LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Creating a beautiful home without leaving your house


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Your home is supposed to be a sanctuary, but in these uncharted times it may feel anything but peaceful. Sheltering in place has been both a wonderful time of being with my family (non-stop) but also a stressful time. We are all learning to navigate this new norm and the spaces we live in can make a huge impact on our well-being. That's why I've pulled together some of my favorite tips and tricks to help you create a beautiful home without ever having to leave the house.

Rethink your space

Rethinking the layout of your space can make a huge impact in your environment. Consider moving furniture toward windows for more natural light.

Create an intimate reading space in the corner of a room or move a small desk into the bedroom for a quiet workspace.

Get organized

Start with a clean slate. Remove papers, toys, shoes, or any other miscellaneous items that do not belong in the room. Use baskets and bins to keep things organized.

If you are currently working from your dining room table, consider using a plastic bin or basket that you can store your laptop, papers, and such when you are done with your work. This works great for kiddos homeschooling work as well.

Edit, Edit, Edit

Go through your space deciding on what can stay and what needs to go. Eliminate items that are cluttering the space or have no use.

Moving items to another room can bring new life and energy to the space. Try switching out lamps and art for a quick refresh.

Shop your house

I like to cull accessories I have in various rooms and place them on my dining room table. Then I "shop" what I found to create new vignettes on bookshelves, side tables, and my coffee table.

Moving your rugs around is also a great way to create a new look in your space.

Bring the outdoors in

Nothing brings more life into your home like fresh flowers or greenery. Why not grab your clippers and head outdoors for some fresh sprigs. Your clippings do not necessarily need to be of the flowering kind; I love the simplicity of something green. A few clippings from a nearby shrub are perfect.

Create Moments

I love creating what I like to call "moments" in my home. It could be a little vignette of your favorite pieces you've collected on your travels. Or a tray in your bathroom filled with bath bubbles or soaps and a small candle. Or maybe it's a corner on your kitchen counter that is your coffee station. Whatever it is, make it pretty, so that it brings a smile to your face when you walk past it.

Go Shopping

And when you need some retail therapy, here are some of my favorite online resources:

- Horchow

- Perigold

- One Kings Lane

- Serena & Lily

- FrontGate

- Minted (great art resource)

- KathyKuo Home

- Etsy

- Little Design Co.

Hopefully these tips have given you some ideas and inspiration to create a space of peace within your own four walls. Stay safe friends!