Easy Ways to Refresh & Renew Your Home in the New Year

Your home should be a restorative space, offering sanctuary from the chaos of the world after a long week or a busy day. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, it's easy for clutter to accumulate. Baseboards chip away, and deep cleaning tasks remain on the to-do list (maybe somewhere near the bottom) for too long.  

As we step into a new year, it's the perfect time to breathe new life into your living space with simple, cost-effective home refresh ideas!

Declutter & deep clean  

Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about reclaiming space and creating a relaxing living environment that brings you joy. But decluttering can be daunting. It's easy to procrastinate and brush deep cleaning chores aside.  

Make your to-do's easier by breaking down your tasks into a few manageable steps. Here's a simple list to help you get started.  

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1. Start by decluttering one area at a time, sorting items into keep, donate, or discard piles. You might want to start with storage areas like closets or storage cupboards. This approach means you'll have places to put away items from subsequent projects.  
2. For deep cleaning, focus on high-traffic areas first. Tackle tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and wiping surfaces. Work the room from top to bottom to gather all debris.  
3. Bare spaces are easiest to clean, so we recommend doing a deep clean immediately after decluttering. It's more rewarding to organize first, then place your belongings back in a clean environment.  
4. Invest in storage solutions, like baskets or bins, to create an organizational system that works for you and your family. Don’t forget to label!
5. Set a schedule, dedicating small chunks of time each day to maintain progress. Remember, consistency is key – regular maintenance prevents clutter and dirt from piling up again.  

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Polish your home with a fresh coat of paint  

Few things breathe life into a room like a fresh coat of paint. Choosing the right colours and techniques can work wonders for interior decor and design, or exterior curb appeal.  

Consider warm tones for cozy vibes or vibrant hues for an invigorating ambiance. It's amazing how a colour change can completely transform a space and bring new life into your home.  

Rümi professionals can help to make your painting transformation a no-stress experience. We offer interior home painting, as well as exterior home painting services. From prep and priming to touch-ups and clean-ups, you won’t have to lift a finger!  

Carpet revamp

Carpet and flooring play a significant role in the overall aesthetics of your home, so you have to treat it with a little TLC now and then. Some of our favourite DIY carpet cleaning tips include:  

1. Start by vacuuming thoroughly to remove loose dirt.  
2. For stains, blot with a mix of mild detergent and water. Test on a hidden spot first to be sure the solution is gentle enough on your carpet. Gently dab (don’t rub) the stain from outside to inside. Rinse with water, and blot dry.  
3. For an all-over freshen-up, sprinkle baking soda on your carpet to absorb odours, then vacuum.  

If vacuuming and spot cleaning just aren’t doing the trick, consider booking a professional clean. Beyond the obvious removal of stains and dirt, pro cleaning revitalizes carpets, restoring their original colour and texture. This process enhances the overall visual appeal and breathes new life into the entire room.  

Did we mention how much carpets hold odours? You'll be amazed at how much a professional cleaning can breathe new life into your space and make it feel more inviting and cozier. Plus, by investing in a professional clean, the lifespan of your carpets and area rugs gets extended. This ensures they remain a stylish part of your home for years to come.  

Illuminate & elevate your lighting & hardware

A quick and relatively easy home improvement trick is home lighting upgrades. You’ll be surprised by the impact this easy refresh can have.  

Proper lighting isn't just about visibility. Lighting is a mood-setter and productivity booster. The right lighting can accentuate the features of your home, enhance focus, and create a warm ambiance.  

Bright, natural light stimulates alertness and positivity during the day. Softer, warmer tones in the evening promote relaxation as you wind down. If you’re in the market for a new statement light fixture, consider adjustable lighting options or dimmer switches. This controls the intensity of your lighting and helps with adjusting the mood and ambiance through the day.  

Rümi’s expert electricians can help you install new fixtures with dimming capabilities. With dimmers, you can adjust your lighting to suit any occasion, from cozy movie nights to energetic gatherings. They'll work their magic and ensure that you have the perfect ambiance at your fingertips.  

Not ready for a full fixture exchange? Try experimenting with different types of bulbs, such as LEDs or soft white bulbs. These can significantly impact the mood and aesthetics of a room.  

When it comes to hardware, swapping old doorknobs or cabinet handles for modern alternatives can remarkably rejuvenate the look and feel of your space. Sleek, contemporary designs can instantly modernize a room, helping you add a touch of elegance and personality. It’s a really simple and affordable refresh, elevating the overall appeal of your home while injecting a fresh and updated vibe into every corner.  

Final touches: Infuse life & freshness  

If you aren’t already convinced, refreshing your home doesn't need to mean taking on major renovations. Simple touches can make a big difference in rejuvenating your space, both inside and out! Here's a few of our favourites:  

• Book a window washing in the spring to let natural light flood in, instantly brightening your space.  
• Update window treatments. Whether it's airy curtains or sleek blinds, these revitalize your decor and give you more control over lighting.  
• Embrace nature indoors. Add indoor plants for a splash of greenery and freshness all year round. They not only add colour but also purify the air and lift spirits when all you can remember is snow!  
• For quick and affordable refreshes, start small! Small tweaks like rearranging furniture or investing in new throw pillows can also breathe new life into familiar spaces.  

Renewed & refreshed  

Your home should be a reflection of you and your personal style. Refresh home design elements to take back your space. With a few of these affordable and manageable tips, you'll transform your living space into a revitalized haven. Whether you prefer the DIY approach or seek the ease of professional handyman assistance, Rümi can help!

It's time to bid adieu to the clutter, worn-out aesthetics, and neglected corners. Embrace this new year with a fresh, invigorated home that welcomes you with open arms after every busy day!