By Morgan Egan

 

A soft, cozy living room. A kitchen bursting with color. A serene, spa-like bathroom.  

You want your home to greet you with joy – no matter what that may look like to you. So, if you think your space needs a little pick-me-up, these tips can help you create a happier home for you to enjoy.

 

1. Declutter your space 

Clutter, be gone! We know chores and happiness don’t seem to go hand in hand but trust us. 

According to a study done by UCLA, clutter can actually increase our stress. And with the built-in stress from work and life, do we really need another reason to be more stressed?  

But clutter goes beyond added stress. It can even make it difficult to concentrate, limiting your brain’s ability to process information. For those of us with a perpetually messy desk, it may be time to rethink our space.  

Now, we don’t want to declutter to the point of living in a white box – where's the fun in that? But that pile of magazines you’ve been holding onto from 2008 have got to go.  

When decluttering, ask yourself, ‘Does this item make me happy?’ You’d be surprised how many times the answer is no. When you’re finished, you’re left with a beautifully curated set of items that really speak to you and who you are.   

Ready to declutter?

 

2. Plants, plants, and more plants 

Ever wanted to be a plant parent? Here’s your sign to take on the challenge. Houseplants are an amazing addition to any happy house – studies suggest they even help improve mood, reduce stress, and help us recharge.  

But that’s only the beginning. Many houseplants help purify the air, which is especially useful in rooms that contain small windows or poor ventilation. And with plants you can forget dust mites too. A study by Virgina Tech found that houseplants can reduce indoor dust by up to 20%. You go, aloe!  

New to the world of plants? Start off with a beginner friendly plant like the snake plant, aloe vera, or the prayer plant. 

 

3. Make it personal  

While Kim K’s monochromatic white home is great inspiration, living in a house with bare walls and no color can be pretty boring. 

Your home is yours, so give it that personal touch that’s unique to you. 

Add some of your favorite art prints in your hallway or paint an accent wall in your favorite color. Don’t be afraid to be unique – after all, you’re just being you! 

If you’re looking for unique pieces, try consignment and thrift stores. There you’ll find one-of-a-kind furniture and homeware that can really make a statement.  

 

4. Create a space just for you 

For those of us who share our space with others, it’s important to have a space that’s just your own. And while we’d all like our own room to do as we please, your space doesn’t have to be big to be effective.  

Create a cozy reading nook complete with a comfy chair, soft blanket, and a stack of your favorite books. 

Decorate your porch with plants and a whimsical table and chair for you to have your morning coffee. 

Personalize your desk space with photos, a warm lamp, or even a calming plant.  

These spaces don’t have to be big or expensive. They’re just little happy places in your home to make you smile.

 

5. Mood Lighting 

Where would you rather drink your morning coffee? In a cozy, naturally lit café, or in a waiting room at the dentist?  

Of course, we’d pick the café. And it’s not just because there’s delicious coffee sans root canals – the moody, warm atmosphere lends itself to a more relaxing space.  

So, ditch the florescent or LED lights and opt for warm or natural white bulbs. Also, skip the overhead light and use floor lamps and accent lamps for optimal comfy vibes.  

If you’d rather use your overhead lights, a dimmer is a great way to create a soothing atmosphere without the extra lamps.

 

6. Let in some fresh air and sunshine 

It’s no surprise that we all feel a little better when spring rolls around the corner. With spring comes more sun, which means we can get that much-needed vitamin D.  

Bring the benefit of sunlight indoors by pulling back the curtains. Natural light can help boost your mood and make you feel happier (UCLA Health), and it’s a lot less expensive than keeping your lights on all the time! 

And while you’re at it, make sure to open your windows for some much-needed fresh air. Not only will it freshen up your home, but it’ll help alleviate any indoor pollution or staleness. 

 

7. Find your signature household fragrance 

Does the scent of vanilla remind you of freshly baked cookies? Does the smell of citrus make you feel like you’re basking in the sun? 

When creating a happy home, it’s important to make sure all your senses are happy – including your nose!  

Scent is a powerful sense, transporting you to a memory or place in just one sniff. It’s why it’s important to find a scent that speaks to you.  

Maybe you’d like a bright and refreshing scent for your bathroom, while using a calming spa-like scent for your living room. It’s all up to you! 

Aera’s range of fragrances covers every style and mood, and with our diffusers, you can change out and play different scents whenever you like.  

Not sure what your signature fragrance is? Our fragrance quiz is a great place to start!  

 

8. No more phones in the bedroom 

We all know it’s important to get a good night’s sleep, but it’s hard when we’re endlessly scrolling on our phones before bed.  

And while we may look at Instagram to relax before sleeping, it’s actually making us do the opposite. The blue light from our phones reduces sleepiness and increases alertness, therefore reducing our ability to sleep.  

 So, if you want to wake up refreshed, it’s time to say goodbye to the phone and get a good old-fashioned alarm clock. Your body will thank you! 

 

When it all comes down to it, make sure to ask yourself - ‘What makes me happy? What puts a smile on my face?’ Your home is yours to create and decorate. So, make sure to have fun with it! 

 

If you are looking for new home scents to make your space your happy place, look no further!

 

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Morgan is a copywriter and content creator for Aera. When she’s not writing about all things fragrance, she can be found with her fluffy feline companion with a good book and hot cup of tea.