Indoor Oasis

As the frigid days of winter dredge on, most of us Ohioans are starting to go a little stir crazy from spending so much time restlessly barricaded behind closed doors–angsty and endlessly bored of hiding from drab days.

Whether it is conquering an unknown and exotic recipe, adding a bright new piece of art to your collection, or taking on an easy weekend renovation project, these last chilly days of winter are the perfect time to transform your home into a fresh and inspiring space. Dedicate this month to refreshing your own misconceptions of hibernation by challenging yourself to use your negative winter energy as a catalyst for positive change within your own four walls.

Make a bold statement with color

Updating the interior walls of your home with a bright coat of paint is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to breathe vibrant life back into your icy winter fortress. You don’t need to paint a whole room to have a huge effect. Try just an accent wall in a bold color. I would recommend selecting from a mid-tone palette (those shades in the middle of the color strip) when choosing a new hue. These moderately saturated tones let you see the actual color both in daylight and in the evening but are not so deep as to leave your rooms feeling dark. If you are looking for an easier and less hands-on chromatic solution, give your home a little jolt of energy with bright new decor. Whether it is tossing a colorful and cozy throw on the foot of your bed, hanging an interesting and flashy new piece of art on your walls, or picking up boldly patterned throw pillows for your sofa–one or two colorful pieces can liven up an entire room. Be sure to check out this month’s Winter Flea–the perfect local place to start.

Let the light shine in

Maximize the natural light in your home by switching your window treatments to sheers and hanging a large mirror on the wall opposite your windows. Mirrors will not only work to make rooms seem larger, but will reflect the existing light throughout your interior spaces.

Organize the chaos

Our homes are an extension of who we are–and so what we do within the four walls of our humble abodes can help to positively shape productivity and mood. Keeping your home tidy by inventing simple mood-boosting daily routines for yourself can help to create a personal haven from the stress wrought by unnecessary clutter in a lived-in home. Whether it means simply making your bed every morning or finishing up the dishes after a meal, take a few minutes to bring each room back to a tidy state before departing.

Challenge yourself to take on a crafty DIY project to help keep your home organized by creating customized storage solutions for your space.

Food for thought

Expand your culinary chops to carry you throughout the winter blahs and let the cuisine transport you to warmer and more exotic places. whether you chose to become the master of the roasted chicken, the commander of French cuisine, or a dedicated student of the mother sauces, challenging yourself to learn the finer notes of a classic recipe is a great way not only to build on your culinary prowess. It also creates a fine opportunity to surround your table with the people who will allow you to truly enjoy your home to its fullest this winter season.

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