Leonardo Da Vinci said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Creating simplicity in our lives, our routines, our working spaces, and our living spaces seems much easier said than done.

While the goal to simplify our living spaces seems daunting, it doesn’t have to be. 

From a mental health perspective, the importance of an organized home is more important now than ever. In our fast-paced lives, our homes often fall victim to clutter, leading to increased stress and a sense of chaos. 

This disorganization affects more than just the appearance of our space; it impacts our mental well-being and daily productivity. 

Through a simple four-step process – decluttering, deep cleaning, introducing fresh colors, and focusing on functionality – we can transform a cluttered home into a chic and tranquil haven.

Produced in partnership with Style & Design Lake Norman 

4 Tips for Simplifying Your Home Living Space

1. Declutter: Creating Space for Tranquility

The journey begins here! Clutter can mean different things to different homeowners, so let’s begin by defining it.

Household clutter defined: Clutter is a mix of unused, unneeded, or joyless items that disrupt the functionality and aesthetics of a space, creating visual and mental chaos. It not only occupies valuable space but also leads to feelings of overwhelm and stress, making it hard to relax or locate necessary items. 

Recognizing and addressing clutter is crucial for creating a more organized, efficient, and peaceful living environment.

The process: Tackle one space at a time. Purge or donate items that are damaged, expired or you no longer have a use for. Be intentional about what you keep. Then give each item a home that works for you.

Pro tip: Streamline your organization process by investing in space-saving containers and using a labeling system to help organize the items you use often. Take the measurements of your closet or pantry space to a home organization store. 

Our favorite is The Container Store, and purchase appropriate-sized items that will give you the look and efficiently you will want to keep organized!

2. Deep Clean: The Foundation of a Fresh Home

Deep cleaning goes beyond surface tidiness to profoundly improve the home environment by eliminating dust, allergens, and germs that accumulate over time, promoting a healthier living space. 

Why it matters: This thorough cleaning process enhances the overall ambiance of the home, making it more inviting and comfortable for both residents and guests. 

Additionally, deep cleaning can rejuvenate the look and feel of your home, giving it a fresher, more well-maintained appearance that uplifts the mood and contributes to a sense of well-being.

Pro tip: Splurge on a professional cleaner to get you started.  It’s much easier to maintain monthly upkeep when you start with a clean slate.  Add carpet cleaning, windows, screens, and blinds to your cleaning checklist.  

Recommended local cleaning services:

  1. HSquared Carpet Cleaning (Use code “BEST OF LKN” for 20% off!)
  2. Darlene Duarte (980) 322-9594
  3. Gail Shinn/Betty Window Washing (704) 618-8263
  4. Spotless Cleaning of LKN
House cleaning

3. Fresh Colors: Revitalizing Your Space

Update your interior with fresh paint in a soothing color pallet that will create harmony among adjacent spaces within your home. 

Consider minimizing wall decor and opt for simple, larger art pieces or statement mirrors that give the illusion of a bigger space.  

Color palette: Selecting the right color palette is essential in creating a space that reflects your personal style and enhances the overall feel of your home. The colors you choose set the mood and character of a room, influencing both its appearance and the emotions it evokes.

Pro tip: Painting is very time-consuming and physical, which is why we recommend you consider hiring a pro. High-quality local painting companies are in high demand. Here are a few recommendations:

  1. Richards Painting of Mooresville
  2. DeHaan Painting
  3. TrailBlaze Paints
House painting

4. Flow and Function

Are the spaces in your home working for how you live?  Formal living and dining areas may be better used as a home office or a hang-out area for family and friends.

Consider repurposing furniture from one room to another to create a new look and bring new life to a space. 

The process: Assessing your space for functionality involves a careful evaluation of how each area in your home is used, ensuring that the layout and furniture placement cater to your daily needs and activities. 

This process not only maximizes the efficiency of the space but also enhances comfort and ease of movement within the home. 

A well-assessed space can significantly boost the overall functionality, making your home more adaptable and enjoyable to live in.

Home office

Recap

In our transformation from cluttered to chic, we began by Decluttering, removing unnecessary items to create a serene environment. 

Next, Deep Cleaning rejuvenated our spaces, setting a fresh tone, followed by Fresh Colors that brought personality and mood into our rooms. 

Lastly, focusing on Function ensured our spaces were practical and aesthetically pleasing, completing our journey towards a harmonious and stylish home.

The hardest part is getting started. Embark on this transformative journey with confidence and creativity, and watch as your home evolves into a beautiful reflection of your unique style and vision – one step at a time!

Hopefully, these four tips will make it easier to begin the task of simplifying your home. If you would like some professional assistance, The design team at Style & Design, LLC can help you with the vision.  

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About Style & Design:

Founded by Britt Sarver, Style & Design is Lake Norman’s full-service home staging and interior design team.  We work with local real estate companies and their clients to stage homes to sell for top dollar in fewer days on the market.  We have a passion for designing spaces that people love to live in.

For our clients already settled in their homes the design team can help bring your vision to life, from paint color selection to custom furnishing for your home.

Contact Britt, Jessica, and Sumer today to get started! 704-396-0030.