Quarantine Design Refresh Tips

How long have we been trapped inside our homes? Too long! I have been eyeing every corner of my space and redecorating and redecorating, over and over again, mostly in my mind. I’ve been moving pieces around, trying different ways to style and organize. Basically, I just need to get out so I don’t over-obsess and dive headfirst down a design rabbit hole.

I will say, it has been nice to slow down and reflect on the artifacts around me, remembering the stories they tell. So often I pass by these unnoticed objects (or absentmindedly grab them from my klepto toddler), but I really do have pride in what I’ve collected over the years. I have seashells from beach combing beautiful sandy shorelines from the East Coast to the Mediterranean. I have handcrafted vases from artists in Charleston; I have vintage furniture from Scott’s Antique Market; I have art pieces collected from my travels abroad. And yet all too often, I breeze by them in the busyness of the day.

But I digress. As I try not to dive down the redesign rabbit hole, here are some simple tips to refresh your space and stay on track. In the coming weeks, we will take a deeper dive into each of these topics so stay tuned for more posts.

TIP 1: MIRRORS.

Photo by Elliott Fuerniss

Hanging up mirrors is a great way to make a space feel larger. The reflection in the mirror plays with the visuals of the room, adding more interest and dimension to the architecture. It also bounces light around, which can make the space feel brighter and create movement. However, always consider what will be reflected back at you. For instance, you may not want to see the cluttered bookshelves across the room mirrored back, creating more clutter.

I love the versatility of mirrors, coming in all different shapes, sizes, styles, and finishes and price ranges. When placing mirrors, they should typically be anchored by a piece of furniture. This will help determine what size the mirror needs to be. If it’s a console piece, the mirror should not be wider or taller than the console. It needs to be in proportion to the space, but not overpowering.

TIP 2: LAMPS.

I love lamp. I really do! They immediately provide ambiance with the simple click of a switch. A cold, lifeless room can be energized in a second with the addition of a well-placed accent light. Lamps give a feeling of coziness, warmth, and can also add a decorative element.

If you have a long, large wall where most of the furniture is at the same elevation, consider adding a tall floor lamp to break up the monotony. Floor lamps are also perfect for that corner where you enjoy curling up in your favorite lounge chair to enjoy your morning coffee. In the evening, you can read a book or check emails by soft lamp light as well.

Lamps are great because they don’t have to be a major investment and you can move them around from space to space. I think of them as an accent piece that can be easily changed down the road for little cost.

Photo by Brooke Whitney

TIP 3: LIGHT COLORED CURTAINS.

Photo by Elliott Fuerniss

Curtains and drapes soften a space, adding color and pattern, while keeping the cold/warm air out. When we moved into our house we installed blinds in every window because we needed privacy. Recently, I’ve started removing the blinds in certain spaces and replacing them with drapes that are blackout or semi-blackout. It’s nice to slide open a fabric panel versus pulling a cord to open the blinds, and you still get the same privacy. Plus, my littles have pretty much destroyed the blinds in the family room.

Now I have light colored curtains throughout the house. There’s nothing better than a crisp white panel. It’s flowy, airy and lets in the natural light. It can feel classic and elegant or bright and beachy, depending on the rest of the room. Because they never go out of style, these are a great investment.

Photo by Alex Thornton

TIP 4: DESIGNATED WORK SPACE.

Photo by Elliott Fuerniss

Thanks to COVID-19, many of us are having to rethink the way we work. The home office is becoming a requirement as people are scrambling to set up semi-permanent workspaces (not to mention learning how to login remotely and manage children and Zoom calls). But not every home has space for a designated office. If you are moving around throughout the day or don’t have a place to store work materials, it can be stressful and make you less efficient.

It’s best to have a designated space for working. Consider utilizing that open section of wall in your master bedroom to place a small desk. Or you may need to retrofit a closet to create a nook and store files. If you’re concerned about your workspace looking messy or taking up too much room, you may want to buy a secretary desk. This hidden style of desk is simply a cabinet with a pull-down writing surface and small compartments for storing papers and notes.

FROM LARK & LINEN, Photo: Josh Young

TIP 5: BRING THE OUTDOORS IN.

Nature has a calming effect on the mind and soul. During this stressful and uncertain time, it is more important than ever to feel connected to nature. Now that we are inside working most of the day, adding some love ferns to your space can help to remind you of the great outdoors.

If you don’t have a green thumb, succulents are a great option as they are sculptural and easy to maintain. Also, consider grabbing some fresh flowers the next time you are at the store. Place the flowers in small arrangements throughout your home, focusing on areas you frequent. I love to have a little bit of “sunshine in a vase” sprinkled around the house. I like to place these on the kitchen island/table, entry console and nightstand. You can also venture to add a large potted tree in a corner by a window, if you are feeling brave. Hanging artwork with a natural landscape or beach scene, or even blue and green soothing tones, is another good way to feel more connected to the outside world.

Photo by Elliott Fuerniss