After a weekend of non stop action around the house and feeling approximately 10,000% better about it, I thought I would remind myself (and maybe you too) just how a little effort can make you feel so much better about your living space. A little effort makes for HUGE results and can make you feel better about your living space, and in turn make you happier. It’s true!
For a neat house proud fruitcake like myself, I can spiral down pretty easily. If there’s crap around, I tend to leave it and or add more crap rather than just tackling it. And then as soon as it’s done, I ALWAYS think “why didn’t I do that ages ago?!”. So this is me, telling you to do it, you’ll feel better, promise.
1. Move shit around
I am always having a play with things and moving stuff around to freshen stuff up. Know this though: half way through moving things around, when there is shit everywhere, you will question why you started this at all, stick with it, it will be better when it’s done. PROMISE. And don’t you DARE stop it half way through, ok? No matter how bad it seems. Get it done already!
I love to move furniture, move stuff between rooms (move cushions around) and best of all….move ART around. Put up some of the kids stuff in a cheap frame from a $2 shop or Ikea and use those command hooks and just go for it. It’s like a cheap interiors lift for no money at all. If you are looking for artwork that’s cheap too – think about framing gift paper, there are some seriously cute ones at newsagents or the like and then whack into a frame…hello!
2. Get some throw rugs out why don’t ya?!
I know we are headed into summer (still bloody cold down here at night though) but a little rug on the side of a couch or at the end of the bed will make you feel like you’ve got something new without buying ANOTHER cushion (or is that just me?). I even use cute baby blankets that are always in cool patterns and colours (like this one above) and while they might just be good for warming little legs, they look cute.
3. Get some plants inside STAT
I always rabbit one about bringing greenery inside but it’s SO true, it will instantly make a space feel bright and fresh and just homely. Grab herbs in pots and whack them in the kitchen (or fresh bunches in jugs whatevs) even some potted colour inside will give you a burst for a week or so, then rotate back outside for some sunshine and growth.
4. Put some pots of cheap colour at your front door
My Mum taught me this, so I am teaching you too. Go to a nursery or hardware store where they usually have sales like 10 for $12 or something and buy some little terracotta pots (they will cost you under $5) and create a little display at your front door. It welcomes visitors and will make you smile every time you walk in the front door. They should last you a few months and are so much cheaper than a bunch of flowers. Think of herbs too as they are cheap and can be used in the garden, succulents that will strike off little cuttings and even go a little themed: colour or other…right now I would be getting red, white and the green of the leaves and you will have yourself a goddamn festive theme!
5. Buy yourself a bunch of flowers
For all the shit you do for every one in your family/life you deserve a bunch of flowers. You just do. And here’s the thing: no other bastard will buy them for you so do it for yourself. Look at the cheap buckets at the fruit shop after the weekend or just before market day (Wednesday or Fridays) and you should find something cheap. Can’t afford any? Raid someone’s garden and or use branches from trees – especially in autumn or spring whatever the season…bring it indoors.
6. Remember the season
Have a think about what season you are in, and look for that. It will be in abundance and be cheap. Right now hydrangeas are about to burst into bloom, most nurseries will have them cheaper than normal with lots of them. Stone fruits are about to come into season too: buy in bulk and out them in bowls around your kitchen bench. It will look fabulous on your bench: trust me. Apples or lemons in bulk with some herbs all put together on a bench will look gorgeous too. And for Christmas do the same with baubles.
I know I’m being a bit bossy, but sometimes you just need someone to give you a kick up the bum don’t you think? Well I do at least. And having done pretty much all of the above over the past week, and now smugly looking at my home feeling all in love and house proud all over again, I’m telling you a little effort is worth it. Promise!
But tell me, what’s your go-to quick and easy trick around the house?
How do you give your home a little cheap TLC that makes a big impact?
This all looks fab Beth. Thanks for inspiration. I find doing a proper tidy helps no end. Noone else in my family (4 of them) seem to be able to do this job!!! I love to bake something so the house smells delicious and there’s a small feast created. How often do you find you need to water the pots by your front door. I love the effect but suspect that I would kill them.
This all looks fab Beth. Thanks for inspiration. I find doing a proper tidy helps no end. Noone else in my family (4 of them) seem to be able to do this job!!! I love to bake something so the house smells delicious and there’s a small feast created. How often do you find you need to water the pots by your front door? I love the effect but suspect that I would kill them.
Every few days (they don’t get any sun there) but as soon as it’s been hot they dry out pretty quick.
I miss my indoor plants so much, the house I live in just doesn’t support plants at all but I love your suggestion to bring potted ones in just for a short time. Why didn’t I think of this? If I had a few I could rotate them for even longer happy plant vibes.
Should definitely work…enjoy!
This will sound obvious & basic but cleaning the windows makes a huge difference to my house. It’s not something I do regularly ( because I’m a lazy mole who has 4 kids & 2 dogs do nothing stays clean for longer than 2 minutes I usually do it when it’s no longer tolerable) but when I do I’m always like “ wow! The house looks great!” Also, properly cleaning the sink ( I use gumption paste) really makes a kitchen sparkle. Easy. Basic. Cheap.
We are the so the same – love a clean window. In fact, you inspired me to do a couple that I look at ALL the time that are always filthy from Frank.Time to do the sink – my fave!
thanks beth! … born boss!
I need a kick up the bum for sure hun!
moving forward NOW!
lolmxx
And I wonder why Maggie is so bossy! Ha.
right now I am starting to decorate for Christmas and OMG… it has got me wanting to scrub the skirting boards and windows and walls before the decos go up!
Too bad for the husband cause I am incapacitated and he is the poor bugger having to do it all. Heh.
I am gearing up for Christmas too – bring it on!