You know that song that no one knows the words or meaning to that plays at the strike of midnight on New Years Eve? You may kind of know what I'm talking about, "Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?" Everyone sort of hums the tune and then goes about celebrating because, it's just, tradition. This year it got me thinking, why do we half sing this and what does it even mean!?
Auld Lang Syne just so happens to be the name of that old Scottish tune that we attribute to the farewell of an old year and in a nut shell, it means out with the old. When we get rid of the old, we can usher in the new and new is so much fun!
This time of year we start to focus on a new healthier self, a renewed commitment to managing our finances, maybe a new job. The list can go on and on but we often resolve to do so much new in the New Year that the shininess of these new ideas wear off by about February. However, here are some things that you can do to your home that can make a new lasting impression that lasts well throughout this coming year.
1. Pretend Your Moving
This first step may have you clicking right out of this blog post, but hear me out. I don't know about you but when I am moving, the last thing that I want to do is move unnecessary items. I like to go through and throw out or donate all the stuff I haven't used or needed in a while and the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to do just that. An easy way to accomplish this is to create 3 main piles labeled sell, trash or donate. You'd be surprised at the amount of money in unwanted or unused items you have laying around your house. You would also be surprised at how useful those same items may be when donated to others. There is of course the benefit of a tax write off for donations as well. Going through and shredding old documents or scanning them into your computer can free up a lot of space in your home.
An uncluttered home can feel new again just by spending one weekend in this new year doing these few tasks.
2. Purchase New House Plants
There are many studies out that attribute indoor plants to better health and morale. In this new year if you have resolved to be healthier and happier well, here's to killing two birds with one stone. In my previous post, Easy Ways to Winterize Your Home, I spoke of the benefits of adding humidity to the inside of your home by purchasing a humidifier. Well, plants can add humidity to the air as well so again, two birds...man this second step is really knocking it out of the park! Here is the last thing and we will move on. Plants can rid the air of toxins such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and ammonia to name a few and that in and of itself is a great reason to go out this weekend and load up on some indoor plants.
3. Add A Fresh Coat of Paint
Nothing can freshen up a room and make it feel more new than a fresh coat of paint. Since you are already going to be at your local hardware store purchasing your indoor plants (see step #2), add this inexpensive project to your list as well. Cool tones such as whites and greys are still projected to be the carry over trend from 2015 with splashes of bright accents. Some of the hottest color combos can be found here. This project is sure to brighten up your home and create a sense of new that is sure to last through 2016.
4. Rearrange Your Furniture
This is my favorite tip because it can have the biggest effect on the appearance of your home and it's totally free! A Psychology Today article states, "Inner and outer harmony happen when pieces are placed in a way that makes sense to you." Yes, this article was written completely on the importance of moving furniture! That sense of newness in your home can be achieved just by relocating your sofa. Try it out!
If at the end of reading this, with the tune of Auld Lang Syne still fresh in your mind, you decide that you want to take the whole out with the old to another level and go straight for a new home this is the perfect time to do that as well. I mean your homes appeal just went way up by completing the last few tasks! In all seriousness, buying or building a new home has never been easier with John Houston Custom Homes. We have a wide array of inventory homes throughout North Texas and a sales team ready to match you with your dream home. We can build on your lot or build your home in one of our many beautiful communities as well. We would love to help build Your Story...a story that extends well beyond this coming year.
Happy New Year to you and yours and blessings in the coming year from John Houston Custom Homes.
