This post is sponsored by CIA landlord insurance.
2020 has definitely been the year of the home. I will never look at my home the way again. I have noticed the smallest details I never noticed before. I have appreciated the little things that made a big impact. I have also been frustrated or annoyed about things that never bothered me before.
The way we have used our homes this year has changed. Homes were where we went to relax after a stressful work day. Now that has changed. Our homes were where we needed to work- so it needed to be a comfortable place to work. But it was also a place we needed to relax – all within the same area. A few months into the lockdown, I decided enough is enough. I needed my home to work for my new reality. I made little changes around the home that have made it more comfortable.
Most of these changes are light touch – no power tools needed and no drama with the landlords. All they require is some consideration and creativity!
Gym space
One of the first things I did once we went into lockdown is clear out a space for my yoga mat. I moved the coffee table out of the way to ensure there was a little bit of space for my mat. Now it doesn’t look symmetrical like that but I have learnt to live with that. Its made a surprisingly big difference to how many times a week I put in a workout. Since I don’t have to bother with moving furniture around before every workout I definitely work out more.
Designated work area
I am annoyed I did this so late. Having a designated work area made such a difference to my stress levels when working and how I managed to switch off when done with work. Its not even a different room but a desk and chair I propped up next to my bed. But in the evening once I am done with work, I can switch off my computer, push my chair in, pick up my coffee cups and have some closure.
Designated relax area (following from the above)
In the first few months of lockdown, I was working at my kitchen counter which was slightly tedious. After work, I would pack away my laptop and sit at the same counter for dinner. It was never satisfying. I never felt likeI was done with work and never felt I was doing my evening chores. I was still wound up. It was way more relaxed once I moved my work station away from my relaxing and winding down area.
Update Your Seating Area
Another little fix that can significantly elevate a space is rethinking the seating area. This doesn’t have to mean an expensive overhaul — just a few tweaks help. Rearranging what you already have can end up making a big difference. If you’re actually in the market for a new piece, consider investing in a deep-seat sectional sofa. It adds both visual structure and comfort, offering ample space to lounge, read, or work from home. Pair it with soft throws and accent cushions to tie in colour and texture without needing to repaint or redecorate the entire room.
Adding more greenery
This was desperately needed. I bought some plants (although they have caused me their own stress!) and just dotted them around the flat. They seem to have such a nice calming effect on the most stressful of days. I also bought a basil plant and got a big sprig of rosemary which is so useful as well especially since I seem to be cooking all the time!
Easy access
I don’t have enough space for all the books I want to read so keep swapping books to make way for new ones. I get totally lost in my book shelves and don’t manage to find the books I want to read when I want to. For instance, when I am done with a book in the evening and want to start a new book at bedtime, I forget till I am in bed. Then I feel too lazy to get up and hunt for the book I want to read so end up scrolling my phone.
I creates a separate space for some of my books on my TV unit. I keep the books I al yet to read here which makes it easy to grab on my way to bed. It also adds some interest to the TV unit and room altogether.
What are the little interior fixes you have made during the lockdown and which one of them will make it into your post lockdown life?
Hope you all have a happy but safe holiday season. Please take care of yourselves and a happy new year.
– Anisha
In terms of changes during lockdown we didn’t make any. We moved further north last year to get some extra living space. I was joined at one of those cheap 24 hour gym before but now would never join a gym again as we have a garage for my HITT workouts and lots of countryside for my runs. We also now have a small office so I can do my design work, photography etc, before all this was kept at my mums house so I was always going back and forth. I do not like to have much “stuff” so I regularly de-clutter to keep a minimal lifestyle. I still have my indian clothes, accessorises at mums but with her terminal diagnosis I am slowly moving that over and getting rid of a lot of it too. I did have way too many bangles as I loved big chudas but at 45 years of age, I dress a lot less minimalist too with my Indian stuff so will be getting rid of most of them,
Oh I am jealous! Runs and long walks in the countryside is just amazing. Honestly, I have a tiny place but somehow the thought of going back to a gym is just not appealing. It sounds like luckily you were already set up for the lockdown life.
So sorry to hear about your mum – I cannot imagine what you are going through. Hope you can spend as much time with her as possible.