When Back To School Means It's Time To Assess Your Home

My mother always said that with the exception of my sister and two of her grandchildren being born in August, nothing good ever happens in this month. I am starting to think she may be right.

The fun of summer has worn off, it’s hot outside, and our houses are a mess from children being home all summer or from moving in and out of dorms, apartments, etc…

I’m not a negative person and I hate to say it…. August is kind of a yuck month.

But now that the kids are headed back to school, it’s time to focus on things we’ve put off the past few months. I’m using this momentum to assess and tackle areas in my own home that need updating. Here are a few tips if you want to do the same.

Survey How You Feel About Your Home

Does your home make you breathe a sigh of relief?

When you walk into your home, what feelings and emotions are evoked? Are they feelings of contentment and relaxation or anxiousness and dread?

If you answered the latter, it’s time for some change. Your home should be a restful retreat where you can make memories and host gatherings with family and friends.

Start with a calming, neutral palette with layers of texture as we did below.

How to know when to update your home, Updated Foyer — Dana Wolter Interiors, Emily Followill Photography

Welcoming Entrance, Dana Wolter Interiors — Dana Wolter Interiors, Jean Allsopp Photography

Does your home function for you and your family?

What stage of life are you in? Life transitions usually equate to transitions needing to take place in the home.

Have your children moved out and you are a new empty nester (if so, I can relate), or are your kids older and what worked a few years ago no longer does?

A house once full of active children and their friends that served your lively family so well can now feel lost. It’s time to reinvent your home so it functions for you in this new phase.

Clients who hire us for these specific needs want to re-do their bedrooms, tackle the guest bedroom, and make the famous ‘playroom’ more of a mature den for casual lounging as we’ve done here:

Bedroom Ideas — Bedroom, Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Gray Walls, Cozy spaces — Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Styling Ideas, Dana Wolter Interiors — Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Does your home reflect your personal style and lifestyle?

Whether you have more formal or casual taste in style, your home should follow suit. Below are examples of both formal and more casual interiors – which one speaks to you?

Living Room Decor, Dana Wolter Interiors — Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

Casual Spaces, Dana Wolter Interiors — Dana Wolter Interiors, Graham Yelton Photography

If you feel like your home doesn’t make you happy, function well (read more on this topic here), or reflect your personal style or lifestyle, we can help. Give us a call (205.938.4848) or email us here.