It’s official: 2020 is behind us. Whether you’ve been on the front lines or quarantining for the past ten months, chances are, you could use a new start. While we don’t need the mark of a new year to make positive changes, this January 1st has felt particularly poignant. The past year has been filled with uncertainty, unrelenting change, and consistent mental strength training. Getting through is an accomplishment in itself, so go ahead and pat yourself on the back!

We’ve entered 2021 with a new appreciation for many things--our health, loved ones, etc. And with social distancing forcing many to stay at home, our living spaces are likely at the top of the list. With hustle culture coming to a screeching halt, some have enjoyed the pleasure of using their homes as more than a place to sleep. Because of that, our environment has been more important than ever. 

For those attending school during coronavirus, that home has been a dorm room or a childhood bedroom. Of course, it’s nice to spend time in a place we associate with relaxation. Still, looking at the same four walls for an extended period can start to get old--it can even affect our well-being. So, along with the uniquely refreshing feel of last year’s end, why not solidify the goodbye with a welcome change? 

Customizing your space to fit the feel you’re looking to capture is the perfect way to leave what no longer serves you in 2020, going into this moment with confidence. Keep reading for more on--

• Why your space is important
• The  significance of yellow and gray
• How to decorate your dorm or bedroom with this year’s color picks
  

The Power Of A Soothing Space

It’s no secret that we’re affected by our environments--especially the ones we live in. Our bedrooms are sacred. It’s where we sleep, watch our favorite shows, dance like nobody’s watching, cry, and think. This past year, most of us have done all of the above more than we can count. And depending on how they’re set up, they could affect our mental health. To make your surroundings conducive to peace and stability, consider these factors--

A Cluttered Space Is A Cluttered Mind

Some of us take pride in our organizational skills. And others, well, not so much. If you identify as Type B, listen up. While you may romantically call your messy room ‘organized chaos,’ you might consider making your sleeping space chaos-free. It’s great that you know where everything is, even though the clutter, but you might consider tidying up a bit. 

Considering most of us have been swapping the classroom for Zoom University, having a messy background may not be advisable. This is especially true if you happen to be working remotely too. But taking image and professionalism out of the equation, a messy room can actually increase symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Don’t know how to change those messy ways? Here are some tips to get you started.

Start Small--Really Small

You’d be surprised at how different changing one thing about your surroundings can make you feel. To start, focus on the focal point of your room: the bed. Like brushing your teeth and having your morning coffee, add making your bed to the list of non-negotiables. It’ll make your space feel more put-together and cohesive to productivity, which is essential if your bedroom doubles as a workspace. 

Declutter By Donating

When we have clutter, there’s a good chance we don’t need everything that’s filling our physical space. If you’re swimming in old clothes you don’t plan on wearing again, donating could be the perfect solution. For those who lean towards hoarding, this might be a challenge.

If that sounds familiar, consider those who would love to receive what you no longer use--especially during a time of need. Another useful tip to avoid future clutter collection is using the ‘out then in’ rule. Nothing comes in unless something goes out. 

Make Tidying Up A Daily Ritual

Even the most organized people make messes. The key to keeping your surroundings clean is maintenance. If you don’t feel like re-organizing immediately after you disorganize, that’s okay. Instead, take five minutes before you go to sleep to put things where they belong. It’s an easier practice than cleaning a messy accumulation every few months. 

Create Space!

While it’s impossible to physically create more surface area in your room without a construction crew, you can open the place up with the proper tools and vessels. By these, we mean storage. Much of the time, the reason for disarray is as simple as a missing drawer separator or toss-in baskets. Purchases like these provide value that often exceeds the monetary expense. You really can’t go wrong with this one. 

Your Mood Board IRL

Thinking you need a break from the four walls that surrounded you in 2020? That’s totally understandable. If you can’t up and move your location, update your space from the inside out. Don’t know where to begin? We’ve got you.

Get To Pinteresting

See the title of this section? We mean that literally. Pinterest is a great place to get quality room inspo that’ll help you figure out what vibe you’re going for. Start a board, and Pinterest will tailor what it shows you by what you pin. 

Design With Intention

Consider what you’re looking to get out of this year and design with that in mind. Are you looking for stability? Make your space an island of peace amid the world’s inability to sit still. Need some inspiration? Grab some prints that serve as daily affirmations. Whatever you’re looking to achieve IRL, make your space reflect it. 

Channel Your Inner Curator

Want to make your room an extension of you? Then do just that. In simple terms, surround yourself with things that make you feel something. Whether that be excitement, motivation, happiness, or serenity, you’re bound to love where you’re at if you love what you’ve got. 

Don’t Be Afraid To DIY

Is room redecoration out of your budget right now? Not to worry. There are ways of tackling your room refresh goal while spending little to no cash at all. If you love working with your hands, this tip is perfect for you. These days, you can find just about anything on the internet, including DIY projects. Finding your next endeavor is so simple! And if you’re not the best with your hands? A little feng shui goes a long way. 

This Year’s Color Picks: Yellow And Gray

Each year, the company PANTONE scours the globe for colors that will influence how we see beauty and what we’ll be drawn to when shopping for new clothes or designing our spaces. For those of us who have an eye for detail and an affinity for artistry, hue is not something to be overlooked. 

Why Color Is Something We Should Pay Attention To

The shades we view  have the power to draw us in and keep us coming back for more. It also can repel us. Think about the fashion choices you gravitate toward--does a particular color family seem to show up more than another? 

With that said, not all colors work in all contexts. A great example of this would be a true red--great for attraction, great for making a statement, but it may not be the wisest decision to paint your bedroom walls in the shade. 

In fact, the colors in your sleep space can make a difference in your mental health.

So, with most of us wanting to welcome some new energy into the new year, why not do it with this year’s picks?

Yellow 

Think about when you first learned about the primary emotions--happy, sad, angry, fear, etc. Happiness was probably introduced with a visual aid. Specifically, a smiley face. And more likely than not, that smiley face was yellow. There’s a reason for that. Yellow is generally associated with optimism. 

Going into 2021, both with a new administration and a vaccine, we do have reason to feel hopeful. But even if you’re not there yet. Optimism is a lovely intention to work for in the new year.

Gray

When shopping for a winter coat that’ll go with everything you have in your closet, gray typically comes to mind. Think of the color gray as your emotional rock this year (forget that stones are also that color). It represents stability and fortitude--something we could all use a dose of in 2021.

How To Seamlessly Integrate Some Yellow And Gray With Your Space

The best way to end a chapter or a challenging year is to make room for something new. While not everyone believes in marking the new year with new goals, good intentions are always welcome. If you love the ceremonial goal-setting, consider doing it with this year’s colors in mind. Then, watch your space transform.