Get Your Home Ready for 2014

You’ve most likely gotten a head start on your resolutions. The New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start – and to shake things up in your home, improving your energy and making you feel refreshed. It’s always good to make some tweaks and updates to your home throughout the year. If you’re resolving to eat healthier or get more active, you can also improve the quality of life in your home. Here are some tips to get your home ready for 2014.

Try a bold new color

Don’t be afraid to try a bold new color – and it’s an easy way to add a “wow” statement to your home. Try painting your entryway in a bright and festive color – like a teal blue or Pantone’s Radiant Orchid. Or upgrade an older piece of furniture with an unexpecting color. You’ll love coming home each day to a change in color and a change in your space.

Deep clean your home

Resolve to clean your home once a week and do a deep, through clean once a month. Not only will your home be cleaner, so will the air quality. And don’t forget your upholstered furniture: every 3-4 months take your sofa cushions to be cleaned. Or clean them yourself. Just make sure you look up proper cleaning instructions based on the fabric. By doing this, you will avoid dirt build-up and increase your furniture life.

Have your fireplace inspected

There’s nothing better than celebrating a new year by the fireside. If you have yet to use your fireplace, make a point to use it. Have it looked at by a certified chimney inspector for a reasonable price so you can enjoy it for the coming winter months (and years!). This is something you can cross off your never-ended to-do list.

Bring in fresh flowers

There is a saying in interior design, and it’s that a vase of fresh flowers is all it takes to transform a room. The fresh cut smell along with a pop of color do wonders to your home. In 2014, once a week or twice a month, invest in fresh flowers in your home. Try out new flowers each week – you will love coming home to a fresh bouquet.

Invest in a programmable thermostat

While not as fun and colorful, a programmable thermostat can be chic and cheap. With a programmable thermostat, you can regulate heating and air conditioning based on your schedule, so you’ll save money. There are different kinds of programmable thermostats including 7-day systems and 5-day/2-day systems.

Change to energy-saving light bulbs

Switch to energy-saving CFL or LED light bulbs and you’ll save about $15 each year, per bulb. And the life of a CFL or LED light bulb is several months to a year. So you’ll spend less time on the ladder trying not to get shocked. Be sure to appropriately choose a light bulb with yellow or blue depending on the type of space you have.

Test out wallpaper

Try a classic wallpaper pattern that you absolutely love (this is important!) and test it out in a smaller space like a hallway, entryway, or bathroom. Most wallpapers are not too costly and are a great way to try a bold new style.

Save up for your dream piece

Chances are you’ve already resolved to save more money. If there's a piece of furniture or art that you love, make a goal to save up for it. A timeless piece that you love is well worth the investment and you will admire it for years to come.


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