Hi friends! And just like that, it is the last day of August. Sorry I went a little dark the past few weeks, I spontaneously decided to take a hiatus from the blog to enjoy the last few weeks of summer with my crew. We enjoyed lazy days mixed with lots of fun activities all around Atlanta. But the boys started school yesterday, and I have so many ideas and things to share with you. It always feels good to take a break, but always nice to come back.
You may have noticed that lately I haven’t posted much about our home. That is partly because we haven’t been home much this summer. However, part of the reason is because I have been feeling so…uninspired.
I think it happens to all of us from time to time. We have been in our house 6.5 years so maybe this is just the 7 year itch? Our furniture seems tired, rugs are stained, things feel stale. I finally realized that I was having so much trouble getting inspired because I had fallen out of “love” with the house.
But the good news (for my husband at least, ha) is that with a few small actions I was able to rekindle the love. Here are a few things that helped me feel inspired again…I hope you feel inspired too!
Declutter
The summer months had taken it’s toll on the house and every closet, drawer, surface and cabinet was completely stressing me out. Stuff was EVERYWHERE. So I took on the clutter, got rid of lots of things (goodbye baby toys) and I immediately felt better about the house. It doesn’t take much for all-the-things to take over a room and I am breathing much easier now that I can breathe!
Knock Out a Few Small (and big!) Projects
I was feeling very overwhelmed with all of the projects I was adding to my mental checklist. So I decided to write them down and start with a few small ones I could finish in a setting. I know that now the boys are back in school I will have more time to tackle some of the bigger ones but the small victories made a huge difference in my mental state.
Also, if there is a larger project you have been putting off – get to it! Our basement flooded early this summer thanks to an old hot water heater. Since we were traveling so much, I couldn’t really deal with it until last week. Let me tell you what that did to my frustration level every single time I walked down to the basement. So, if there is something big that has been bothering you- tackle it! You will feel so much better once it’s done.
Peruse Pinterest, Magazines and Catalogs
When things feel dull around the house I turn to good old Pinterest. Honestly, I don’t spend much time on it anymore because I don’t have much free time. I had also stopped flipping through the Ballard and Pottery Barn catalog, because I just found myself wanting all-the-things. But I found that if I approached it just looking for inspiration instead creating a wish list or massive to-do list, I could gain inspiration in the magazines to use things I already have in new ways.
Move Things Around
Speaking of using things I already had in new ways, take a look at what you have. Mix the pillows up. Swap rugs in rooms. Rearrange the bookshelf. It’s amazing what a little change can do to reenergize a room.
Treat Yo’self
OK, now that your house is clean, you are inspired and you have repurposed things in your home. Go ahead and get yourself something new! It doesn’t have to be crazy. Maybe a new tray for an ottoman? Or a new pom-pom throw for the sofa. New throw pillows are always a good idea.
Please tell me I am not the only one that has momentary lapses of love with their home? How do you get over the funk?
xoxo-
Heather
I move! LOL! No, not really! I usually turn to some retail therapy.
Hilarious. Yes, I was about to stick a FOR SALE sign in the front yard a couple weeks ago. But it’s amazing what a little attitude adjustment can do…. and retail therapy is ALWAYS a good idea.
I completely understand. Sometimes I look around and wonder why I chose this house, with it’s small rooms, old basement laundry, and teensy dining area. Then I remember how far it’s come and I love it again.
Exactly! I was so focused on the blah that I was in a downward spiral. But once I got going on things again I am completely in love again.
We hit the 9 year mark this summer. We want to move but can’t afford it yet (daycare…ugh). So I try to keep working on our house. It needs a lot but I just keep thinking that anything I do will hopefully help raise the value (like painting a dingy basement). But your list is good. I feel some throw pillows coming my way.
Btw, I love your home. It’s been one of my favorites in the blog world for years.
Aw, thanks so much Megan- that really is so sweet. And yes, you def deserve some new throw pillows!! 🙂
Hi Megan! The same thing happens to me. In fact I’m feeling that way today! I think that making a list is a great idea. I often get overwhelmed when I think about all of the projects I need to get accomplished. I think seeing the list and checking off finished projects gives you a sense of accomplishment.
I like the idea of switching around throw pillows, if you have the same patina around your house that should work. Also a trip to the local GoodWill or favorite thrift store to pick up something that can be refurbished. Another project! haha Love all your ideas and love your house!