With so much of our lives unfolding at home, the way our environment is designed directly impacts our health, safety, and happiness.
Mental health thrives in an inspiring space. “Refreshing and redecorating a home brings new life to it,” says Shoshanna Portman, owner of Shoshanna Color & Interior Design. “It improves mood and brings inspiration for other updates, such as changing your routine, creating space for a new hobby, or making the space feel more relaxing and inviting.”
Physical health often suffers in a disorganized home. “Cleanliness is a concern because the more surfaces are covered, the more challenging it is to maintain the home,” says Ashley White, professional organizer and owner of The Love of Order. Decluttering reduces dust, allergens, and mold, which leads to better circulation, easier breathing, and fewer respiratory issues.
Functionality is particularly important for older adults. “Precious treasures could be what’s in the way of easy living, accessibility, and ability for others to visit,” says Ashley. An easily navigable home promotes safety, independence, and aging in place.
Signs Your Home Needs a Makeover
How do you know when it’s time for a change? Ask yourself…
How does your home make you feel?
“The most obvious sign that your home is due for a refresh or redecoration is when you find yourself no longer inspired in your space,” Shoshanna says. Cluttered, outdated, or poorly decorated rooms can make you feel dissatisfied, disconnected, and unmotivated. Visible wear and tear makes your environment seem worn out and neglected. Eyesores like peeling paint, stains, or discoloration are signals that your home needs some updates and care.
How has your lifestyle changed since your last home update?
There may be aspects of your current space that are complicating daily life. Functionality issues, such as poor lighting or broken furniture, can pose safety or mobility concerns and cause unnecessary injury and stress.
Are you constantly in repair mode?
Whether you’re fixing running toilets or sealing cracks, these minor inconveniences often grow into bigger issues that make it difficult to move freely in your home.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Wear and Tear
Shoshanna recommends three simple, high-impact updates: painting, lighting, and hardware finishings. Start by repainting or touching up areas in your home that are showing age. As a color expert, Shoshanna says people are typically ready for a new color every five to seven years. A fresh coat of paint can make a room feel more modern and cared for. She also recommends upgrading cabinet knobs, door knobs, and outlet plates for a quick lift.
Clutter is a common challenge, but there are ways to restore both organization and accessibility. Creative storage solutions like ottomans or shelving keep items in order.
Also consider repairing, replacing, or donating furniture that’s damaged or outdated. Ashley recommends local donation spots such as LifeBridge at Southeast Christian Church, Agape Shop, St. Vincent de Paul, and Re:Center Ministries.
Outdated or Nonfunctional Spaces
Rearranging furniture or switching items around can instantly refresh a room. “Turn your nightstand into an end table, pull some books out and place accessories from another area of the house where those books were,” Shoshanna suggests.
Small updates like new bedding, throw pillows and blankets, or artwork can make a big difference. Bring old decorations out of storage, frame family photos, or add greenery.
For a larger project, repurpose a room in your home, such as transforming a kids’’ playroom into a library or a workspace. This low-effort transformation adds an entire room to your home, no construction required.
Constant Repairs
Ignoring small issues can make daily life more complicated and create safety hazards. For any damage concerns, contact professionals to get ahead of the problem before it becomes a disaster.
Make Your Home Work for You
So, where do you start? Shoshanna recommends beginning with inspiration. Design a vision board on Pinterest or with magazine cuttings. Flip through a home or interior design magazine, watch design shows, or meet with professional designers for ideas.
“Don’t limit yourself to just photos of homes and rooms,” Shoshanna says. “If you see a piece of artwork or clothing that moves you, add it to your board! This is a moment of self-discovery.”
Then, evaluate your home. Identify items to keep, remove, or replace to match your vision. Slowly introduce new items as old ones are removed.
Pro Tips:
- Audit first and keep track of tasks you can handle versus those that need a pro.
- Declutter before buying new items.
- Go room by room to stay organized and avoid overwhelm.
- Set a budget for sustainable improvements.
Your home can support you through many stages of life. Create functional, inspiring spaces and see your home through new eyes. Happy decorating!
By Mila Raque
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