Seven Simple Ways to Add More Life to Your Living Quarters

Fall is upon us! And with it, the usual cleaning, purging and primping of our places for the holidays. This year, why not try something different? Instead of just focusing on getting rid of the rubble and preparing for company, consider adding more life to your landscape for your own daily enjoyment.

In these stress filled times, surrounding ourselves with things that speak to the heart, rejuvenate the spirit, and provide peace, is more important than ever before. Grueling work hours and life’s frantic pace have truly created the need for a “sanctuary” for today’s single.

Although tidiness should be the targeted goal, your place should also be invigorating and inviting!

Here are seven simple measures to inject more life in your living quarters:

1. Infuse with Hues
Some decorators may advise that you paint rooms in all white or neutral colors for practicality. But you’ll feel much more connected and content if colors reflect your personality, lifestyle and favorite shades. Who says you can’t have a fuschia kitchen or beige bathroom? Do your own thing! As long as it’s tasteful, dare to be different! Be sure to get color swatches from paint stores to take with you when you are shopping for the coordinating accessories.

2. Add Green to the Scene
Many moons ago, I wouldn’t be caught dead with plants in my home. I was never successful in cultivating a “green thumb” and considered them to be more trouble than they were worth. Then a friend inspired me to try my hand at it again; and it’s been really cool! Plants, as well as other “living” things, provide such warmth and color to any décor. Try starting out with a few potted pals at first. Make note of the ones that you are successful with and find easy to care for. Place them throughout different rooms in beautiful containers that match your room’s theme. And if you still find yourself “plant challenged” artificial ones can make a pretty presentation as well.

3. Let Your Light Shine
Few people realize the importance of proper lighting to induce mood and effect. Dimmed lights are a requisite for romance, while soft lights can create a sense of calm. From fancy fixtures to different colored bulbs, experiment until you find what works for your particular setting and needs.

4. Bring in a Bit of Nature
Tranquility Fountains are a great way to add the feel of nature to your space! These are decorative accent pieces that can be purchased at department stores or even your local Walgreens. By simply adding water, they emulate a babbling brook or peaceful river, (and come with additional decorative pieces like colored stones). They make an interesting conversation piece and come in cordless or electric versions.

5. Picture the Possibilities
You can tell a lot about what people hold dearly by the things they hang on their walls. Invest in some quality paintings that reflect your tastes and life’s philosophy. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different themes and contrasting styles. I love the works of Claude Monet, but also enjoy the display of Afro-centric pieces. Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to decorate in style. Great finds are as near as your local thrift store or estate sale.

6. Add Some Sensational Scents
Remember the smell of mom’s apple pie? The soothing scent of a fresh rainfall? Well, they can be reproduced and enjoyed through Aromatherapy. Try some of the many available candles, sprays and products being offered by Avon and Mia Bella’s Candles (check online listings).

7. Sprinkle a Few Friends in the Mix
As a finishing touch, don’t forget that the most important thing that you can add to your surroundings to inject more life, is the surrounding of good friends! Get your single pals together and start a monthly book club, or a wine and cheese social, a bridge party, or even a game night. The possibilities are endless!

> Perfectmatch.com - The best approach to find the one. <

All Online Dating Magazine content, including the content on this page,
is © copyright by Online Dating Magazine and may not be
republished or reused in any form. You do have
full permission to link to this article.

Do you agree or disagree with this article? Have
more to add? Submit a Letter to the Editor today or post a comment below.

Jennifer's Gems is a weekly column written by award-winning poet and writer, Jennifer Brown Banks. It is published every Wednesday. Click here to read her welcome letter.