Article By Guest Editor - Hannah Thomas

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New Year’s resolutions are a perfect way to set goals.  However, in order not to be overwhelmed by obligations, I find it’s best to divide the plans into categories. And, for me I think one of these categories should be your home and all the things you want to do to complete in order to improve and beautify or update your home. 

From gardening to simple decorating, your home can easily improve and become a more inspiring place to live. If you are looking for makeover ideas, here are some New Year’s resolutions for your home that could be a game changer. 

1.    Go green

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Going green is not a trend, but rather a responsibility of every human on the planet. It doesn’t have to be anything drastic and you can decide in what manner you want to help the environment. Moreover, going green is healthier and will reduce some of your bills thus saving you money on electricity and water.

Turn off the lights when you don’t need them and start using solar lamps for the outdoor space. Collect rainwater for irrigation and begin composting which you can use as fertiliser for your veggie, fruit and flower garden. Learn more about recycling and check the seals on windows and doors.  This will mean you don't have to run your heating & cooling units as much and thus save the energy and consequently improve your finances.

2.    Keep your home clutter-free

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Clutter is responsible for depression, procrastination and inactivity, all factors that can affect your health and downgrade the quality of life. So, start decluttering room by room and throwing or giving away the things you no longer need or use. Once you finish this, make it a regular activity to keep your home in order and prevent clutter from piling up.

3.    Do some gardening 

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The front of your house is a perfect place to do some gardening and give your home curb appeal. Gardening can also be done on porches, balconies and even the smallest of places. You can create an interesting garden on the walls of the fence or façade to grow herbs and seasonal plants. Succulents are perfect for those who don’t have a lot of time for gardening and also look dramatic and make a great impression,. 

Plant trees in the garden to get shade but also to diversify the ecosystem. However, if you don’t have enough space for this, place potted dwarf trees all around the garden and enjoy fruits and fresh scents most of the year.

4.    Organize your backyard

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Having a backyard can require a lot of work, but once you do some landscaping and organise the space – it is not so hard to maintain. There are all sorts of ideas you can incorporate into your backyard and make it one of your favourite spots at home. Mow the lawn regularly to keep it neat and dedicate a spot for a seating area you can use to entertain guests and relax.

In Australia, Sydney pergolas, for example, are an option.   Decorated with vines and lanterns, pergola's give shade and make the evenings comfortable. When it comes to Japan, even Tokyo homes have Zen gardens with water features, Koi fish and carefully scattered stones to create balance and serenity. In the end, it’s important to use the backyard space to the best of its ability and transform the area into something you will benefit from.

5.    Refresh your home

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Consider organising the furniture differently to redefine the space and even buy some new pieces to refresh it. Try Feng Shui or minimalism as styles of planning the space and defining the position of items so that you can experience spiritual benefits. Have a bouquet of fresh flowers regularly to brighten up the place and give a lively vibe.

Make this year all about redecorating and change the colour of the walls into something modern like green or Pantone Color of the Year Live Coral. Update the kitchen with new dishes or cabinetry, or just reward yourself with a new appliance that you always wanted.

Finally

New Year’s resolutions for your home are a great way to start the year and focus you on organising your living space. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Simplify the process and do it do it one step at a time.  This will make it more rewarding, fun and financially possible.