Tidy Life Today!

When Life Changes Lead to Space Changes

Whether you rent a cozy little apartment in the city or own a house in the suburbs, your home décor is a reflection of who you are and what makes you happy. But what happens when a change at work or in your personal life requires you to make changes in your personal space? Rebecca Ann Price explores ways to make your home work for you at different stages of your life without sacrificing style or comfort. 

When Your Home Becomes Your Office 

Over the past few years, many employees have left their offices to start working from home. For some, remote working offers several advantages, like no more time wasted in traffic and less money spent on expensive work clothes. But if your house or apartment doesn’t have a spare room or a dedicated office, how can you separate your workspace from your living space? 

According to Zenbusiness, consider which room you should work in. Take advantage of natural light sources in your home to put down your desk. A bright, well-lit area will keep you happier and more energized as you work. If you want to set up your workspace in your bedroom, choose a desk that will double as a side table and opt for vertical storage to maximize your space. Wanting to set up shop in the living room? Consider putting a desk behind your couch instead of a console table, and use area rugs to further delineate your workspace.

When Kids Enter the Picture

Babies and toddlers come with a lot of gear, so if you don’t want your home to look like a kindergarten classroom, consider investing in furniture that doubles as easy storage for toys and art supplies. You can choose from a selection of stylish storage ottomans that will turn into a coffee table when topped with a large, sturdy tray, and find lower bookshelves stocked with pretty baskets that can hide stuffed animals, coloring books, and assorted craft materials. Make sure your little people can safely and easily reach for their treasures and stash them away at the end of the day when it’s time for the grownups to take over the living room.

When You Want to Entertain Your Friends

Entertaining in a small space is no small feat! A drop-leaf table is a good investment if you plan on having occasional dinner parties but don’t need a large table for everyday use. Set aside against a wall or under a window, you can use your folded table to display framed photographs and pretty knickknacks. In addition to chairs, a dining bench can allow several people to sit at the same table. Better yet, buy a storage bench, and you’ll be able to store bulky blankets and extra pillows out of view as well! Also, consider putting your large-screen TV to good use by making it a part of your decor for the soirée: Turn it into a crackling chimney fire for a Christmas party, or use it to play some soft tunes in the background.

When You Need to Relax

Nothing says rest and relaxation like natural light, lovely plants, and comfy pillows. If you want your house to feel calm and relaxing, paint your walls in tranquil shades of blues, greens, or greys, or opt for natural tones. Get rid of extra clutter or keep it out of sight. Create a sitting area where you can comfortably enjoy a good book or a movie, with a small table close at hand to put down a soothing cup of tea or a nice glass of wine. A plush area rug is great for defining your cozy space, and freshly-cut flowers or lightly scented candles will add a lovely fragrance to your little refuge.

Redecorating your space to accommodate your changing lifestyle, be it work- or family-related, can be a fun experience as you discover what styles, colors, and textures suit you best.