It’s been almost a year of the pandemic, some of us are getting used to the new life but I feel that a large part of the population is still struggling to come to terms with it. That makes me wonder, what can we do to improve our life at home?
It’s been almost a year of the pandemic, some of us are getting used to the new life but I feel that a large part of the population is still struggling to come to terms with it. Staying indoors, not being able to socialise, night curfews and lockdowns are all taking a toll on our mental and physical well being. Heck, even the introverts are getting restless now!
That makes me wonder, what can we do to improve our life at home? How can we invest our money wisely, to buy things that will not only improve the quality of our life but will also turn out to be good long term investments. Here’s a round up of all the wonderful stuff that you can purchase this year to make your home prettier and cosier.
But first, declutter - Before you get excited and add a bunch of things to your shopping cart, consider decluttering your house. Trust me, taking out stuff you don’t need will make you feel really really good. It will also make room for your new décor and furniture items. The easiest way to do this is to get rid of anything you haven’t used in the last two years or use the KonMari method and donate things that don’t spark joy in you. The basic idea is to donate those things that don't make your eyes sparkle.
Art makes everything better - Invest in a few artworks to beautify your home. You can select a medium you like or you can select art pieces according to your preferred color palette. I’d suggest that you choose bold and bright colors. Accent colors make spaces look interesting without making them look too colorful. Watercolours, oils, acrylic, florals, abstracts, architecture, portraits, there are so many options available online. If you are not too sure then go for abstract art. Abstract art goes with all decoration styles. A large piece makes a bold statement and adds richness to the decor. But if large paintings intimidate you, you can hang 2-3 same size paintings. If you want custom pieces, talk to friends and family and you will definitely find someone who does that. Hanging some eye catching art will not just brighten up your place it will brighten up your mood too!
You can't go wrong with Abstract Art!
Bathroom Vanity - A vanity is an excellent way to update your bathroom without breaking the bank. We often ignore our bathrooms but they definitely deserve better, the place where we take long baths to relax and do some of our daily thinking. A lot of us have been spending more time in our bathrooms since we have been working from home. A tiny change can give it a new look. Vanities come in all shapes and sizes and you can definitely order one if you don’t find exactly what you are looking for. Bone inlay vanities look exquisite and can make your bathroom appear luxurious. Make sure you have the right amount of storage, neither too much nor too little. Also, select a size that is compatible with your bathroom size. If that is the only storage in your bathroom then you can go for a medium or large sized one. It could also be an accent piece, go for jewel tones for a pop of color. Teal blue, forest green, powder blue, mint green and baby pink are some lovely color options.
Bone inlay vanity / washstand
Storage Pieces - Accent cabinets, wine racks, console tables, étagères, bar cabinets, coffee bars, storage benches and sleek sideboards - get any one of these and bang, your space instantly looks better. Since storage cabinets serve a purpose, they won’t just sit there in your living room, looking pretty. You can organise your bedroom or living room by adding an accent cabinet, even a small one will make a big difference in the interiors. There are many kinds of ornamentation techniques that can be used on a storage cabinet. Some of them are metal inlay, bone inlay, stencilled motifs, wood inlay, hand painting, these techniques are an easy breezy way to bring a touch of class and sophistication to your room.
Chandeliers - Make your dinners at home magical by replacing your boring ceiling lights with a chic chandelier. The right chandelier will make you feel like you are having your everyday meals at your favourite restaurant! For a contemporary look you can go for a geometric or wooden chandelier. Copper or antique gold chandeliers also look really striking and elegant. If you are feeling adventurous, you can buy a bold design instead of a simple one and it will make your living/dining room come alive.
Contemporary chandelier design
Gold chandelier for dining room
Desk & Office Chair - Do this and your back will thank you! Get a comfy office chair and a well designed desk to turn work into play. Organise your desk with a desk organiser, make sure it has drawers and it matches your height when you sit. For these reasons, I would recommend you to get a custom made one. Since you will be spending a lot of time working on this desk, choose s design you really like and enjoy. Wooden ones are the best as they are strong, sturdy and can be customised easily. You can also go for painted ones but I personally feel that the natural warmth and beauty of wood should not be hidden with paint. Avoid buying plywood furniture as it’s not durable and has no resale value. Also, it’s not a good choice for humid places as cloudy weather can make it warp or swell.
Acacia wood Desk by Kernig Krafts
Planters - Decorate your home with indoor and outdoor plants. Indoor plants help you with concentration so you can even keep one pot on your desk. Indoor plants are basically air purifiers and filter out nasty chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. For a simple yet stylish look go for wooden planters and to switch things up try brass or gold ones. This is a very effortless way to add color to your surroundings and it is good for the environment and for you!
Dining / Living Room Furniture - Other great buys can be a live edge dining table, a new couch or dining chairs. A compelling dining table can take your space from dull to delightful. Live edge tables are so hot right now. These tables have such a gorgeous, organic look, they are excellent conversation starters, they have such a cozy feel and they can look both rustic and opulent depending on the finish and design. For dining chairs go for velvet upholstery as it makes the item look rich. You can choose the design according to the size of your room. Dining chairs can either be bulky or sleek according to your space. If you plan to buy a couch then definitely go for leather upholstery. Leather sofas look swanky and they are timeless. If you have enough space then buy the classic chesterfield, if not, there are plenty of simple designs to choose from.
Patio Furniture - So many of us are spending time in our patios, gardens and balconies these days. Just one set of comfortable & easy to maintain, table and chairs and you’re good to go. Buy one that can be easily moved and make sure it is made of a weather proof material like metal. Kernig Krafts’ spring chairs come in so many shapes and sizes and can be the perfect addition your balconies or patios. They can also be customised according to the height and color you want.
Comfortable Patio chairs by Kernig Krafts
I hope you liked the ideas here and incorporating these will help you feel happier and more comfortable at home! Please write to me at info@kernigkrafts.com for more information about the products.
Here are some FAQs based on the article you shared, focusing on the home items and improvements mentioned:
1. Why is it important to declutter my home before purchasing new items?
Decluttering allows you to create space for new furniture and décor, making your home feel more organized and refreshing. It also helps you focus on what you truly need or enjoy, and contributes to a clearer, stress-free environment.
2. What type of art is best for home décor during the pandemic?
Bold and bright colors, such as abstract art, work well for home décor. Abstract art, in particular, complements most interior styles and can help uplift the mood of any room. If you're unsure about choosing the right art, abstract pieces offer versatility and impact.
3. How can I update my bathroom without spending too much?
One affordable way to refresh your bathroom is by adding a vanity. Bone inlay vanities, in particular, can add a luxurious touch and provide extra storage space. Make sure to choose a size and style that fits the overall look and space of your bathroom.
4. What types of storage pieces can improve my home’s organization?
Accent cabinets, sideboards, wine racks, console tables, and storage benches are great options. These items not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but also help with organizing your space efficiently. Look for decorative elements like metal inlay or hand-painted designs to elevate the style of these functional pieces.
5. How can I make my home feel more luxurious for daily meals?
A chandelier can add a touch of elegance to your dining or living area. You can opt for geometric, wooden, or antique gold designs depending on the look you're going for. A bold chandelier can completely transform your dining experience, making it feel more like a restaurant ambiance.
6. What is the best office furniture for working from home?
Investing in a comfortable office chair and a well-designed desk is crucial for long hours of work. Look for a desk that suits your height and work style, preferably made from sturdy materials like wood. Custom-made options can be perfect to ensure durability and comfort.
7. How do indoor plants improve the atmosphere at home?
Indoor plants are great for air purification, helping remove harmful chemicals from the air. They also aid concentration, making them ideal for your home office or desk. Opt for stylish planters made from materials like wood, brass, or gold to enhance the look of your space.
8. What types of furniture are recommended for a cozy and stylish living or dining room?
For a cozy yet stylish living room, consider a live edge dining table, velvet-upholstered dining chairs, and a classic leather sofa. A live edge table provides an organic, timeless look that can easily be a conversation starter, while velvet chairs add a touch of richness to the room.
9. How can I make my outdoor space more comfortable during the pandemic?
Many people are spending more time in their outdoor spaces. Patio furniture like comfortable, weather-resistant chairs and tables can help create a relaxing environment. Look for pieces made from durable materials like metal, and opt for customizable options to suit your aesthetic preferences.
10. Where can I find these home improvement items?
For personalized and quality home décor and furniture pieces, you can explore Kernig Krafts. You can contact them via email at info@kernigkrafts.com for more information about products, availability, and customizations.
