Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to my heart: how our homes have the power to change how we feel. If you’ve ever felt uninspired, unmotivated, rushed, or unsettled in your home, it might be time to take a closer look at your surroundings.
There’s a lot of psychology behind living in a well-designed space. Studies show that a thoughtfully designed home can reduce stress, improve your mood, and even boost productivity. That’s why companies like Google invest billions into creating beautiful, functional spaces for their employees. And while you’re not an employee in your own home, imagine how much easier it would be to stick to good habits—like eating healthier, staying organized, or getting your kids to clean up—if your home supported and inspired you.
Our homes can either give us energy or drain it. So, let me ask you: how do you feel when you walk through your front door? Does your home light you up? Does it make you feel relaxed and grateful to be there? Whether you rent or own, your home should feel like you. It should reflect who you are and where you are in life.
If your home feels more like a hodgepodge of mismatched furniture and clutter, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with four simple tips to elevate your space and make it feel more grown-up.
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Tip #1: Add Drapery Panels and Window Coverings
This is one of my favorite tips because it’s such a game-changer! Drapery panels instantly make your home feel elevated, warm, and inviting. They add a layered, high-end look that makes your space feel more grown-up. And no, draperies aren’t just for grandmas!
You don’t have to spend a fortune, either. You can find affordable options at places like Amazon, Target, Costco, Wayfair, and Pottery Barn. Just avoid grommet-style panels (the ones with big silver circles at the top) unless you have a super modern home. Instead, opt for simple, solid-color panels that let the fabric shine.
Pro tip: Hang your drapery panels about 12 inches outside your window frame to make your windows look bigger. And if you don’t need to open them, use stationary panels that frame your windows beautifully.
Tip #2: Embrace a Color Palette
A cohesive color palette is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel polished and put together. When you repeat three to four colors throughout your home, it creates consistency and a sense of calm. It also makes shopping for your home so much easier.
Think of your color palette as the beat that carries you through your home, just like a rhythm in music. For example, my home’s palette includes browns, whites, and blues. These colors repeat in varying shades, creating a flow that feels natural and calming.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out Episode 1 of my podcast, where I dive deeper into creating a color palette. Or, if you’re in one of my programs, we go into this in detail to make sure you get it just right.
Tip #3: Add Texture for Depth and Interest
Texture is what makes a space feel layered, interesting, and high-end. You can add texture through fabrics, accessories, and materials like velvet, linen, leather, or chunky knit throws. Draperies, throw pillows, and rugs are also great ways to bring texture into your home.
When it comes to throw pillows, size matters! Skip the tiny 12- or 18-inch pillows and go for larger ones—think 20, 22, or even 24 inches for sectionals. My favorite trick is to buy pillow covers separately and pair them with high-quality inserts (I love the ones from Pillow Flex on Amazon). Always size up your insert by two inches for a fuller, more luxurious look.
Accessories are another way to add texture. Mix smooth vases with rougher materials like woven baskets or textured ceramics. And don’t forget rugs! They anchor your space, hide floors you don’t love, and add softness and warmth.
Tip #4: Declutter and Organize
This might not be the most exciting tip, but it’s one of the most important. Clutter makes us feel stressed and weighed down, and it’s impossible to create a grown-up, curated space if your home is overflowing with stuff.
Start by decluttering and organizing. Everything in your home should have a place, and sometimes that means letting go of things that no longer serve you. If you’re holding onto furniture or decor out of guilt, sentimentality, or because you spent money on it years ago, it might be time to let it go. Check out Episode 3 of my podcast for more tips on how to handle this.
One system I love is using storage bins for items you’re ready to donate. In my garage, I have a wooden bench with beige storage bins underneath. Whenever someone in my family outgrows something or no longer needs it, we put it in the bin. Every quarter, we donate everything in the bins. It’s a simple system that keeps clutter from piling up.
Final Thoughts...
Your home should be a place that brings you joy and peace—not stress and overwhelm. By adding drapery panels, embracing a color palette, incorporating texture, and decluttering, you can transform your space into a grown-up, elevated home that feels like you.
Which of these tips will you try first? Let me know! And if you found this helpful, don’t forget to follow and subscribe to the podcast. If you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps others find the show and means the world to me.
Here’s to creating a home that lights you up every time you walk through the door. Happy decorating!
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