With the trials of 2020 and what seems to be drifting right on into 2021, a lot of us have been making improvements to our homes with small projects and upgrades. In today’s post, I’m talking about ways to make your home feel more like a getaway.

Whether you want to redesign a family room or a bathroom, I always take into consideration the following when thinking through a renovation or design project. I like to focus on one space at a time, as this allows me to take the project from idea through to completion and I don’t have half-done projects all over the house. Once I choose which space I will be working on, I think about both the function of the space and then the design. 

What will make it FUNCTION well? What will make it FEEL like a welcoming space? And what will make it LOOK beautiful or welcoming or cozy? 

The best thing to do is start with the room you utilize the most and make it awesome. Many years ago I would first design the rooms that were most likely to be seen by others i.e. a formal living room or a dining room. As the years went by I thought, “why am I doing this?” And I decided to work first on the rooms that WE utilize the most (not strangers). Anyway, these projects don’t have to be expensive and you can make gradual changes over time – this doesn’t have to be a weekend project. It often takes me several weeks or even months to mull over what I want in and out of a space.

To start turning your home into a getaway think about designing your spaces so that they feel like an oasis. Add things that make you feel how you want to feel in that space. Whether that be through the color scheme or the elements you incorporate through lighting and decor, how can you make the space feel how you want? Take inspiration from your favorite vacation spots, Instagram, Pinterest, or Houzz. It often helps to find a starting point (piece of furniture, a rug or artwork) and start to work off that. 

Once you decide on a direction, I find that adding warmth to a room in the form of drapery, pillows, and rugs goes a long way. So make sure to start with your furniture pieces and then add in those warm elements to bring it to the next level and make it super liveable. 

And if you don’t feel like undertaking a full-on project, it’s amazing what decluttering your space can do to make things feel calm and peaceful. If you need more home project inspiration make sure to check out the post I did on our son’s bedroom reno.

Let me know in the comments below what types of projects or improvements you made to your home while we are all spending so much more time at home.