When is it not a New Years Resolution?

I don't do New Years Resolutions anymore. At least I have not for the last 20 odd years.  Why? Simply because within a short period of writing my list, in no more than a few days I have forgotten them and not looked at the list again. 

If I can explain about this post.  Yesterday, when I returned home from walking my dogs, a new neighbour asked if she could take a look around my house. I live in a house where from the outside it looks very similar to the other houses nearby, but inside, no two houses are the same.  Having already looked inside their home on a previous occasion, I felt it would be rude to say no, so I said of course as I came in.  As I walked them through each room, all I could see was "clutter".  I work long hours and often "shoved" stuff into boxes, into bags, into cupboards, much of it was neatly tucked away, but there was so much "stuff", I thought to myself " it's getting worse", I have got to do something about it, and I can not leave it any longer.

So I decided every day I have to throw something away. Even if it's a single item, it will mean that this time next year I will have 365 fewer items "cluttering" my home.

To start with, to make it easy, the item will be something I have either not worn or used for at least 2 years. As I looked around, I realised it was a lot of things.  I used to keep clothing as years later, this would return into fashion, but I am no longer the same size, so even if it did come back into fashion, I would not wear it again.

I had a lot of things I thought I would sell on eBay, but I stopped selling on eBay some time ago because it had become difficult to send the item in the post or courier and I often found the costs came to more than the amount I received after PayPal and eBay had all taken their fees too.  So why should I continue to keep these things?

The items I starting with would not be good for recycling either, as that would give me another excuse to delay its disposal.

I went to my wardrobe and took out a shirt that I know I have not worn in the last 2 years and put it in the bin. The first step, of 365.

The Forgotten Space

When renovating the home we often concentrate on decorating each room to our personal taste whilst neglecting transitional spaces such as the entryway and hallways. Entryways are often dumping grounds for keys, coats and shoes, whilst hallways gather toys and laundry. These spaces can be difficult to decorate and style because of their size and shape.

The entryway is the first thing people see when they enter, so this space should really set the tone for the rest of your home. It might be small and an unusual shape but there are plenty of ways to make this space beautiful and functional. The upstairs hallway may seldom be seen but a little design can transform this space from transitional to a place where people will want to linger.

I have put together a few styling ideas for making the most of these forgotten spaces, if you have any ideas of your own please share them in the comments below.

Make a Statement

Since first impressions do count, it is important to make sure your entryway has the wow factor. Start with the flooring and work your way up. Many entryways are long and narrow, leading the way into the rest of the home. Lay down a magnificent carpet or rug and don’t be afraid of colour and warmth.
The benefit of a transitional space is that you can break away from the rest of the home’s design and be bold. The same goes for your walls. Try accent wallpaper or a bright colour you love. Just be sure you really do love it, because you have to live with it.

Grando Rug by The Woven Edge

The upstairs hallway begins where the stairs end and there are a few fantastic techniques to utilise the wall at the top of your stairs. Something that is becoming more popular is an art technique called trompe l’oeil. This trick of the eye uses very realistic images to make the objects appear 3D and you can buy wallpaper that utilises this affect. Just imagine the appearance of a bookshelf at the top of your stairs or an archway leading to a field of flowers. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea you can create a wall of clocks or even a wall of framed photographs or artwork, turning the space into a gallery.

Functionality Doesn’t Have to be Frumpy

The benefit of transitional spaces is that they can provide excellent storage solutions, particularly for those items you need when you leave the house. Keeping things tidy and organised, particularly with a large family, can be a chore and can mean design gets left behind but that needn’t be the case. Wall mounted hooks at adult and child levels are a great way to stylishly and tidily hang coats and bags. While shelving and ledges can provide ample space for those smaller items like keys and lipstick. Use pretty bowls or jars to store smaller items and prevent the area from becoming untidy.

If you have the space, a storage unit can provide you with a cubby hole for each family member to store their belongings. You can even use the top of it for plants and fun trinkets.

Finally, make the space feel welcoming. Walking through the door should put a smile on your face and your guests should feel welcome too. Soft lighting is a great way to create a cosy and warm feel and you can achieve this with a stand-up lamp by the door instead of harsh overhead lighting. Mirrors create the illusion of openness and space while art work and family photographs are a great way to show your personality and warmth.

Rustic White Coat Racks and Mirrors from hampshirefurnituresolutions.co.uk

With my styling tips - and your creativity - hallways and entryways need never be neglected again!

Rustic White Painted Hall Storage Unit and Bench

If your hallway is looking a little bland and requires some much-needed storage, the Rustic White Painted Hall Storage Unit and Bench could be the perfect solution.

Designed to look and feel like a classic and will be an incredible feature of a hallway or even a utility room or cloakroom.

www.hampshirefurnituresolutions.co.uk

 Many homes lack not only coat hanging space in their home, but seating to easily slip on shoes. Providing both, together with two bottom drawers which are ideal for gloves, hats, and footwear. Your hallway will immediately be free of clutter and welcome for guests.


 At the top of the unit, is a shelf, perfect for items such as bags or ornaments. The hanging area will keep all of your coats and scarves crease free, and make a great place to hang guests jackets for your parties or coffee mornings.



If you have little ones, the bench makes a perfect seat for them to put their shoes on before school and wait to head off for the day ahead. One of the drawers could even be used for their school supplies and bag, to prevent a mad rush on a morning to look for a lost satchel.

This is from the Hampshire Furniture, sister website (yes they have two, with different furniture), www.hampshirefurnituresolutions.co.uk