Your Home Will Never be Perfect and Here's Why That's OK
Follow this guide to stop agonising about those irksome home issues that just aren’t worth the stress
Amanda Pollard
6 May 2017
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
We all do it. We worry that our home isn’t clean enough, that we haven’t got those long-standing jobs finished, or that it doesn’t look as attractive as other properties. Here’s why we should just stop fretting and feeling guilty about our homes.
It’s not spotless
Not many of us have perfectly clean homes all the time. If your life is busy, you simply don’t have time to mop the floor every day or keep the surfaces free from dust. Stop worrying about it and concentrate on the essentials. Make sure kitchen surfaces are wiped every day and the bathroom is clean and hygienic. A quick sweep after mealtimes is also a good habit to get into, and try to freshen your carpets with a weekly vacuum. Focus on those key cleaning jobs that are important to you, and do the rest whenever you get the chance.
Don’t forget, it’s you that notices how clean your home is, and bear in mind that guests really won’t mind if your windows aren’t gleaming.
Not many of us have perfectly clean homes all the time. If your life is busy, you simply don’t have time to mop the floor every day or keep the surfaces free from dust. Stop worrying about it and concentrate on the essentials. Make sure kitchen surfaces are wiped every day and the bathroom is clean and hygienic. A quick sweep after mealtimes is also a good habit to get into, and try to freshen your carpets with a weekly vacuum. Focus on those key cleaning jobs that are important to you, and do the rest whenever you get the chance.
Don’t forget, it’s you that notices how clean your home is, and bear in mind that guests really won’t mind if your windows aren’t gleaming.
It’s not big enough
Wishing you had a bigger place? Yes, it’s good to be able to spread out, but there are advantages to small-space living too. The obvious benefits are that a compact home is easier to clean, and less expensive to heat. It’s also less overwhelming to decorate, so you can really take the time to make it your own.
The main challenge with a bijou property is its lack of storage space, but even that can be overcome. Have a good declutter by systematically working through your belongings and deciding which items you want to keep or give away. Once you know what you’re left with, you can then think about clever storage ideas. Consider dual-purpose furniture, such as coffee tables that double up as storage containers, or build some lift-up bench seating, and remember to look up high to make the most of your vertical space too.
Feeling cramped? Check out these ingenious storage ideas for small-space living
Wishing you had a bigger place? Yes, it’s good to be able to spread out, but there are advantages to small-space living too. The obvious benefits are that a compact home is easier to clean, and less expensive to heat. It’s also less overwhelming to decorate, so you can really take the time to make it your own.
The main challenge with a bijou property is its lack of storage space, but even that can be overcome. Have a good declutter by systematically working through your belongings and deciding which items you want to keep or give away. Once you know what you’re left with, you can then think about clever storage ideas. Consider dual-purpose furniture, such as coffee tables that double up as storage containers, or build some lift-up bench seating, and remember to look up high to make the most of your vertical space too.
Feeling cramped? Check out these ingenious storage ideas for small-space living
Your pet is ruining your furniture
Cats and dogs are great to have around, but let’s face it, they can wreak havoc on your furniture. You could let this bother you, or you could let it go. After all, the pleasure our furry friends bring far outweighs the inconvenience of pet hairs on the sofa.
Whether or not you allow your pet to sit on the sofa is up to you, but if you’re not comfortable with it, provide a cosy bed for them to use instead. If your cat is scratching your upholstery, cover it with a sturdy throw or invest in a scratching post to encourage your feline to sharpen its claws elsewhere.
Cats and dogs are great to have around, but let’s face it, they can wreak havoc on your furniture. You could let this bother you, or you could let it go. After all, the pleasure our furry friends bring far outweighs the inconvenience of pet hairs on the sofa.
Whether or not you allow your pet to sit on the sofa is up to you, but if you’re not comfortable with it, provide a cosy bed for them to use instead. If your cat is scratching your upholstery, cover it with a sturdy throw or invest in a scratching post to encourage your feline to sharpen its claws elsewhere.
Those unfinished DIY jobs
Okay, so you’ve got the swatches and paint samples. You have a vision of what you want to achieve. You’ve even bought a new drill. But when was that? A few months ago? If you’re feeling guilty about DIY procrastination, join the club. We’ve all got niggling projects waiting in the wings for when we finally get around to accomplishing them, so don’t feel bad about it. The important thing is that the intention is there.
Set aside some time and put a date in the diary to actually complete the project, then relax and enjoy the day, knowing that you’ve scheduled a slot to get it done.
Okay, so you’ve got the swatches and paint samples. You have a vision of what you want to achieve. You’ve even bought a new drill. But when was that? A few months ago? If you’re feeling guilty about DIY procrastination, join the club. We’ve all got niggling projects waiting in the wings for when we finally get around to accomplishing them, so don’t feel bad about it. The important thing is that the intention is there.
Set aside some time and put a date in the diary to actually complete the project, then relax and enjoy the day, knowing that you’ve scheduled a slot to get it done.
Your distinct lack of designer items
There’s no point coveting a custom-made pantry, or an iconic mid-century armchair if you just don’t have the budget. Your home isn’t less lovely without these things. Some of the most beautiful properties have no pricey features and are often put together with clever secondhand purchases and easy Ikea hacks.
Hunt around for one-off items that you can leave as they are, or upcycle with a lick of paint. Visit purse-friendly stores for basic flat-packed items that you can dress up with accessories or transform with more elaborate revamps. You might even find you prefer this way of designing your home, as it can be more fun and the results more personal. Besides, the money you save might even go towards that custom-made dressing area you’ve always wanted.
Want to get creative? Discover upcycling ideas for an original home
There’s no point coveting a custom-made pantry, or an iconic mid-century armchair if you just don’t have the budget. Your home isn’t less lovely without these things. Some of the most beautiful properties have no pricey features and are often put together with clever secondhand purchases and easy Ikea hacks.
Hunt around for one-off items that you can leave as they are, or upcycle with a lick of paint. Visit purse-friendly stores for basic flat-packed items that you can dress up with accessories or transform with more elaborate revamps. You might even find you prefer this way of designing your home, as it can be more fun and the results more personal. Besides, the money you save might even go towards that custom-made dressing area you’ve always wanted.
Want to get creative? Discover upcycling ideas for an original home
A living room full of kids’ toys
They’re bright, they’re plastic and they hurt when you stand on them – but if you have children, you’ve no choice but to share your home with their toys. You could try to relegate these décor-clashing items to the playroom or bedroom, or you could just enjoy the fact that a small person is playing nearby.
The key to letting go of kid-clutter niggles is to provide easy, attractive storage. Place one or two large baskets or toy boxes in the living room and kitchen to make it simple for your little ones to put their toys away at the end of the day. If your child likes arts and crafts, consider installing some cube shelves near the kitchen table with boxes or baskets for all their pens, paper and paints.
They’re bright, they’re plastic and they hurt when you stand on them – but if you have children, you’ve no choice but to share your home with their toys. You could try to relegate these décor-clashing items to the playroom or bedroom, or you could just enjoy the fact that a small person is playing nearby.
The key to letting go of kid-clutter niggles is to provide easy, attractive storage. Place one or two large baskets or toy boxes in the living room and kitchen to make it simple for your little ones to put their toys away at the end of the day. If your child likes arts and crafts, consider installing some cube shelves near the kitchen table with boxes or baskets for all their pens, paper and paints.
The neighbours can see in
Worried that Mrs Jones from across the road is peering into your kitchen? Chances are she isn’t, and even if she is, you’re probably just chopping onions anyway. Think about your own habits and whether you spend much time checking out your neighbour’s front room, and you’ll soon realise there’s nothing to worry about.
Of course, there are moments when we’d like more privacy, so to obscure the view without blocking out the light, you could install a sheer roller blind like the one shown here. Alternatively, choose from one of the attractive frosted window films on the market.
Worried that Mrs Jones from across the road is peering into your kitchen? Chances are she isn’t, and even if she is, you’re probably just chopping onions anyway. Think about your own habits and whether you spend much time checking out your neighbour’s front room, and you’ll soon realise there’s nothing to worry about.
Of course, there are moments when we’d like more privacy, so to obscure the view without blocking out the light, you could install a sheer roller blind like the one shown here. Alternatively, choose from one of the attractive frosted window films on the market.
It doesn’t have a garden
If you’re dreaming of a big lawn and flowerbeds, or just an area for alfresco dining, a lack of outdoor space can be frustrating. However, there are plenty of reasons not to feel down about it. A garden is one more thing to worry about. Not only do you have to decorate and maintain your interior, you’d also have to add weeding, mowing and watering to your to-do list.
Having no garden is liberating – by freeing up the hours you’d spend doing outdoor jobs, you’ll have more time to get out and about in the park and countryside.
To satisfy your urge to cultivate, how about growing some plants inside instead? In this sunny room, they’ve made use of the light from the windows to cleverly grow container plants and even a climber.
If you’re dreaming of a big lawn and flowerbeds, or just an area for alfresco dining, a lack of outdoor space can be frustrating. However, there are plenty of reasons not to feel down about it. A garden is one more thing to worry about. Not only do you have to decorate and maintain your interior, you’d also have to add weeding, mowing and watering to your to-do list.
Having no garden is liberating – by freeing up the hours you’d spend doing outdoor jobs, you’ll have more time to get out and about in the park and countryside.
To satisfy your urge to cultivate, how about growing some plants inside instead? In this sunny room, they’ve made use of the light from the windows to cleverly grow container plants and even a climber.
Your décor is not on trend
Sometimes, the images we see of homes with the latest Crittall-style doors or up-to-the-minute tiling can be overwhelming. But nobody can maintain a property that’s constantly updated with the latest trend, and, frankly, who wants to? Use these images as inspiration – fill some ideabooks with photos that you love and only take away the ideas that fit your style.
Your home should show your personality and make you feel comfortable. If you love terrazzo worktops, go with them, but if you don’t, try something you like instead.
Sometimes, the images we see of homes with the latest Crittall-style doors or up-to-the-minute tiling can be overwhelming. But nobody can maintain a property that’s constantly updated with the latest trend, and, frankly, who wants to? Use these images as inspiration – fill some ideabooks with photos that you love and only take away the ideas that fit your style.
Your home should show your personality and make you feel comfortable. If you love terrazzo worktops, go with them, but if you don’t, try something you like instead.
It doesn’t have kerb appeal
One day you might get around to painting over that pebbledash, or perhaps you’ll plant a magnolia tree in the front garden. In the meantime, don’t fret that passers-by aren’t blown away by your home’s facade. The most important thing is how you feel when you walk in.
Paint your front door a colour you love, and make sure the hallway is tidy and welcoming. Provide plenty of storage to quickly dispose of your outerwear, and position a reed diffuser or bowl of potpourri by the entrance. As the sign here says, your home should be a place where you can kick back and relax.
What are some of things you’ve stopped worrying about at home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
One day you might get around to painting over that pebbledash, or perhaps you’ll plant a magnolia tree in the front garden. In the meantime, don’t fret that passers-by aren’t blown away by your home’s facade. The most important thing is how you feel when you walk in.
Paint your front door a colour you love, and make sure the hallway is tidy and welcoming. Provide plenty of storage to quickly dispose of your outerwear, and position a reed diffuser or bowl of potpourri by the entrance. As the sign here says, your home should be a place where you can kick back and relax.
What are some of things you’ve stopped worrying about at home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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The dog in the last photo melted my heart..... To me, a dog makes a house a home 🏡🐶🏡
Worth mentioning, scratching posts DO NOT sharpen a cat's claws. It helps them remove the natural outer sheath that develops as a nail grows. This may seem pedantic to mention, but I think people would be much more patient with their felines if they realised they're doing the equivalent of scratching an itch as opposed to applying their dastardly claws to a whetstone whilst plotting how best to destroy your home. Don't 'invest' in one, get them loads!