FREE YOUR MIND
Explore these expert design tips for a complete mental refresh in your home.
Five design tips for a complete mental refresh in your home. BY APRIL JENSEN, ADJ INTERIORS, INC. I PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISE O’BRIEN
and now is a perfect time to spruce up your surroundings with a few low- and no-cost tips that are the go-to difference makers in a designer’s toolbox. A truly uplifting home environment stems from a unique combination of intimate treasures—the memories, colors and styles that inspire you. Most of us already have all the ingredients we need to create a personalized nook here or curated collection there. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Add a helping of happy to the kitchen. Placing something that brings you joy in an area of your home where you spend a lot of time on mundane tasks can act as a mental refuge from long days. Tasks like laundry, packing lunches and paying bills don’t exactly fulfill your inner spirit—so add a little happiness with a trinket that conjures up a great memory, artwork that makes you feel energized or that cherished collection that never fails to put a smile on your face.
2. Make your tablescapes work for you. Tables are a wonderful place to display treasured items—and you can use those items in a way that also brings function to your space. Plants and candles illicit memories of seasons gone by, while items like candy dishes and mason jars can do double duty by housing treats for guests, keeping homework supplies organized and more. Complete the look with a beautiful tablecloth, runner or placemats to add color, texture and vibrance.
3. Frame your obsessions. Whether it’s a traditional frame, a shadow box or a corkboard, put your obsessions on display. It’s the simple things that keep us content, especially during trying times, so embrace the idea of putting it all out there. A funny photo of your kids, a memento from a dream vacation you can’t wait to take again, inspirational photos to keep you on track with your New Year’s resolutions— whatever it is that makes you happy, keep it right at your visual fingertips.
Whatever your treasured collections are, don’t keep them tucked away in drawers and boxes.
4. Embrace and celebrate color! If it’s your favorite color in life, don’t neglect to add it to your décor. A throw pillow, vase of flowers or frame in a color you love is an instant lift and feels good for the soul. When you are drawn to a specific color, embrace that and don’t be afraid to go bold, especially with accessories that are easy to change.
5. Display collections unexpectedly. The key to successfully incorporating a collection into your home design is to group items together and make your display loud and proud. In my case, that means milk glass, milk glass and more milk glass. For my son, it’s action figures, which we put into clear glass cookie jars and display on his desk, so he can stay organized and still enjoy his favorite collection at the same time. Whatever your treasured collections are, don’t keep them tucked away in drawers and boxes. Give them the chance to bring you joy every day by finding a creative way to include them in your décor.
One final piece of advice that applies to everyone: If your curated collection needs a boost, look to local artists and markets first. Every piece that comes from a local business provides a memory, uniqueness and a personal feel that you just can’t match with items from larger corporations.
You’ve taken the time to carefully choose the right colors and furnishings for your home that serve as the backdrop for your life. Now dress them up with the personal items that mean the most to you, and feel recharged every time you enter the room.