We’ve all spent a lot of time at home lately and when that happens….. so does chaos. I don’t mean the kids running around and the dog barking. Chaos in the form of clutter, stacks of folded clean clothes and general life mess.

You can bring the zen back into your home and make it fresh again without spending a dime! HOW? Well, here’s a few suggestions:

EDIT DOWN TO MINIMALISM

I know this sounds like a monumental task, but the corners and closets will thank you. Evaluate your room and take away anything that isn’t a heart stirring treasure. Marie Kondo would ask, “Does it bring joy?” If it doesn’t, get rid of it! Don’t be shy!

REARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE

Simply moving furniture will give your rooms new life. You’ll have a new perspective and learn to appreciate your home again. If you don’t want to move the sofa, try just giving the bookcase an updated look. Take everything off. Give it a good dusting and put everything back in a different place.

MAKE A READING NOOK

Chances are you have an odd lounge chair and side table tucked into a corner of the basement. Place them near a bookcase or window, add a lamp and VOILA! Reading nook! Your whole family will benefit from the comfortable place to get away for a minute.

REIMAGINE YOUR FIREPLACE

Even in the summer your fireplace is a focal point of the room. Give it a fresh face with a new coat of paint. Paint the firebox an interesting color. Fill the firebox with a large plant or beloved piece of pottery.

DISPLAY YOUR FAVORITES

We all have collections. Things we love and treasure and maybe your collection is a little quirky. That quirk is what makes you interesting! Don’t hide your collections in drawers and cabinets. Get them out, make them a special place to live! Nobody puts baby in a corner!

CREATE A GALLERY WALL

We all have a ton of old family photos, tired wall decor that is stuffed in a closet, stacks and stacks of kids artwork. Take those items and make a stunning gallery wall. Yes, the kids artwork isn’t Picasso worthy, but when they’re all grouped together they make for a pretty special decor. The kids will beam with pride. All the old wall decor you have forgotten in the closet can have new life. Grab a can of spray paint from the garage and repaint the frames or the whole piece and make a show stopping wall treatment.

USE YOUR YARD

Bringing natural elements inside your home is always a great way to liven things up. Place large branches in a tall vase, collect rocks or sea glass and display them on a table top in a bowl, gather pinecones and stack them in pottery. All the organic textures will bring a breath of fresh air inside.

CLEAN IT UP

Yes, I said it. I just told you to clean your home. It’s a bummer, it really is, but having a clean, tidy home is the best way to make your rooms shine!

Stylishly yours,

THE CHELSEE SOWDER DESIGN TEAM

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