The Late Summer Refresh
Summer is winding down…
…and whether we’re conscious of it or not, our thoughts are shifting. We’re looking towards a new school year, the approaching holidays (gracious…didn’t we just do that?), and imagining our lives slightly more buttoned up than they were two months ago. Chances are, in our summer revelries, our living spaces took a hit. Late nights, kids everywhere, multiple trips…it’s best to assume that our homes collectively need a little attention before routines crank back up in a very real way.
Cull and Design
If you’re still staring down a list of home projects and cleanouts you were supposed to knock out this summer, take heart! There’s still time. And after you’ve culled a closet or cleared a drawer, the next best step is to give the space a small upgrade. That way you’re moving your home forward and rewarding your efforts with a little beauty.
We’ve got a few ideas to keep yourself on track for the remainder of the summer, on both a time and money budget.
Clean out your pantry. Summer means snacking is always amped up, and we know you and your’s have been rifling through your pantry all summer long. Set a timer for 30 minutes, grab a trash bag, and start cleaning out the space. Set aside the good food in quick categories and trash the bad, stale, or unloved items directly into the bag. Then replace the food items in new bins and baskets. Pantry containers don’t have to be expensive or name brand to be functional and attractive. This set from Amazon will do the trick, give your pantry a facelift, and make you feel a little more at ease every time to approach the pantry.
Tackle the closets. Get that coat closet ready or your personal closet cleaned out before the bulky fall wardrobe takes center stage. The end of a season is an ideal time to declutter your wardrobe by taking out things you didn't wear, didn't fit, or realized you could do without. Setting a timer as you work can help you stay focused and efficient. Deciding on a piece of clothing should take less than 15 seconds. Toss, give, store, or hang. Four categories. Four split decisions. A functional closet. As you're placing your clothes back on hangers in your closet, swap out your old hangers for new suede hangers. These slim velvet hangers are budget-friendly but look and feel perfectly luxurious. (For more on a full closet refresh, read this.)
Consider the garden. Long hot midsummer days can wreak havoc on yards and patios. Set aside an early morning to do some sprucing up. Toss dead plants, weed small beds, and sweep or blow off sitting spaces. Taking every bit of furniture off of a porch, cleaning the flooring, washing any rugs, and setting things back into place will go miles to help your area feel fresh. Clear cobwebs and replace broken pots and take a little time to launder your outdoor pillow cases. There’s no shame in replacing dead plants that couldn’t withstand the summer heat (or that you forgot to water) and a new citronella candle will help you stay mosquito free for the rest of the season. Then add a new battery powered outdoor lamp! This sleek gold lamp elevates any outdoor space with a touch of romance.
With a little time and just a few bucks, your living spaces will be summer proofed and ready to embrace the Fall months ahead. Tackle the work and enjoy all the rewards!