9 Ways to Bring Even More Happiness to Your Home!

Get and stay happy at home!  According to a variety of scientific studies, there are colors, scents, and accessories you should have in your home to improve your chances for complete and utter happiness.  Take a look, and see if one, some, or all of these items are part of your home!

1. Fresh flowers

Research conducted by Rutgers found that being in the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions and heightens feelings of life satisfaction.  Consider a bunch of posies an investment in your happiness.

2. Sentimental photos

If your nightstands or end tables are purely functional, you may want to change things a little. Swap in some family photos ASAP. A study at the University of Portsmouth found that looking at old photos results in positive feelings and a sense of calm.

3. Vanilla candles

While it may not be your favorite ice cream flavor, vanilla is apparently a kick-ass mood elevator! A Chemical Senses study found that vanilla beans are super uplifting. So go ahead and light up a vanilla scented candle after a stressful day — it'll help you relax.

4. Green or yellow walls

Out of the entire rainbow, a study from Vrije University in Amsterdam found that these two hues evoked the most feelings of happiness. They're bold color choices, though, for every wall in your home, so maybe try a few statement walls instead.

5. Furry friends

This one’s a no-brainer. Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that pets provide meaningful support for owners, helping them with social isolation and ultimately improving their lives. In other words, having a pet makes us happy!

6. Floral scents

The next time you pick out a new perfume or air freshener, try one that’s floral. The scent receptors in your nose are linked to the part of your brain that determines your emotions. And according to research from the Association for Psychological Science, floral scents can boost your feelings of happiness.

7. A journal

While exercise or therapy can contribute to your current state of mind, writing in a journal contributes to your future mood. Research published in Psychological Science found that re-reading old entries (even if they're short) can make you feel happier.

8. A made bed

Never underestimate the power of making your bed every morning.  According to a survey by Hunch.com, 71% of people who make their beds consider themselves happy — while 62% of non-bed-makers say they're unhappy. Wow! Totally worth spending two extra minutes tucking in your comforter.

9. And remember: Less is more

According to UCLA's Center of Everyday Lives and Families, there's a link between high cortisol (a stress hormone) levels in women who own homes with a "high density of household objects." In other words, the more stuff you have, the more stressed out you feel. So cut the clutter for a better chance at a calm and happy life.

Spice up your kitchen with some of these ideas!

As you'll probably be reminded tomorrow, the kitchen is always one of the busiest rooms in the house. A little imagination and some smart details can steer this room toward a look filled with personality...

1. Add a dash of copper. Copper is a hugely popular material, with a long history of use in the kitchen. Often it shows up in pots and pans, but it can make a real splash as a sink. With its nicely artisanal feel, a copper sink is an unusual, stylish choice.

2. Get a handle on things. Switch up your cabinet handles and pulls with metal, wood, glass, leather or ceramic. It’s an easy way to give your cabinets a fresh look.

3. Shine a little light on it. While kitchens often feature integrated overhead lights and task lighting, they aren’t particularly attractive. Try adding a more decorative table lamp to a work surface or sideboard to give the room a different feel.

4. Hang some art. While the kitchen is a practical room, it can use a bit of style, too. Hanging art in the kitchen can extend the style found in other areas of the house, and make the kitchen feel part of the whole.

5. Never underestimate the value of paint. A kitchen can be the perfect canvas for a creative paint job. Use paint to create the illusion of a backsplash, or a chair rail or paneling. It can make the room feel bigger or cozier, depending on the color.

Elite Homes builds beautiful garden home communities perfect for baby boomers 55+ - featuring, single-family, low-maintenance homes, in a relaxing and convenient locations around Louisville.

Tips for making your kids’ rooms the coolest

Children’s rooms are quickly gaining equal footing with the other spaces in a home. Parents have started to realize that spending a little more time and money on the kids’ rooms will pay off in later years. Not to mention that the kids’ rooms can easily be the coolest part of the house!

While decorating is a huge part of this blog, a few design-savvy tips first.

•  Don’t design for babies & toddlers. Design for the bigger kids they’ll become. Planning ahead saves you from having to completely re-do their rooms in a few years. Buy good quality furniture that will last, through the crayons and the jumping on the bed!
•  Consider built-in shelves and/or a desk. It’s practical, space-saving, and can be used if you eventually turn the room into an office.
• Don’t spend money on trends. If your daughter wants a trendy look, stick to pillows, lamps and area rugs that can be switched out when new colors and patterns become popular.

Now, some tips for creating a cool room!

• Ask your child for their input! What you’re envisioning may not be what they’re envisioning. Let the room reflect THEIR personality – not yours.
•  Pick a theme. What’s their hobby, talent or current obsession? From football to Star Wars, ballet to pirate ships, you can find or make features, furniture and accessories to carry your theme from the ceiling to the floors.
• Don’t forget to utilize the wall space! Especially if it’s a small room. A mural, chalkboard paint, stripes, patterns… the walls can make your theme come to life!
• The bed doesn’t have to be a traditional bed. Consider bunk beds, loft beds, beds tucked under the eaves, daybeds, canopy beds – even racecar beds.
•  Storage doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, if you make it a fun part of the design, your kids will love cleaning up! Try built-ins, cubbies, baskets, bins, window seats, or benches. 

Just remember to have fun. Make it a room that you and your child will want love to spend time in. A room that reflects how cool your kid who lives in it is!

Elite Homes builds beautiful garden home communities perfect for baby boomers 55+ - featuring, single-family, low-maintenance homes, in a relaxing and convenient locations around Louisville.

5 ways to brighten your home up for the summer!

Brightening up your home is easier than you think. There are plenty of affordable cosmetic changes you can make to bring summer into your home.

1. Bright Pops of Color: Using fruity colors – lemon yellow, tangerine, lime green or berry pink – is an easy way to perk up any space. With a fresh coat of paint, funky furniture, area rugs or throw pillows, you can add a dash of summer zest in no time at all. Bright red and deep navy are also hot colors this summer.
2. Whiten Up: Adding more white to the color palette will give any room a clean and bright look. Lighten up dark rooms with crisp white walls or luminous accessories like white linen pillows or timeless white dishes.
3. Hit The Beach: A simple and affordable way to bring the beach home – create a display of shells, coral or pebbles on a table or shelf. Hang photos from your last beach vacation. Go wild with a tropical looking shower curtain or placemats.  Or try the instant beachiness of a bamboo or rattan chair.
4. Go For Silver: Silver and glass are always bright and sparkly, with a touch of elegance. Glass mirrored surfaces reflect light and brighten a room. Try an actual mirror or mirrored containers. New shiny silver or crystal lamps or light fixtures are an easy way to change up your décor – and add some summer shimmer.
5. Au Natural: Bring the outside in. Create an accent wall with a natural hue like grass green or sky blue. Then accessorize with rocks, stones, fresh cut flowers or live plants, and jute or sisal rugs for an organic outdoorsy look.

Elite Homes builds beautiful garden home communities perfect for baby boomers 55+ - featuring, single-family, low-maintenance homes, in a relaxing and convenient locations around Louisville.