Winter can be tough on mental health – short, dark days can make anyone miserable. And spending so much time at home during the pandemic doesn’t help.
However, there are home improvement projects you can do that will not only give you something to do but will make your home a happier, less stressful place to be.
Red Barrinuevo, Redesign4More’s principal designer and property stylist on HGTV Canada’s Hot Market, says a good place to start is by decluttering. It can make a dramatic difference because clutter can reduce your productivity and increase stress.
Think of how you feel when you open an overstuffed drawer, have to search through its contents to find what you need, then have to push everything back in order to close it. He says, “With all that’s happening right now, if you come home to a crazy house, it adds to your stress.”
He suggests starting in one part of the house (he starts with the kitchen, which is the hardest space for him because he cooks a lot) and going through everything. He boxes and donates whatever he hasn’t used in a year.
It doesn’t have to be done all at once. He takes a break from his workday and spends an hour decluttering. You can also get the whole family involved.
Decluttering can be a big job. “It’s not going to happen in a day but you’ll feel better when it’s done. Once (clutter) is removed, you can see the house better.”
While you’re at it, give the house a good clean – no need to wait until spring.
Next, decide what other improvements you want to make. An easy solution is to make the most of the natural light, and to add more lighting.
“Do what you can to get as much natural light into your home as possible. Roll up all the blinds and push the drapes aside,” he says. “And add more lighting,” such as task lighting and more lamps.
Barrinuevo added a dimmer switch to the dining room chandelier so it can be turned up when he needs extra light but dimmed to create drama and ambiance at night. Even though no one is entertaining right now, he urges people to turn the chandelier on to add a cosy feeling a night.
You can also be creative. Barrinuevo added LED lighting under a credenza near the dining room to add “another layer of light.”
And don’t forget about the balcony. Barrinuevo has hanging lanterns on the wall and floor, as well as string lights to create a sparkly space. A green wall of artificial moss is another good option to brighten the outdoor space.
The type of light bulbs is another consideration. He uses daylight bulbs (they have a bright white light good for tasks) in the office and hallway, and a combination of warm and daylight bulbs throughout the rest of the space.
He also creates extra special areas – in the office he added a love seat, cabinets and wall-mounted swivel lighting to create a spot to read in and relax. He says anyone with a hobby could create a hobby corner, a special place devoted to their interest.
Another idea is to change up the bedding. Barrinuevo says some people match their dark brown wood headboard and their bedding. “Get rid of browns, burgundies and dark greens. Choose something lighter and brighter, and more cheerful.” Oranges and yellows balance the coldness outside.
Colour doesn’t have to be introduced in a large item like a couch. Try small items like vases, pillows, blankets and other accessories. For homes with a white backdrop, warm up a room by repainting one wall in a warm tone. “It’s nice to have a punch of colour.”
Barrinuevo says he personally likes cooler colours and has dark blue walls and matching accessories to add warmth. He also says to remember that patterns tend to feel more cheerful.
Wallcovering is another way to perk up a space, add a pop of colour and make a space inviting and more interesting. He suggests applying it to one or two walls rather than the entire room. Wallcovering brightens everything. “Sometimes people get carried away. Use wallpaper as a feature wall, however in a small space like a powder room, do all the walls and make a dramatic statement.”
It’s likely a do-it-yourself job. A lot of wallpaper is prepasted. But remember that patterns are a little more difficult to apply because they have to be matched.
There are thousands of options online. If you’re unsure of the colour, check to see if the company will send out a sample.
Wallcovering brightens everything. “Sometimes people get carried away. Use wallpaper as a feature wall, however in a small space like a powder room, do all the walls and make a dramatic statement.”
The colour you choose will depend on which shades you like (warm or cool), what mood you want to create (calm and relaxing, energetic or quiet and sophisticated) and how you will use the room. Once you’ve decided on these factors, he says, it’s easier to pick the “right” colour to use. The same principle applies to wallpaper.
By making a personal choice, you will get to enjoy your projects longer, he says.
