Spring is the ideal time for a fresh start — especially when it comes to your home. Whether it’s through thoughtful decluttering or permanent design changes, transforming your home can be a powerful step toward creating a streamlined sanctuary that supports your overall health and wellbeing.
“Keeping your home clutter-free and organized creates a peaceful and functional space, reducing stress and making daily tasks easier,” says Kari Campbell, founder and principal designer at Kari Campbell Interiors. “Plus, it saves time when you know exactly where to find what you need. It’s all about creating a space that feels good to live in.”
Here, Twin Cities home professionals offer their tips to transform your space — and your mind.
Before you start any organization project, the first step is to go through your belongings and determine what can stay and what needs to go. “It’s much easier to organize and stay organized if you keep the unnecessary things out of the picture,” says Brittani Swedberg, an interior designer for Murphy Bros. Design & Remodeling. If this task feels daunting, Campbell suggests creating a schedule, setting aside time each day or week to work on organizing different areas of your home. “Completing one area will give you the boost of energy and satisfaction you need to move on to the next space without feeling overwhelmed,” she says.
Early on in your remodeling project, think about and design storage solutions around your day-to-day lifestyle. How do you want to use each room, and what types of storage solutions will work best in each space? For example, avid readers may want to incorporate bookshelves around a window nook for their paperbacks and hardcovers, while shoe enthusiasts might appreciate custom shelves to fit their extensive collection of heels. “These little luxuries will also add value to your home in the long run,” says Campbell.
If you want to avoid the dreaded “junk drawer/closet,” Swedberg recommends adding smaller organizers within drawers, cabinets, and closets to create designated spaces for specific things. Also, “use hanging organizers in closets and behind doors to make the most of all available vertical space,” Campbell adds.
When choosing furniture for rooms that clutter easily, opt for pieces that can double as storage, such as ottomans, benches, and coffee tables that feature removable tops to discreetly tuck away blankets, remotes, and stray toys. “This can be very helpful when you’re on a budget and don’t want to sacrifice design or aesthetics,” says Swedberg.
Once you’ve organized your belongings and created a designated storage space for everything, label your containers, bins, and shelves. “This will help you quickly find what you’re looking for and ensure that everyone in the family knows exactly where to return things when they’re finished using them,” says Campbell.
Choosing the right paint color for your home can be overwhelming. With endless shades and finishes available, it’s easy to make mistakes that lead to regret later. Here, Jean Haukaas, Hirshfield's Design Resource Showroom manager, shares some of the most common paint color mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid them.
Older homes are desirable for their historic charm and established neighborhoods, but when it comes to amenities that promote health and overall wellbeing, your 1930s Tudor may be lacking. Through strategic remodeling, these older homes can be updated to meet contemporary wellness needs, whether it’s more windows to increase natural light, a reimagined kitchen that encourages cooking balanced meals, or smart features that make day-to-day life
a little easier.
