By Alejandra Zamora
Happy new year! Whether 2020 was the longest or shortest year of your life (or maybe both!), we’re hopeful that 2021 will be one that we’ll appreciate all the more after this rollercoaster of a year. While at home, you’ve probably been reflecting and realizing a lot about what is important in your life and have maybe noticed some things your home is lacking. Make this year’s resolutions about your home! Spend the first few weeks of the new year getting things together so your space is tranquil, comfortable, and ready for whatever might come your way. Below are some things you should be doing to get your home ready for 2021.
Be more energy-conscious
If we want the world to change for the better, we must be the change we wish to see. Making more eco-friendly swaps and energy-saving changes to your home should not only be a resolution, but a
priority. For some smaller household upgrades, try focusing on one room in the house at a time to cut down on plastic. For instance, in the bathroom, swap out your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one, minimize the plastic soap bottles in your shower or replace them with bars, or change out your toilet paper to
one made from bamboo. For bigger changes, install solar panels to generate power wherever possible; commit to turning off the faucet and lights when not in use; and switch to Energy Star-certified appliances to save energy and money.
Incorporate the new Pantone colors of the year
“Ultimate Gray” and “Illuminating” have been named the official colors of 2021 by Pantone. According to them, they are “practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, [a color combination that] gives us resilience and hope.” We’re not mad about this choice! Grey is a wonderful neutral color to incorporate into your home, as it goes with essentially anything, and if you’re looking for a new color to try out to make an accent in your home pop, use this yellow as inspiration!
Set up a productive home office space
If this year taught us anything, it’s that you
need a space in your home that’s clutter-free, quiet, and full of light so that any work that may need to be done from home actually can! Dedicate one space in any room of your house--preferably a quiet one--to be your workspace. If you’re sharing a home with a working partner or Zooming children, make sure everyone has a little space of their own, and respect each other’s privacy! Set up your space with only the necessities, like a comfy desk chair, writing material, a solid working desk, and something special that will make you happy whenever you look up at it. If you find yourself annoyed and stiff after hours of staring at a screen, invest in a propped desk (pictured above) for your computer so it’s level with your eyesight, blue light glasses, and a wrist-rest for your hands while typing.
Create a dedicated relaxation area
Whether it be your bedroom or a cozy nook in your living room, create a safe, peaceful space in your home for you and your family to enjoy. Fill this space with natural light, plants, a weighted blanket, an essential oil diffuser, and anything else that calms you down and makes you happy. Check out this
Apartment Therapy article for more inspiration.
