Winter can be a tough season for many of us, especially after the excitement of the holidays wears off. The days are short and dark. The temperature is low. The weather is gloomy. And at this time of year many of us begin to feel that the winter blues are settling in and ask how to overcome it.
But there’s good news. By planning a few simple home improvements, you can easily transform your space into a happier, more welcoming place. Sprucing up your home is valuable in any season, but some projects are perfect for giving you the mood boost you need this time of year.
If you’re in a seasonal funk, this Redfin article offers advice on how to fight the winter blues, whether from your Chicago apartment, your new home in Colorado Springs, or your rental home in Portland . No matter how short and dark the days or how cold the temperatures, consider these home improvement projects that will help you beat the winter blues.
1. Repaint your living space
Do you feel your home needs a drastic change? A new coat of paint is an inexpensive and effective way to instantly change things up. At a time when many of us need a mood boost, take a page out of your psychology book and surround yourself with colors that help you relax and increase your sense of well-being. In general, cool colors have a calming effect, while warm colors provide comfort and energize. White has the effect of reflecting light and brightening the room. Small spaces can feel larger, more open, and more energized.
Painting can take some patience, especially if you’re considering a new color, but it’s easy enough for even a DIY novice to do. And with the right attitude, a few friends, and your favorite music, painting walls can be fun. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with a painting project, consider hiring a local painting company to do the work for you.
2. Update your home’s lighting
What better way to brighten and warm your mood this winter than with perfect lighting? Not to mention, it’s an easy and affordable way to make your home a more comfortable place to live.
“During the cold, wet, and dark months, natural light is limited. To compensate, adding warm, multi-level lighting like table lamps, task lights, and wall sconces can add a cozy touch to your room. It creates a good atmosphere,” says Cassidy of the Wakened Collective. “The key to achieving a warm, atmospheric light in your home is to choose light bulbs between 2700 and 3000 Kelvin. Anything higher than that will give off a cooler light and will help with the cozy atmosphere you’re looking for. you can’t.”
Instead of leaving your home’s equipment outdated, you can use the winter blues as an excuse to make home improvements. Lighting fixtures are affordable and can often be installed without a professional. You can completely change the feel of your home by simply replacing harsh white light bulbs with subdued, warm ones.
3. Maximize natural light with windows and skylights
As the days get shorter and the weather darker, one of the main factors that causes the winter blues this time of year is a lack of natural light. The best solution to this is to increase the amount of sunlight inside your home. If your current windows aren’t letting in enough light or air, it might be time to upgrade. Skylights are also a great way to improve natural light. This is true even if you live in a place with abundant sunlight, like Miami.
Derek Antosiek from Optimize Your Biology also suggests considering how your furniture works to make the most of natural light. he says: “To combat the winter blues, prioritize natural light and biofriendly design. Energize your space with plants and nature-inspired décor, or use your TV to play relaxing nature recordings. Rearrange your furniture to maximize natural light from windows. These small changes can have a big impact on your overall well-being.
4. Install the sound system
There’s nothing like a great song that instantly lifts your mood. Playing your favorite songs at home is a great therapy to fight the winter blues. However, if you’re listening to music through your laptop’s small speakers, the impact will be a little less. If you want to truly immerse yourself in the sounds of your favorite songs, invest in a home sound system.
Setting up a surround sound system or a sound system that plays in multiple rooms is very easy. The latest technology allows for easy connectivity via Bluetooth, allowing you to enjoy your time at home without the need for expensive or complicated setup processes.
5. Organizational improvement
After months spent indoors due to the pandemic, followed by the holidays, your home may be full of clutter. Think about how good you feel when you clean your house and put everything back in its rightful place.
Organizing your space can be done in a variety of ways, from purchasing storage boxes and bins to custom items for your closet. A few simple home improvements can go a long way. Whether it’s just organizing old mail, sorting clothing to donate, or filing documents, organization can help you create a better living space. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by this process, enlist the help of a professional organizer or declutterer.
6. Add greenery to beat the winter blues
Plants are a wonderful gift from nature. Whether you’re at work or at home, live plants can boost your mood, productivity, focus, and creativity. From small succulents to large potted plants, plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making greenery a functional and flexible option for everyone.
If you have a large living area, a potted tree is also a great accent and one of the easiest home improvements to make. Available from local nurseries and mail order services across the country, plants are an easy way to add a dynamic living focal point to any room.
Alessia, an apartment botanist and author of Plants Are My Favorite People, says: It always felt natural to fill my space with plants and crystals. I realized how much they helped me create a happy, green and positive environment.
Even when I felt overwhelmed or too busy, I always felt more accomplished when I stopped to make time and work on the things I love. I have no problem giving plants the best place in the house – a bright, sunny spot. Test and see which one works best for your home. However, you can always use grow lights to support your plants. Another favorite tip I offer to new houseplant parents is to purchase a humidifier that will keep you and your plants entertained during the cold winter months. It’s a win for both plant and parent! ”
7. Create a cozy sanctuary
There’s nothing better than having a cozy place to escape to on a cold winter day. From fluffy blankets and bedding to essential oils and warm lighting, your cozy sanctuary will be a haven from the moment you step inside. Flannel sheets keep you cozy and warm, while a plush rug to sink your toes into adds comfort. .
Kelly Walsh of Elements of Saratoga Lake said: “A simple renter-friendly home improvement is to create a cozy retreat by installing a reading nook or enriching the living area with comfortable items like extra pillows and throw blankets.” Don’t forget to incorporate color into your interiors to lift your spirits and brighten up your home during the gloomy season. ”
Surviving another winter may seem daunting, but a few simple home improvements can make all the difference in cold weather grimaces. From a quick paint job to installing skylights, there are many things you can do to boost your happiness this season and transform your average home into a beautiful one.
