Gift yourself: A space makeover!

Hello titos and titas! How's your work week? I know it is Q4 of the year and there are a lot of items at work that need to be closed. Having been part of the corporate for close to 2 decades, I understand how exhausting the last 2 months of the year could be. More so that there will be parties and other events that you need to pop into. But to compensate, there will be a few long weekends this November (25 to 27, Bonifacio Day) and December (8 to10, Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion | 23 to 25, Christmas Day | 30 to 1, Rizal Day, Last Day of the Year, and New Year's Day). But the highlight of the year is of course your holiday bonus and 13th month pay! And I do hope your attendance has been good, with no unpaid absences or leave of absence so you can fully enjoy an additional one month salary this Christmas! (Nainggit ako bigla!)

If you have been reading my blog (and sharing it!), I will be sharing my personal take on where to spend my 13th month pay, so here's my first pick,

spend on a space makeover!

Yes just a space in your home, not the entire house (let's face it, you need millions to get entire house renovated). So why spend on interiors? Here are my top 3 reasons...

1. Functionality: In a world where we're not Small Laude and we can't afford to have a

mansion, there is a need for constant overlap of functions, good interior design planning ensures that the space is functional and serves its intended purpose. I remember using a dining table as a workspace, the height, the chair, the lighting is really not conducive for work and I ended up having recurring migraines because of that and that is because it was not optimized to be used as both. Good design optimizes the layout, lighting, and arrangement of furniture and fixtures to make the most of the available space, allowing for efficient use and flow.

2. Aesthetics: With zoom meetings, virtual backgrounds have become important to hide unnecessary clutter and unwanted walls (sometimes even passersby behind you haha!) A well-designed space can enhance the overall mood and atmosphere, making it more inviting, comfortable and harmonious.

3. And lastly, well-being: A well designed space can have a significant impact on the well-

being of its owners. Thoughtful design can improve comfort, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life. Going back to my first point, if the space is not optimized to overlap two functions, it'll just not work for you, these little adjustments in height, proper lighting and storage can enhance one's productivity, it also prevents physical deterioration, which supports one's well being. Remember, it feels good to be in a space where you can thrive comfortably!

Here's a few budget friendly design tips from the professionals.

1. Determine the space. There are small spaces in your house that deserve a make over.

Due to the rise of people working from home, a dedicated workspace is important, some people tend to overlap certain spaces, like a living room doubling as a workspace, or a kitchen opening up to a dining room, focus on which area in your house that you want to spend on. Ask yourself, how often am I in this space? Why is it important for me to upgrade this space? Is it really that bad that it needs to be renovated? What is the space lacking? From then on, you can figure out what you need.

2. Go to thrift stores: Have you ever been to a Japan surplus store? Or HMR? If your go to place has always been IKEA, time to change your source! Explore secondhand stores for unique furniture pieces and accessories. You can find great items at a fraction of the cost.

3. Repurpose furniture and use what you have: Look around your house, you are bound to

An old bench as a coffee table? Why not!?

see an old table, or chair that can be reused, just give that old furniture a new life with a fresh coat of paint or by repurposing it for a different use. Try to rearrange furniture and decor items you already own to create a new look and flow to the space. An old mirror could be polished and used as bathroom mirror or be used in dark space to bounce light around to open the area.

4. Paint Accent Walls: An accent wall adds a pop of color without the cost of gallons of paint. Wallpapers are a good way to add an accent wall, there's a myriad of wallpapers out there with different colors, prints and textures!

Imagine this wall paper as your accent wall.

5. Plants: Our mind and body is attracted to the sight of foliage, it has a calming effect. Indoor plants can add a touch of nature to your space at a relatively low cost. They also have the added benefit of improving air quality.

This credenza made alive with the use of indoor plants.

6. Invest on good lighting: Good lighting can completely change the look of your space, but

always put into consideration what that space will be used for. Look for affordable lighting options, such as thrifted lamps, a sconce or budget-friendly fixtures.

There are some spaces in our homes that are neglected, maybe now is the time to revamp that space and repurpose it something else.

And there you have it! Do you guys agree? Remember to share this blog!

Tito Gary xxx