Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home

Throughout the last couple weeks, I’ve been giving our place a refresh for the new year, which includes, deep cleaning certain areas, going through the cabinet or closet that’s become the “everything” spot, sourcing new or thrifted items to add into the home and placing items we already have in a new spot to give a fresh look. Although taking down the holiday decor and seeing my space bare again is sad, it’s also an opportunity for a home refresh. A refresh is always inspiring to me, and if it’s not yet for you, I’m hopeful this post can inspire you also! Here are some ways I’ve been refreshing our space:

  • Add fresh flowers or plants to a space. Not only is this good for you, it also offers fresh life and color into any space.
  • Add cozy layers. I did purchase new pillows for the couch, and this purchase had been a long time coming! I’ve been searching for an accent color I liked with our neutral couch and sage green felt like the right color. Pro tip–find pillows with covers that are removable so you have the option to switch out the cover in the future!
  • Add color. I decided to add satin bows to our shower curtain, this changed and completed the whole space! This could be done through new photos printed out, flowers, pillows, blankets, etc.
  • Rearrange pieces in a new place. I love the shelf I have in our kitchen because it’s fun to change for the seasons! I recently placed some pieces on the shelf that used to be in other spots and it gave the kitchen a fresh look without having to buy something new.
  • Add mirrors. I found an oval mirror at the thrift store months ago that I loved. It really completed the soft peaceful feel of the bedroom. Mirrors are such a great way to open up a space and reflect in more light!
Shelf decor for winter
Reading nook for chilly days
Bedroom space upgrade with soft colors
Shelf decor
Riley likes the new pillows
Bows for the shower curtain
Oval mirror for above the dresser
New blankets and duvet cover for the bedroom

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays

The holiday season brings so much warmth and comfort, especially within the home. I love decorating my home and adding cozy elements all year long but there’s something extra special about the holiday season.

Last year was my first year in this apartment. I bought and collected several pieces that are typical when adding holiday decor to a space (a tree, stockings, throw pillows, etc.). This year I wanted to add more homemade touches to the space that felt more personal to Patrick and me. Most of the additions this year were homemade or purchased second hand. I’m hoping this could provide inspiration when decorating for the holidays. My favorite touches this year were adding bows to the christmas tree, seeing more cultivated travel ornaments, wreaths to frame the tree, and lots of garlands.

This year I also focused more on decor and warmth I could create from natural elements such as a dried orange wreath or ornaments and a simmer pot to add winter scents to the home. Here’s some simple steps if you’d also like to incorporate this into your home:

dried orange garland

  • thinly slice 1-2 oranges (1 is plenty for one garland)
  • dry each slice with a paper towel to remove some moisture
  • place orange slices on a baking pan
  • bake at 200 degrees for 3-4 hours checking occassionally to flip
  • oranges will be done once slightly brown or harden

winter simmer pot

  • add water to a pot or dutch oven
  • cut and add 1 thinly sliced orange
  • cut and add 1 thinly sliced apple
  • 2-3 cinnamon sticks
  • sprinkle of cloves or nutmeg
  • splash of vanilla extract
  • add a handful of cranberries
  • for an extra touch, add rosemary or pine
  • bring pot to a boil and lower to simmer for 30+ minutes

wishing you all happy holidays! x

this year I add garlands and wreaths to frame our tree
ribbon and embroidered initials for our stockings
wreath on our mirror
alpine trees near the fireplace
ribbon bows were the newest cozy addition to the tree this year
reading nook near the tree
my favorite scene
close up of ornaments
festive kitchen corner
festive sheets in the bedroom
holiday simmer pots

Moments at Home

I’m starting a new category on the blog dedicated to my love for design and creating cozy spaces. For as long as I can remember I’ve been rearranging and designing spaces. It started with my bedroom as a child. I enjoyed switching the art on my wall, moving the furniture around, and adding different accessories regularly. I’d become excited to show my parents, siblings, and friends the changes I had made. These habits shifted to my first apartment when I moved to Italy, back to my attic space when I moved back home with my parents, and now to my apartment I currently have on my own. I’ve always been highly influenced by the spaces I’m in. It impacts my mood, productivity, motivation, and inspiration. I feel so much joy from creating a space that feels warm, inviting, and peaceful. It creates a safe place for me to return home to. It’s what makes a house a home.

My design style and aesthetic has definitely evolved over the years and will most likely continue to do so. For now, these are the spaces that make up my home. The spaces that fill my heart, mind, and soul with clarity and fulfillment. The spaces that feel like me.