Hint: It doesn't involve tearing down walls – By Maddison Urquhart
As COVID-19 continues on its deadly path of destruction, social-distancing and self-isolation measures have become the new norm. And with millions around the world already adjusting to life in lockdown, it begs the question of what does one do when stuck at home with nothing but time to spare? Well, if you consider yourself an interiors guru or simply a DIY enthusiast, you'll find that the answer to your self-isolation frustration lies within the walls of your own home.
Whether it be as simple as that closet cull you've been avoiding for months years on end or getting your hands dirty in the garden, you'll quickly find that there's no shortage of home improvement projects you can sink your teeth into. Better yet, they're simple, easy and won't break the bank. Keeping reading below for our best picks.
1. Freshen Up Your Trimmings With Paint
Painting is often time-consuming – very time consuming as many homeowners will tell you. And yes, while it might be a slow process that requires a considerable amount of time and patience (oh, and not to mention a steady hand too), never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint – it can instantly brighten up a space and make the world of a difference to your interior.
2. De-Clutter Your Kitchen Cabinets
They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home which is why it's the first place in the house that collects dust and gathers clutter. Eliminate the chaos and organise your cabinets so that your utensils and appliances belong in their rightful place. While you're at it, be sure to dispose of any unnecessary bits and pieces that don't have a place in your cabinets anymore.
3. Set Up Your Home Office
It's more than likely that you'll be spending a lot more time working from home for the foreseeable future. While this can be quite advantageous at times, the home can easily become a breeding ground for stress and anxiety. Do yourself a favour and diffuse any future meltdowns by creating a dedicated space in your home where you can set aside household distractions and focus on the job at hand.
4. Clean Out Your Closet
Getting rid of your clothes, even if you haven't worn them in years (and years, and years) isn't easy. There's no denying that a bursting-at-the-seams wadrobe is overwhelming but with all of this spare time on your hands, who's to say you can't free yourself from the stressful mess once and for all? You'll thank us later.
5. Hang A Mirror
If you're looking to infuse warmth and texture to your personal space, accessorise your bathroom or simply decorate a blank wall, a mirror is one of the oldest decorating tricks in the book. Functional yet versatile at the same time, mirrors come in all shapes and sizes and allow the spaces in a home to feel larger than life.
6. Plant A Backyard Vegetable Garden
As temperatures begin to decline and food becomes a sought-after commodity (please, stop with the stockpiling), there's no better time to use veggies and herbs freshly picked from your garden. If you're someone who lives an apartment or perhaps short on outdoor space, don't worry, we haven't forgotten about you. Many houseplants (lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes included) thrive on windowsills, in vertical gardens, and on your balcony. They're small and portable so you can take them with you wherever you're required to get up and go.
7. Classify Your Bookcase
A cluttered bookshelf is an eyesore that no one wants to see. Transform your shelves into a beautifully curated masterpiece that's not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides functionality and organisation.