Don't make a vague New Year resolution, design a new life! Make 2013 the year you increase your happiness with resolutions that will get you motivated, learn new skills and add some pizzazz to your life.
Sure, you can clean and clear clutter from your home, but that's not the only way to make a fresh start. Let these 13 design resolutions jump-start your inspiration (and share your own with us).
'The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet' - James Openheim
1. Follow your heart, not the latest trend. You are the trendsetter! Let this be the year you stay true to you and your style.
2. Buy less but buy better quality. I know it's not always possible to buy the things we have our hearts set on, but we can set a goal to not fritter away money on furniture that will fall apart within a year, or decor bought on impulse.
If you do have your eye on a special piece, try keeping a picture of it where you will see it regularly as a reminder to save up for what you really want.
3. Have something custom made just for you and your house. Whether you live in your home or renting your first apartment, having something made especially designed for you really makes your space your own.
A bedhead with scatter cushions and a throw are signature pieces which define your personal style.
4. Broaden your design education. Sign up for a design workshop, read more decorating books, design blogs, join our Facebook Page.
5. Go to a flea market or an antique fair. A great way to get inspired is to attend an antique fair or major flea market. Why not pencil in the date with a design-loving friend.
6. Learn a new skill. Choose an area that appeals to you and search for tutorials online, pick up a book, or hunt for a local class or workshop to get started.7. Set your table at every meal, use your good perfume, wear your designer heals and or handbag. This is one of those small habits that can end up making a huge difference in your daily life. Why wait for that special occasion, create it instead!
Setup for diner doesn't need to be fancy, but commit to setting out real glasses, plates and silverware, and cloth napkins, along with something extra, such as a vase of flowers, place-mats or a tablecloth — even if you are having takeout.
8. Define the function of each room. If clutter is something you would like to tackle in the new year, this is a useful way to approach the problem.
Going room by room, think about what you really use each part of your home for; such as watching movies, reading books. Make sure that everything you need in the room is at hand, and get rid of everything unrelated.
9. Personalize a plain furniture piece. Instead of letting that plain white or wood piece play a supporting role, turn it into something special with a creative touch.
Customize a plain table by having a piece of glass cut to fit the top and using it to display a beautiful printed wallpaper or fabric. Paint the legs of a stool, cover the back of a bookcase in grass cloth, or line your drawers with pretty paper.
10. Refresh your bathroom. The beauty of a bathroom makeover is that it takes so little to make a big impact.
Splurge on nice hand soap and lotion, and place them in a little tray on your sink. Give your sink a good scrub, pick out a stack of new, fluffy bath towels and replace the plain bathroom mirror with a new decorative mirror.
11. Tweak the lighting. Lighting can make an amazing difference in a room.
If you have overhead lighting, put the fixtures on dimmer switches and supplement with table and floor lamps.
12. Make a mood board. Get out your scissors and stacks of dog-eared design mags, pour yourself a cup of something yummy to drink and set aside an afternoon for crafty fun.
13. Give your front door a facelift. When was the last time you gave your front door a second thought?
It is the first impression people have of your home. Is it in good shape? Could it use new handles? New paint colour? Add something new, such as fresh potted plants, a stately door knocker or a modern house numbers.
Tell us what home resolutions would you like to try in 2013?
AGATHA O house of design – interior decoration & design is an award winning interior design Company in Adelaide, South Australia writing about lifestyle and WHAT’S HOT in the world of interior design, architecture, art and travel.
