Re-decorating your newly decluttered space
You've decluttered, you've reorganised and you are almost completely happy with the end result; but something is not quite right. You may find that after doing a big declutter your space has become a more relaxing and attractive place to be, but needs some re-decorating to bring it into its full potential. Below we have compiled some tips for redesigning your space in order to capture the newly found tranquillity and practicality of the room.
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Design your organisational systems first
While picking out new furniture and accessories can be the best part of re-decorating, start with your organisational systems first, so that you don't design yourself into a corner. For example, if you have decided you no longer want to have a chest of drawers in the room think about where you will put the items that are currently in it. Will you need some open shelving on the walls? Some decorative baskets in the corner? Have a really good think about how you're going to re-jig the items in the room so that you're not left with a pile of items with no home.
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Use natural materials and colours to promote tranquillity
If you're hoping to keep the feeling of a calm, organised space, natural materials should be used over plastics and other man-made items. Wools, linen, cotton and wood will give your room that spa-like softness that many people are looking for. It's essentially the same with colour. Be careful with bold colours as they can stimulate a subconscious response in your brain, making it hard to relax in your space. Colour is a great way to inject some of your personality into a room, but pair them with more neutral, relaxing colours to water them down a bit. If you don't have an eye for design, it can be very helpful to create a mood board with natural materials as a reminder when you are shopping for the room.
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Trendy accessories tend to end up as clutter
When it comes to putting the final touches on your design, it is important to remember not to go too crazy on the accessories. Staged homes and bedroom set-ups in department stores often have little statues and trinkets sprinkled around. While they do look nice in a de-personalised space, in a real home these will end up collecting dust and getting donated several years later. This is the perfect opportunity to put things on show that you saved during your decluttering sessions. Putting up photos that never made it to a frame, displaying your souvenirs from trips you've been on and your children's hand-made gifts can be great finishing touches to a space. House plants and a candle or two are also good accessories that add to a room without being overbearing.
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One final declutter
At this point you've probably already spent a lot of time decluttering, and maybe the thought of it isn't that exciting to you. However, once you have your new space there may be things that you were unsure about keeping that you realise you no longer need. You can do this as you unpack your things back into the room so it doesn't feel like a chore. Once it's all done and put away, light a few candles and snuggle up with a good book to enjoy your brand new oasis.
The most important thing to remember when you're decluttering, organising or re-decorating is that your space should work for you. You should be trying to create a room that is both functional and personal. If you follow the above tips, you should be able to create the best space for you and your family.
If you're interested in re-designing a room but need some help decluttering first, check out our Find an Organiser page to find organisers near you!
Article written by Krista Thompson (Zen Den Oxford)
