OH SO FRESH; CURRENT STATE OF MIND + INTERIOR INSPIRATION
I’m sure, like me, being indoors for the past four weeks has got you dreaming about sunshine and escapism, am I right? As we all know, staying home and staying safe is of paramount importance right now and it’s got me thinking yet again of the importance of our homes.
You might be using this time for quiet contemplation, a time for rest, a time for getting through some of the jobs that you just can’t seem to get round to when you’ve had a stressful week at work. For me, it’s a little of all three of these, but I’ve also found it really important to keep a certain level of routine and of course, self-care.
Self-isolation has uncovered a feeling that I do actually experience most days, but I don’t usually allow much time to focus on it because of busy schedules; its the feeling of gratitude. At this moment in time, I’m so grateful and thankful that my family and friends are safe and healthy, and its so very significant considering what’s going on out there. It’s making me very aware that this feeling absolutely needs to be treated with much higher regard now, and in the future.
The consequences of Covid-19 has certainly given some of us the time and headspace to access our motivated and creative sides, whether that be due to working from home, or being put on furlough. It might seem strange to say this in such anxious and unusual times, but we have to be thankful for these small positives.
A few rituals that are helping me…
I’m appreciative that its springtime, and the sun is making a welcome appearance at the moment. Surely its much more pleasant to look out at the sun from your window than it is at the rain? Open the windows, or if you have even a small area of outdoor space, pop out and breathe it in. Give your brain time to process the small moments, feel the sun on your face, the breeze, and smell the freshly cut grass and scents from the flowers. Make yourself a nice meal, a good coffee and call your family and friends. Read those books that you ordered and can’t take on holiday now. These are some of the little things that I have found are working for me. I’ve been trying to repeat them each day, and almost ritualise to ensure my mental health maintains, as well as my relationships.
Feeling Inspired…
The daily dose of sunshine (even a small amount) has certainly made me feel fresh, light and creatively playful, and I wanted to put a style board together displaying some of the products that are inspiring me at the moment (full shopping list and links to products below.)
I really like the current product offering at Sklum, in fact, all of the furniture pieces on the board are via this store and I think you’ll be surprised at the affordable price vs the quality and design of the items.
This post isn’t focused around encouraging anyone to feel the need to buy new things, I just wanted to give you something delightful to look at, which might inspire you whilst at home.
Moodboard showing fresh spring interior inspiration
A few DIY ideas…
If you’re feeling productive and you have some old sample paint pots or spray paint, why not update an item that you have in your home, like a vase or a photo frame? See below for some before and after images of how a canister of pale pink spray paint from Wilko totally transformed a chrome pineapple lamp base that I’ve had for years. It was in need of a little freshen up and wow I’m still so happy with the result. The pink teamed with the leopard print lampshade from eBay are just divine and I achieved the complete transformation for £20 (in fact, the Wilko spray paint is currently on sale for a bargainous £3.50!)
Pink pineapple perfection, completely inspired by the colour of pink shrimp sweets
I really like the idea of painting a simple shape or two on your wall to frame a picture. Or, if like me, you’re not able to paint your walls (due to the landlord/other obstacles!), you could order some 3M command strips to hang/stick some of those pictures that you’ve wanted to do for a while. Take a look at my post here all about how Command strips changed the rooms in my rented home completely.
Ideas on the kind of shapes and colours you could use to update your walls
How do flowers do that…
Flowers bring me SO much joy, they are so integral to my mood! Not only are they colourful and bright but they have scent! Make the most of that once a week shopping trip and part with a few quid on a cheerful bunch of fresh flowers. The Tesco range starts at £3 and they last for well over a week and Aldi’s fresh blooms are great and start at just £1. You really don’t have to spend a lot to inject some joy and happiness to your home and try to bring some of that outside in, which we’re all craving for right now.
Aldi blooms including hyacinths, daffodils and roses
It might be that you were planning on purchasing a few little updates to lift your spirits anyway? Lower ticket items such as cushions and vases might just be the thing to do that and add a pop of spring freshness into your interior.
Whatever your bag or your budget, I believe that if we give our homes just a little TLC when we have the time, not only will you will you feel like it’s been a huge accomplishment but your home will pay dividends in months and years to come.
On a final note, #stayhome #staysafe #staysane
Shopping List
Sputnik light - Sklum
Funfair Vase - 28cm - Black - Norman Copenhagen - Amara
Mini Lilac vase - Marimekko
Balloon Vase - Large - Pale Blue - Norman Copenhagen - Amara
Twhin Chair - Sklum
Pieni Primavera Cushion Cover - Marimekko - Amara
Nuvo 2-Seater Velvet Sofa rose - Sklum
Calendes Side Table in Mango Wood - La Redoute
Hand Painted Floral Serving Bowl - Matalan
Kora Mug by Bornn - Sklum
Sicilia dinner set - Habitat
Exterior Matte LIX Chair - Sklum
Houndstooth Upholstered Brich Scand Rocking Chair - Sklum
Ribbon lamp - yellow - Habitat
Tufted Abstract Blocks Cushion - Next
No Filter Annoyed at First Sight Poster art - &Walsh
Omba Armchair - Sklum
