, consult with a contractor about the costs and discuss what is involved. Don’t skip the wall, roof or subfloor insulation. Whatever space you do select for your workout area, make sure that it’s safe, clean, and decluttered. The aim is to create a space which welcomes and draws you in to help keep you motivated.
Consider a Change of Scenery
With the effects of the pandemic hopefully winding down, perhaps you’re considering something a bit more drastic. Now could be the perfect time for a move, and that might be just the change of scenery you’re looking for after being stuck at home in the same place for years. Remember to plan out your budget beforehand, though, so that you know just what kind of place you can afford to move to. If you are buying, don’t forget to take into account the hidden costs such as stamp duty, estate agency fees, legal fees, moving costs etc. Additionally, there will often be the cost of making your new home beautiful and perfect for you. Consulting an interior designer early is key so that costly mistakes can be avoided.
Decide whether you want to move or improve? If you decide to stay put then making some changes and improving your home may be top of your list of priorities. A skilled interior designer can help to update your home and make it feel like new again, and you will probably find this option more cost effective than moving.
With the effects of the pandemic hopefully winding down, perhaps you’re considering something a bit more drastic. Now could be the perfect time for a move, and that might be just the change of scenery you’re looking for after being stuck at home in the same place for years. Remember to plan out your budget beforehand, though, so that you know just what kind of place you can afford to move to. If you are buying, don’t forget to take into account the hidden costs such as stamp duty, estate agency fees, legal fees, moving costs etc. Additionally, there will often be the cost of making your new home beautiful and perfect for you. Consulting an interior designer early is key so that costly mistakes can be avoided.
Decide whether you want to move or improve? If you decide to stay put then making some changes and improving your home may be top of your list of priorities. A skilled interior designer can help to update your home and make it feel like new again, and you will probably find this option more cost effective than moving.
Image credits: Pixel, McGee & Co, Bright Space Design, Pottery Barn