Empty nest? Fill it up with these quick changes!

The empty nest.  It's almost that time of year.  College will be starting soon.  It can happen any time of year.  The house is suddenly empty for whatever the reason.

 

I have many clients who have called over the years to ask what I can do to make their homes "happier" following the departure of their children. They suddenly feel lost in their home and don't know how to make it better.  It is eerily quiet and even some of the clutter has disappeared.  It is time to refeather the nest.

Say no more. Now that you have time to yourself let's sprinkle your house with some decorating magic that will fill it up in no time!

 

Flowers:  Put them in your dining area, kitchen, bath, office and living room.  Sunflowers make me instantly happy.  Try it.

 

Paint:  Color changes everything and you know there is a color that you have always wanted to try.  Some colors that are beautiful and are guaranteed to make you feel good immediately are Benjamin Moore's Jamaican Aqua, Spring Iris, White Satin, Milano Red, Riviera Azure, Jack Frost and Blue Jean.  These yummy colors are great accents or for complete walls.  Do something bold and include the ceiling.             Your Closet:  Paint it a glam color.  Put a rug on the floor.  Take off the doors and swag some gorgeous fabric on both sides with elegant tie-backs. Hang a chandelier (doesn't have to be expensive), get rid of the fluorescent light.  Voila!

 

Find a private space:   A room or an office.   A desk or open hutch like this one from Pottery Barn.  A place to do all of those projects you have been saving.  Redecorate the room and add book shelves, artwork, bulletin board for a list of projects.  Include a comfortable couch or lounge chair for naps.  Make a visualization board.  Start a stack of magazines that you have wanted to read.  Fill it up with things that inspire you.  Make this space yours.

 

Creative you:  Start a collection.  Go to flea markets and bring things home.  Write a blog.  Join a book club.  Take a pottery course.  Enroll in a yoga class.  Rearrange the furniture.  Mix it up.

 

First impressions:  Purchase two turquoise ceramic pots and put them at the front door.  Fill them with seasonal flowers.  Your house will say welcome home every time you return.  

 

This should get you started with just enough to give your home a few uplifting changes.  And if your nest isn't empty, go ahead and try these tips.  You deserve it. 

                                              

Comments

[Karen Davis]

Great Tips! Love the colors!