Natalie Gisborne

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Positive And Happy Home
How To:, Inspiration, Minimalism

7 Ways To Create A Positive And Happy Home

Life throws many challenges our way, especially right now. How we react to our circumstances plays a huge role in our own happiness.

Since I have no control over tomorrow, I thought I’d share some simple tips on how to create a happy home today.

Small changes in your home décor can boost happiness with minimal effort and investment. Who doesn't want a bit of that?

I've got 7 for you to do today. Tag me on instagram if you do any of these, share your happy homes with me and let's spread a bit of love around, we all need a little bit of that right now 💕

Image Credit: Alvhem

1 - Clear The Clutter And Reduce Stress


If you do just one thing to create a happier home, do this. 👆

Now if I'm being honest, if you'd have asked me 18 months ago what I thought about minimalism, I'd have probably given you an answer along the lines of "It's for freaks that are a little extreme, who's got time for that??"

A year ago, I was seriously stressed. 10 years spent renovating my home, running three businesses, working a 60+ hour week that often started at 4am, looking after the children, the house, the washing, the cleaning.... My home was a mess, my life was full of stress and I was heading for burnout. After an ambulance ride to A&E, I knew I had to do something about it.

I stumbled across a blog post that has literally changed my life, decluttering.

Image Credit: Michelle Halford

I'm now a total convert and a HUGE fan of simplified minimalism. I'm not talking minimal design style, I'm talking minimal in life. It's a movement and a way of living that creates harmony and happiness.

Do not underestimate how much clutter effects your overall wellbeing and life. Every item in your home takes up your time.... Every. Single. Item.

Just think about it for just a second.

How many cups are in your cup cupboard? 10? 15? 20?  Each one of those cups is adding to your stress levels. It's a simple analogy but stay with me....

You have to give headspace to each cup. To wash, to dry, to put away, to move from the dishwasher, to move from the office desk or the breakfast bar, to filter through to get to your favourite cup..... Might be only a few seconds, might be a few minutes, but by being in your home, each item is taking up your time.

#PurgePorn, before and after. I can see what I have, I don't have to spend time searching, I've made a cup of tea more quickly.... And well it just looks lovely! A super simple example that's magnified when all of your home in decluttered, stress free and minimal.

If you want to have more time and reduce stress. Remove things from your home. You'll feel happier, calmer and less stressed..... I totally assure you!

Although you may not even realise it, clutter is overwhelming.

Go through each room and clear any clutter. I'm not just talking about stray paperwork or things that haven't been used in a while, get ruthless, ask yourself if you really need this in your new stress-free life.

Donate items that you rarely use. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you free up space and the act of helping others with your donations will also make you feel good.  It’s a win-win!

If you want a helping hand with where to start, grab my ultimate guide to clearing the clutter here.

I've got some great things coming up for you if you like to lighten the load in your home and make it a happier place to be (stay tuned).... It all starts with clutter!

Image Credit: Chase + Wonder

2 - Surround Yourself With Happy Memories


Many items that have special meaning to you can be incorporated into your decor to boost happiness.

  • A special award recognising your achievements can be hung in your office to remind you how far you’ve come.
  • Souvenirs from your travels will take you back to magic times and memorable adventures.
  • A cherished collection or book from a family member or mentor deserves a spot on your bookshelf.

Items that mean the most to you should be displayed where you can see them, in pride of place.

Don’t go overboard and create additional clutter (Rule #1 👆) —just choose a select few that have the greatest significance.

Pictures On Room wall
Image Credit: Poster Store
Image Credit: Zac and Zac Photography

3 - A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words


Create a gallery wall of photos that capture family members, close friends, experiences and special occasions. It’s amazing how a single photo can take you right back to a moment in time you never want to forget. 

You can group your photos in one place or add a few sentimental photos in various rooms in your home so that every time you look at them, they bring a smile to your face. 

Effective Ways to improve home Designing
Image Credit: Skye McAlpine
Image Credit: Michelle Halford

4 - Bring Joy To Every Room With A Plant Or Flowers


There’s nothing that compares to the beauty of a bouquet of roses on a dining table or bunch of peonies on a vanity unit.

Flowers add beauty to every space.

Take time to smell the roses and appreciate each bloom. Plant a garden or use potted plants to add cheerful greenery to your home.

Don’t reserve flowers for special occasions. Enjoy them today.

Ways To Create happy and Positive Home
Image Credit: Sarah Kaye
Image Credit: Zac and Zac Photography

5 - Use Colour To Improve Your Mood


Certain colours can evoke happiness. Yellow is sunny and bright, promoting feelings of joy, positive energy and cheerfulness. Orange is also cheery and blue is known to be up-lifting. Spruce up your home with these colours with paint or decorative accessories.

If you need a little help understanding how to use colour when decorating your home, get the lowdown here. If you're attempting to create a cohesive home that looks and feels like you, click here to learn how you can create a whole home colour palette.

Image Credit: Nisolo

6 - Enjoy Uplifting Fragrances


Have you ever walked into a shop and thought, “hmmm… it smells so good in here”?

Wouldn’t you like to have that same feeling in your own home?

Fresh citrus, eucalyptus, pine, vanilla, flowers, fresh cut grass, home baked bread and apple pie—all of these are natural fragrances that have the power to transport us back to happy times.

The obvious choice to add fragrance to your home by diffusing essential oils, lighting aromatherapy candles, and if you're looking for a scent to de-stress, try the scent to de-stress range by Neom.

If you want a DIY quick fix approach to try today, simmer orange or lemon slices in a saucepan with water or bake an apple in the oven.

Use fragrances to lift your spirit, scent your home and evoke a sense of calm.

Image Credit: Rebecca De Boehmler

7 - Let The Sun Shine In


Open the curtains and let sunshine spill into every corner of your home. There’s nothing more uplifting than the bright sun shining through the windows.

Sunshine provides much-needed Vitamin D which is essential for optimal health. Vitamin D affects your mood, making you feel energetic and positive while reducing anxiety and depression. Soak up the sun!

And remember, believe me on the #ClearTheClutter crusade, I promise you... You'll feel so much calmer and happier.

Have a great week

Natalie xx

TAGS:colourdeclutterdecoratinghow toInterior Designinterior design tipsinteriors
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Natalie

Hey I'm Natalie, designer, renovator and creator. I've broken down the decorating process into simple and repeatable steps that anyone can follow, even if you don't have an eye for design, so that you can create a beautiful home that looks and feels like you. Click on the links in the top menu to find out how we can help you find your deisgn superpowers 💕

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Hey I'm Natalie

Hey I'm Natalie

I've broken down the decorating process into simple and repeatable steps that anyone can follow, even if you don't have an eye for design, so that you can create a beautiful home that looks and feels like you. Click on the links in the top menu to find out how I (+ the designers, trades + professionals) can help you find your deisgn superpowers 💕

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This can help you avoid costly mistakes, like not having the right trades scheduled at the right time, or having to redo work because of adjustments and changes, it will ensure that your renovation project stays on track.
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✅ Weathertight: All works related to ensuring the building is protected from the elements. Walls, windows, doors, roof etc.
✅ First Fix: All electrical, plumbing, heating + joinery work prior to "floor to ceilings".
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A schedule of work is a plan that outlines the order in which tasks will be completed. 
You can use the schedule of works to further understand the scope of the project and obtain more detailed quotations to firm up your costs.
This can help you avoid costly mistakes, like not having the right trades scheduled at the right time, or having to redo work because of adjustments and changes, it will ensure that your renovation project stays on track.
Some of the most important tasks that should be included in your schedule of works are as follows:
Demolition, Strip Out + Removal: This includes removing old materials, fixtures, and appliances from the home, demolishing structures and clearing the site. Aka the point of no return.
✅ Structural Construction: erecting new structures, and structural work.
✅ Weathertight: All works related to ensuring the building is protected from the elements. Walls, windows, doors, roof etc.
✅ First Fix: All electrical, plumbing, heating + joinery work prior to "floor to ceilings".
✅ Floor to Ceilings: Plastering and flooring finishes.
✅ Second Fix: All electrical, plumbing, heating + joinery work after "floor to ceilings".
✅ Finishes + Decoration: The fun part, the bit you actually see and live with, and more often than not the area that gets sacrificed.
✅ Cleaning: A builder's clean is a thing of beauty!
✅ Landscaping: The final part of the renovation, the exterior!
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    natalie_gisborne
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    •
    Follow
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Whether that’s getting on top of a decorating project you’ve had on your to-do list for months or just giving the space a quick refresh.
Both spring and autumn are the perfect time to get your house in order, especially when it comes to decluttering and organising! 
Today I wanted to share five design changes to make for the warmer months we (hopefully) have ahead of us...
1️⃣ PREPARE THE GARDEN FOR SPRING
2️⃣ SWAP YOUR BEDLINEN TO SLEEP BETTER
3️⃣ CHANGE TEXTURES IN YOUR LIVING SPACE
4️⃣ GET SEASONAL APPROPRIATE FLOWERS
5️⃣ SNAGGING & SMALL DIY JOBS
Don't forget to save this post shortly before you follow me for loads of interior design support and help! 
#interiordesigntips #interiordesignideas #interiordesigninspiration
    natalie_gisborne
    natalie_gisborne
    •
    Follow
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Whether you have a small living room, tiny bedroom or your whole home is seriously lacking square footage, there are many design tips that you can implement to give your space the illusion of being bigger than it actually is.
Swipe to get 15 simple ways to visually enlarge your space to make it bright and welcoming without reducing your bank account. 
Want more home design resources? Grab the freebie vault in my bio!
https://nataliegisborne.com/links/
#interiordesigntrends #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #sassyhomestyle #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
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    Follow
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    natalie_gisborne
    natalie_gisborne
    •
    Follow
    Planning an interiors project? Let me help with a simple 5 step process! Follow for more interior design advice + support. 🙌 #interiordesigntrends #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #sassyhomestyle #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
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  • Struggling With What To Create In Your Home? 👇
The 8 Step Process To Getting Unstuck Fast and designing a beautiful home
Save this post, and head to my bio 
if you want more interior design support! 
#mydiymydecor #cornerofmyhome #myhomevibe #brightboldhome #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #
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    natalie_gisborne
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    Follow
    Struggling With What To Create In Your Home? 👇 The 8 Step Process To Getting Unstuck Fast and designing a beautiful home Save this post, and head to my bio if you want more interior design support! #mydiymydecor #cornerofmyhome #myhomevibe #brightboldhome #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor # #spotlightonmyhome #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
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