The longer we live in any home, the more we get used to it. This means that even if we have great taste, even if we’re sharp caretakers of our properties, and even if we enjoy investing in new fixtures and features, our homes can become a little drabby without us really noticing.
Think about it – you may have two lovely dogs you care for, that are as clean as dogs can be, but because you get used to the wet dog smell in the autumn, you might not realize your home is beginning to smell of it. Then, you might head on vacation, come home, and realize the difference.
It’s often the case that individuals aren’t entirely sure why or how their home feels a little off, or not “complete” in its design. In some cases, the answer is much simpler than you imagine – there’s perhaps one or two small elements bringing the space down, and harming its potential. But because we’ve gotten so used to the status quo, it can be hard for us to identify where the problem lies.
Well, this is a great opportunity to tell you! In this post, we’ll help you put on your home detective cap and consider four drabby home fixtures or features that can impact your home’s aesthetic:
1. Damaged/Stained Windows & Patio Doors
You might not even think about it, but those windows and patio doors see a lot of use and abuse over time. General fingerprints, water stains, scratches from pets or kids – it can really add up and make them look downright dirty or even damaged before you know it. This means your glass gets foggy, the frames get grimy, and suddenly your nice view of the outdoors is obstructed. It’s worth investing in a patio door replacement service for a fresh, sparkling look, or even just get them professionally cleaned for an instant replenishment if the damage isn’t so bad. A good window washing can have them gleaming like new again so you can actually enjoy that nice natural light.
2. Old, Unkempt, Damaged Carpet
Carpets seem to have a way of looking worn down before you know it. Even if you vacuum regularly, over time the fibers get matted and trampled on. Spills set in no matter how hard you scrub, even if the “white wine to fix red wine” trick is mostly a cope we tell ourselves. You might not notice it day-to-day since it’s a gradual process, and then you move a piece of furniture and notice there’s an unsightly area forming. Luckily, you can get them deep cleaned now and again by professional carpet cleaners to refresh them. But eventually, you may just need to bite the bullet and replace them entirely. New carpet can genuinely transform a room and make it feel brand spanking new again. Sometimes, this is enough to rejuvenate an entire space.
3. Cluttering & Overdesign
It’s amusing to admit, but yes, sometimes you can be too good at decorating. Who can blame you, decorating is fun, and we all accumulate random stuff over the years. We’ve all been there. Just keep in mind that yes, a good decluttering can open up those spaces again and create some nice breathing room. You can edit down to just your very favorite pieces for a much cleaner, calmer aesthetic in your space. Consider assigning a “point system” in each room. Set a point budget, give your main decorations a point value, and don’t exceed the budget. This can be good for making those hard decisions, such as having one or two larger plants instead of thirteen house plants on your shelves.
4. Mismatching Trimmings
This is one of those little details that can gently annoy you without you even realizing it at first. From window treatments like blinds and curtains to moldings along the floors and ceilings, those little accent details really do matter for pulling a room together.
You might have updated a room here and there over the years, leaving you with a kitchen’s sleek wooden blinds that clash with the living room’s shutters. Maybe the previous owner was halfway through developing the renovation but never finished it.
Now, your entire house doesn’t have to match perfectly with your cabinet handle in the kitchen matching the curtain pole in your bedroom. But having more unified themes in terms of colors and styles can help you feel comfortable. That’s because you can look around without your brain working overtime to try and understand what’s going on.
With this advice, you’ll hopefully be able to get over that weird feeling that the aesthetic of your home isn’t quite completed, despite doing everything mostly right. At the very least, it can help you look under the surface even if you’ve become a little comfortable. Have fun decorating!
