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In Interiors & Design, Lifestyle on

Small Changes That Have a Big Impact In Your Home

It’s January and everyone is trying to revise and improve their lives for the better. Even if you didn’t make any resolutions, it’s still important to understand what’s working, what’s not and make the necessary adjustments. In my last article, I talked about how tidying can help improve your mood and overall outlook on life. Now I’m going to give you actionable steps to make your home a place you love to come home to in the evenings. You may not realize how these small things can make a huge impact on how you feel but they absolutely do.

A Fresh Coat Of Paint

Paint is the easiest way to create a dramatic impact without having to overspend. Years ago, when my husband and I were trying to sell our home, we changed the paint color on the first floor to Benjamin Moore’s Seafoam Green. Within two days after painting, we had two offers at our full asking price. This color is a cool green that has plenty of white in it. It evoked feelings of calm and I enjoyed living there much more during the time before we moved. Paint honestly makes a difference, so invest in a high-quality neutral color that you can enjoy for years to come.

An Area Rug

An area rug will immediately warm up a space if you have hardwood floors. The contrast in texture makes an immediate impact and even if you already have carpets, double up. I currently have carpets in our home, but I placed an oriental rug in the living room to define the space. Area rugs can be used in small spaces to create a new area. In small apartments, there may not be a formal dining room or home office. Create them with a strategically placed rug. If you have children, choose one that will be durable and can be cleaned.

An Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential oils are popular right now and for good reason, they work. Lavender essential oil can calm you down after a long day. Citrus based essential oils such as orange and lemon clean the air and help you breathe easier. Another great choice is vanilla. I recently learned the reason why so many bath and beauty brands use vanilla scents in their products is because the scent aids in relaxation.

Stage Your Entryway

Your entryway is the first thing you see when you walk through the door. Why not take a little time to spice it up and wow your guest? Make sure the space is defined with a side table, even a nice dresser will work. Place a large mirror on top or hang it above the table. Find some books from your own collection or buy interior design books to stack in groups of three. A glass vase with faux or fresh flowers completes the look, with the addition of a few trinkets you may have around the house. You most likely have all these items on hand but just didn’t know to put them together. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out Pinterest.

Air Purifying Plants

If you’re looking for a chemical free way to not only freshen but purify the air in your home, plants are the answer. Plants like the garden mum, spider plant, weeping fig, aloe vera and bamboo palm have been proven to cleanse the air around them of harmful airborne pollutants. Plants are also a great way to introduce color into your space, so it’s a win-win situation

What are some of the things that you do to make your home more beautiful and relaxing? I’d love for you to share in the comments.

Photograph Courtesy of RealEstate.com

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In Interiors & Design on

Anh Luu of Girl & The Word

Anh Luu is a breath of fresh air. I stumbled across her blog and was immediately taken in by her adept use of colors and textures. I would describe her style as Bohemian Chic with an unexpected mix of airy neutrals, rich reds and browns, coupled with vibrant pastels. I was immediately reminded of Justina Blakeny at The Jungalow, whose a design favorite. Anh’s blog is different in that she mixes two things that are the center of her life — faith and design. She manages to combine the two in a harmonious way that feels genuine. Get to know more about Anh in her interview below.
1. What inspired your blog’s name? I chose Girl & The Word because I wanted a platform to express my views on the Christian faith. “The Word” refers to the Bible :). Now that I’ve started writing about travel and design as well, many people confuse it with Girl & The World! Hahaha.
 
2 When it comes to design, do you have a certain aesthetic that appeals to you?
Definitely. I’m generally into the bohemian maximalist vibe, but I also find myself attracted to mid-century modern and industrial designs as well. I just don’t have enough self-control to recreate those looks– at least for long. All my spaces end up looking like a maximalist’s home after a few weeks!
 
3. If you had to live in a one room apartment, what color would you paint the walls and why? I’m actually moving into a studio apartment soon! I’m planning to use faux white bricks on three walls and a dark, tropical wallpaper on the fourth wall to create a more modern-bohemian vibe. Even though I consider myself to be a maximalist, I like to keep my walls simple so my other decor can stand out.
 
4. Have you always been into interiors and design? I think my sense of intrigue has always been there, but it didn’t grow until I realized that I can actually start designing myself. I was intimidated because I thought there were so many rules I didn’t know about. I mean, people went to school for interior design! I didn’t want to be judged for accidentally breaking an unspoken “design rule” or anything. All of those fears went out the door when I discovered people like Justina Blakeney, Jen from FleaMarketFab, and Carlie Summers. It was an eye-opening experience to see how these ladies continue to fearlessly express themselves through their home decor.
 
5. What do you use for inspiration before undertaking a project? I use inspiration boards such as Pinterest and Instagram to get me started, but once I get a feel for what I want, I start imagining different DIY crafts to pull my room together. I love the thought of making your own furniture rather than buying something that someone else already put together. I enjoy the challenge because the results make it all worthwhile!
You can visit Anh at her website, Girl & The Word and check out her gorgeous pictures on Instagram!
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