We’re taking a break! From blogging that is, not from work.
Yep, it’s that time of year when everyone wants it done before Christmas. With so many projects on the go and deadlines coming up you won’t see me on here for a few weeks. But I’m not going to leave you totally empty-handed. So here are some random interior tips that are kind of related to this time of year.
Random interior tips for the festive season.
1. DON’T SET YOUR PROJECT A CHRISTMAS DEADLINE
This year or any year. So many people want their new sofa delivered or their guest bedroom perfect by Christmas Day. But Christmas is a crazy time for our homes. It’s the time of year when you have to find room for a huge tree, hiding places for presents and enough dining chairs for twelve guests. You have enough to do without worrying about painting and decorating. I know people feel the pressure of receiving guests and making their homes look their best for Christmas, but (unless you’re Martha Stewart) it’s really when our homes are under the most pressure so often they don’t end up looking their best. Enjoy your Christmas, set yourself a February deadline and have a party (Covid permitting) to show off your beautifully designed home when it isn’t crammed full of tinsel.
2. DON’T BUY SOMETHING YOU MAY REGRET IN THE JANUARY SALES
Yes there are some great bargains to be had but remember it’s only a bargain to get 20% off something if you wanted it in the first place. Furniture and homeware shops will be offering some tempting discounts after Christmas but don’t rush in. If you are thinking of buying a sofa or key item of furniture then start planning your requirements now so you don’t buy something under pressure. You can read how to choose the perfect sofa here.
3. HAVE A GOOD CLEAR OUT
This is often the time of year when we start to get weighed down with stress. Plus we begin to feel the negative effects of shorter days and miserable weather. So having a clear-out is a positive step that can make you feel emotionally lighter. It also practically helps your day-to-day life by freeing up space. By sorting and organising you can also start to appreciate what storage your home requires and see where it may be falling short. Maybe that will give you some priorities for next year’s interior projects.
4. BINGE WATCH HOME MAKEOVER SHOWS
If you’re planning a large renovation next year or even have a simple project in mind, home makeover shows are a great place for inspiration. They also highlight the common pitfalls and inevitable delays so they can really open your eyes to what’s involved. Better to learn from other people’s mistakes than your own. Just don’t be fooled by the meticulous styling in the ‘after’ filming. They are so often staged by the production team and are hugely unrealistic. If you watch a series of George Clarke’s ‘Old House New Home’ you’ll notice how there is never, ever a telly in the end result. I’m always wondering where on Earth they are going to put it once the camera crew and the stylists leave.
5. MAKE SOMETHING
So it may not be a great time to start an interior design project but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. I find making stuff to be massively rewarding and it provides an outlet for your ideas and desire to create. It’s my three-year-old’s birthday next week so I have bought her a doll house on Facebook Marketplace which I am now painting. Plus I’ve got her the classic Ikea play kitchen which I am pimping up with a painted finish, chrome handles and a faux marble worktop. My kitchen renovation may not be finished but at least she will have her dream kitchen on Christmas Day. So get knitting, baking, crafting or up-cycling.
6. SET SOME HOME GOALS
This Christmas is weird enough without putting pressure on yourself to get your home perfect. But it is a great time to reflect and evaluate what your home delivers for you as a family. Never have we spent more time at home so you probably already know what isn’t quite working. So maybe it’s time to plan some alterations or swap your current home for a new one. I’m sure I read somewhere that Rightmove gets it’s most action over this holiday period. So get making some lists and set yourself some achievable home goals for 2021.
Yes, those were my very random interior tips for the festive season.
I’m basically just telling you to relax.
Enjoy the run-up to Christmas, I’ll be back soon.
Oh and if you need any help then get in touch or check out my services here. I offer my interior design packages across Southampton and Hampshire and I’d love to help you reach your home goals.
Sarah x
