Free YOUR MIND

Five design tips for a complete mental refresh in your home.

- APRIL JENSEN

We all need a mental refresh after “the year that shall not be named,” and now is a perfect time to spruce up your surroundings with a few low- and no-cost tips that are the go-to difference makers in a designer’s toolbox. A truly uplifting home environment stems from a unique combination of intimate treasures—the memories, colors and styles that inspire you. Most of us already have all the ingredients we need to create a personalized nook here or curated collection there. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Add a helping of happy to the kitchen. Placing something that brings you joy in an area of your home where you spend a lot of time on mundane tasks can act as a mental refuge from long days. Tasks like laundry, packing lunches and paying bills don’t exactly fulfill your inner spirit—so add a little happiness with a trinket that conjures up a great memory, artwork that makes you feel energized or that cherished collection that never fails to put a smile on your face.