No, this is not a beauty column. However, I do strive for beauty in the every day. Everyone knows what they like and don’t like but you may not always be able to pull it all together. Maybe you just aren’t a shopper or don’t have time to shop. Or you aren’t sure how to tie together the pieces you treasure. Either way, if you want to reclaim your home from your kids, I’m here to help. I ask question, offer suggestions and come up with out-of-the box solutions. Often we don’t notice the clutter of our day to day living; it takes fresh eyes to notice little changes that can make a big impact. So are you ready to reclaim your house? Let me help you decide!
This will be a two-part piece that will help you decide if you are ready, and walk you through some of the steps to achieve an “adult” space. I will be guiding one mom through updating her dining room, but there will be plenty of ideas for anyone looking for “a new shade of lipstick"
So the first step is to decide if you are ready. Will the “maintenance” of the space be worth it? Look at your living space and the age of your kids; what you have will determine what you can do. You may have a 900 sq. ft. apartment and two toddlers. You may be lucky to get a shower and the dishes done most days! There is no need to worry about floral arrangements on the dining room table when it is more effort just to not grind fish crackers in to the carpet. For you, try making your bedroom your space, a retreat from the day. If possible, placing a sitting area with a chair and small table where you can retreat for a moment of peace during nap time or for morning coffee. Use soothing colors. Maybe a new comforter can be a spring board for your new space.
If your kids are approaching middle school, they aren’t playing matchbox cars and Polly Pockets in the living room any more. So this space might be a good one to reclaim. If toys have invaded, remove them. Have the kids find a place in their room for these treasures or donate them. If you are up to it PAINT, even if it is the same color. A fresh coat of paint gives a room a clean look! The kids are still going to put their feet on the couch, so I would not get a new one, instead look for a slip cover or a throw to freshen it up. A low cost, high impact pop of color is throw pillows. Just 2 or 3 can change the whole look. Add family picture and a few accessories for a new look.
Or maybe you have started to work at home need a home office space. That is what is going on with Mary Becelia, the FRED Parent Blogs Community Manager and a part-time Career Counselor at the University of Mary Washington. Over the past 12 years, her dining room has functioned as an eating area, playroom, and home office. Now that the kids are upper elementary and early middle school, it is time for a more grown up look.
A few months ago, Mary gave this space a fresh coat paint in a neutral tone and hung some beautiful family photographs on the walls, but the room still needed a “new shape of lipstick.” The first thing I noted when I arrived is that she is using an old kitchen table as her work space. She recognizes that this is less-than-ideal, and requested some help finding an attractive desk. In addition, she said that she would like to see a little sparkle in to offset the neutral walls. The room is a great size has plenty of space for accommodating both dining area and an office nook.
Finally, we both agreed that the white lace curtains that she has accenting the windows need to go. White curtains, beige walls…blah. Nothing pops. I got some ideas from her as to what she likes and started shopping…
Next time: we’ll discuss where to best place her antique china cabinet and see if we can find the perfect desk
for Mary!
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