(BPT) – The end of a year usually means one thing: endless resolutions. As you bid farewell to the holidays, it’s all about what you want to change, upgrade and do better. Health and well-being are always the first things that come to mind, but don’t overlook your home. In fact, sometimes it’s the first place to start – from a total overhaul to the simplest design changes. Those major or minor design decisions can really impact not only how you live, but also the health and happiness of you, your family and your home.
“As we move in to the New Year, it’s about embracing function but also creating a space that’s a strong reflection of the people who live there,” says Nate Berkus, renowned decorator, designer and artistic advisor to LG Studio. “Forget fleeting trends – 2015 is all about integrating thoughtful elements that have a lasting impact,” adds Berkus, who offers these tips:
Get organized
The first thing, and maybe the most important, is to clean the house. Don’t underestimate how important that is, and what a difference it will make! Next, clean up the clutter. Getting rid of all the clutter, which has probably been piling up all year, will allow a room to really shine again. It’s all about editing – throw out what no longer works to make room for things that are necessary to live well.
High tech, high touch
Whether a gourmet chef or a total novice in the kitchen, take advantage of all the incredible high tech appliances out there. I’m obsessed with the LG Studio double wall oven, which includes 100 auto-cook recipes built in to its one-touch activation control system. It makes cooking a cinch even for someone like me!
Brighten your outlook
If there’s one easy change to make in a home, make it the lighting. Maybe it’s a pair of vintage lamps from the local flea market on the console that just pull the room together. Or perhaps it’s a pair of statement sconces in the bedroom or a pendant light in the entryway. When it comes to design tricks, lighting is one of them. It can change the whole feel of a room in an instant.
Changes that last
Maybe 2015 is the year that you commit to that renovation. If thinking of a full kitchen remodel, I say go for it. It’s one of the best investments to make in the home. Reach for things that will feel timeless, now and in the future because replacing your stove, or wall tiles, or flooring the next year or even after 10 years, is not an option. When it comes to the appliances, go for matching stainless steel; they have a forever feel that will absolutely up the style factor of the kitchen. Every appliance in the kitchen needs to be very hardworking. So, maybe it’s a large-capacity French-door refrigerator, like the one from the LG Studio suite of appliances. I particularly love the Door-in-Door feature, especially for a large family, as it has easy access to your favorite foods and more room for storage.
Be bold
If you’re not able to take on a full kitchen renovation this year, don’t worry – it can be as simple as layering in some color. Adding in a bold accessory is one of the easiest ways to change the look and feel of a room. I always encourage people to go with what they love, and if what you love is a gold ottoman, bright purple throw pillows or a dramatic piece of art, then I say go for it. Color is such a great way to add personality, and accent pieces are the best way to make a statement; if by summer it’s time for another refresh, those pieces are easy enough to change out.
