- Apr 28, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 15, 2020
This post contains affiliate links. See disclosure.
We've been social distancing for nearly two months.
Being holed up at home is our new reality. With this new reality comes new demands on our homes; they're now makeshift offices and classrooms, in addition to our refuge from the invisible threat outside.
It's easy to focus on the negative.
I'm trying to look on the bright side: this is an unprecedented opportunity to spend time at home --- a chance to do all those things around the house I'd fantasized about doing, if I only had the time.
Being confined to your home is the best incentive to turn it into a true refuge.
I get that dispensing decor tips during a pandemic may seem frivolous, if not downright offensive --- we all have bigger problems than making that tub of disinfecting wipes look good in the entryway.
But, working on our home is my happy place and it keeps me feeling connected to who I was before everything changed. Concerning myself with frivolous things makes me feel like myself again.
In today's post, I'll share my best, albeit trifling, tips for pandemic home decor.
Home Decor Tips In the Age of COVID-19
1. Set Up An Entryway Decontamination Station
Keep disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer at the ready for when you get home from your essential job or that risky Costco run.
Consider transferring the wipes and sanitizer into glass containers, or just peel off the labels, to make them less conspicuous.
Glass Soap / Sanitizer Dispenser ($24.50, Amazon.com).
Glass Jar With Label ($21.39, Amazon.com).
2. Declutter High Traffic Surfaces
The less you have on counters and other flat surfaces, the easier it'll be to wipe them down with disinfectant.
Pandemic or not, clutter-free counters are kinda my thing.
3. Reconfigure Your Living Space
With working from home being the new norm, why not rejig your common areas to suit your WFH/homeschool needs?
This may include more storage for books and school supplies around the kitchen table. We've designated a nearby basket for
Owen's workbooks and my WFH essentials: laptop and phone chargers.
Large Rope Storage Baskets ($33.99, Amazon.com).
4. Carve Out A FaceTime/Zoom Spot
Make sure there's comfy seating and flattering lighting. Bonus if it faces away from clutter-prone areas.
5. Make Room For Exercise At Home
You don't have to invest in a home gym or a Peloton bike, but with Orangetheory off-limits and extended time outdoors frowned upon, home workouts are a must if you want to keep the COVID 15 at bay.
I use a few workout apps --- Alo, Sweat and 8fit are my faves ---that I cast from my phone to our living room TV. I just push the coffee table out of the way and we're good to go. I've been storing hand weights and kettlebells within reach, but out of sight, beneath the couch.
AmazonBasics Kettlebell Weight ($26.49, Amazon.com).
6. Support Small Decor Shops That Deliver
If you want your favorite small shops to be around when the dust settles, they're going to need your support. Many local shops have online storefronts that either ship or provide contactless drop off.
Some of my faves include Urban Gardener Toronto, which offers local plant delivery, and Teak Toronto, offering vintage/MCM treasures delivered to your door.
This gorgeous vintage side table was delivered to our doorstep by Teak Toronto. It's provided a much needed spot for much needed coffee and wine.
7. Take Advantage of Mass Decluttering
With everyone stuck at home for weeks on end, there's been some hardcore decluttering going on. Take advantage of someone else's trash and check your local Facebook Marketplace for treasures available for contactless porch pick up. Conversely, post the fruits of your declutterathon.
8. Bring the Outside In
The stay-at-home mandate means we aren't getting outdoors nearly as much as we'd like. Nothing like expanding your plant fam to bring the outdoors in.
Most of these guys are from Urban Gardener Toronto.
9. Attack Your Home Maintenance To-Do List
Address all the little things it used to feel like there wasn't enough time to do: paint over dings in the wall, switch out dead lightbulbs, clean your baseboards, or organize your spice drawer alphabetically.
10. Figure Out Your Decor Style
Most people go through life without really figuring out what their decor style is.
Knowing your style, or what you're going for, will help you make good decor decisions and avert buyer's remorse.
Scrolling through decor accounts on Instagram is a good place to start. You'll soon find what resonates with you; it may be a combination of styles. This probably seemed like something you didn't have the time to do -- until now! If you want to invest a little more into the process, I highly recommend 'Styled' by Emily Henderson's Home Style Quiz.
Styled By Emily Henderson - ($18.49, Amazon.com).
11. Get Every Room Just Right
Take the time to evaluate whether you're happy, really happy, with each room in your home. If not, see if there's something you can do about it.
Feel like something's off in a room but can't quite put your finger on it?
Hot tip: take a photo of the room and examine it. It's often easier to tell what's wrong when you're looking at a photo of your space compared to when you're immersed in it. It's easier to appreciate that that throw pillow doesn't look right on the couch or that vase is too big for that table when looking through a slightly more objective lens (of an actual lens).
If you want to figure this out before a purchase, use the Pic Collage app to overlay a photo of the item in question into your room.
12. DIY Decor
Ever wanted to try your hand at macrame or sketching a still life?Now's as good a time as any. If it turns out well, you can display it somewhere. If not, bury it deep in a drawer and chalk it up to quarantine self-exploration.
That's all for this week. I'll check back in with you guys sometime soon. Keep on keeping at home!
In Case You Missed It
Really enjoyed this creative and practical post! It’s amazing how simple home decor changes can make a space feel more comfortable and positive, especially during stressful times. A peaceful environment also helps people stay motivated with habits like following the best fitness routine and maintaining a healthy daily lifestyle. Thanks for sharing these thoughtful ideas!
"Great post – really helpful for anyone navigating complex legal territory. For those dealing with property disputes, transfers, or lease agreements, Property Law Services can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and compliant process."
What a beautiful piece of history to have in your home! Antiques like that have so much character, and you just can't find that level of craftsmanship in modern furniture anymore. My partner and I actually love hunting for vintage decor to add some personality to our place, though it takes a lot of digging through old listings and community forums to make sure we aren't getting ripped off on the authenticity. I've honestly developed a habit of checking independent review pages like https://au.trustpilot.com/review/instantpayoutcasinos.org whenever I need to verify if a platform or a seller is actually legit before making any kind of commitment. If the wood on Eric's chair is a bit dry, a quick coat of Howard Feed-N-Wax works…
Choosing the right adjectives to describe a leader can improve communication, writing quality, and professional expression. Strong leaders are often described as confident, motivating, innovative, reliable, disciplined, and influential. These descriptive words help explain leadership qualities in resumes, academic essays, interviews, and business discussions. A good leader is someone who inspires others, makes smart decisions, and handles responsibilities effectively.
Going to school helps children learn important skills, develop confidence, and build friendships with classmates. Parents should encourage children to follow a daily routine, complete homework on time, and participate in school activities. A positive learning environment at home also improves a child’s interest in education and personal growth. Reading books, asking questions, and staying curious can help children perform better academically. As students grow older, they may also learn advanced subjects and academic skills such as Thesis writing, which teaches research, organization, and critical thinking. Regular school attendance helps children prepare for future educational and career opportunities.