Life gets busy, complicated and hectic. In this New Year, let’s create a little change in our homes without spending a lot of time and money. Shea Homes® has put together a few ideas to help you simplify and perhaps, create something new and different for you and your home.
1. Freshen Up
Freshening up could be as simple as adding more fresh plants to your home, or you could take it a step further and spend those gift cards to switch out your old blankets, bedspreads, sheets, and towels with new ones. While you’re at it, give your home a deep clean so it really sparkles. Who says you have to wait for spring?
Another way to freshen up this year is to make getting outside a priority. You can bring the outdoors in with our breath-taking California rooms, like those offered at Lark Hill in Brentwood. Or, feel the Bay breeze at Waterline in Point Richmond. Take advantage of what your neighborhood has to offer – for example: our Sage community in Livermore features a yoga and meditation lawn, outdoor fitness trail, and art walk.
2. Appreciate Your Stunning Kitchen
We all enjoy the look of our kitchens – those sleek cabinets and countertops tend to draw us in – but using that beautiful kitchen will not only help you cook at home more. Cooking at home can help you add fruits and veggies to your diet, and it can also help you truly appreciate the heart of your home. Not exactly a chef? Try taking a cooking class with a friend or loved one to feel more confident in the food prep department!
3. Be More Eco-Friendly
It’s no secret that new homes generally have a lower carbon footprint than older ones - and at Shea Homes®, we work hard to ensure our new homes are energy efficient from the start, which is why we design our homes with a combination of high-efficiency materials, appliances and lighting. We even offer solar at many of our communities. But there’s always more you can do! Take your mother’s advice and turn off the lights whenever you leave a room; turn your water heater down a few degrees and wash your clothes in cold water. Small changes can lead to big savings, and this is one resolution that helps everyone on the planet.
4. Remove Excess and De-clutter
Sometimes, less really is more. After the holidays we always find ourselves with more than we had before. Instead of wasting a day cleaning out each room, make it a quick hour clean up with everyone designated to a room. If you forgot you had it, donate it! After you do one New Year sweep of the house, keep the tradition of donating alive by having a donate box that everyone at home can utilize all year long. Wondering where to start? Check out these tips from Tricia Fidler, a KonMari Method™ Certified Platinum Consultant to help tidy up your closet and kitchen.
5. Make Safety a Priority
Help ensure your family’s safety by making sure your home is equipped with functioning smoke detectors, a carbon monoxide detector, and a radon detector (available at most hardware stores for under $20). Check your door and window locks and pool fencing and gate to make sure everything is in good working order.
6. Liven Up the Place with Music
Resolve to play upbeat music throughout your abode to add cheer all year long. Some of the best memories are made when families dance and sing and play together. In our SheaConnect ™ homes, you can use your Amazon Echo Show to stream your favorite tunes whenever the mood strikes.
7. Bring Happiness Home – Vow to bring happiness into your home this year. Inviting loved ones over regularly, whether it’s Monday night family dinners, or a monthly book club, inviting joyful people into your home will help you smile more and enjoy the stunning home you’ve worked so hard to cultivate. You could also make the move to the Happiest City in the U.S. – Fremont, California.
8. Rest, Relax, and Recharge
Last, but definitely not least, take advantage of that peaceful master retreat – and get some rest! There’s no better way to make your dreams come true than to be ready for the week ahead. Be sure to get the right amount of Z’s so you can make the most of your days.
What New Year’s Resolutions will you be making for your home this year? Let us know in the comments!