Credit: Special Arrangement
It’s pouring outside, but that doesn’t mean you should call the day a damp squib. Work up the energy in your home to create a spot of cheer. It helps immensely, especially when you are working from home - from a dry cocoon - while the world beyond the window is battling the downpour.
Fragrance alert
Bring in a home linen spray or aroma oil dispenser. Usher in the lemon sachets of bathroom fresheners. You can slice a lemon into two parts and stud the inner flesh with cloves. Light a candle and plant in the centre of a lemon slice. This effectively fobs off the flies and fills the air with a citrusy fragrance.
Florals and fabrics
Freshly cut flowers arranged in a delicate vase near the entrance of your home sets the mood for aroma, freshness and poise. Invest in a bunch of long-lasting orchids. Else bring in florals in the form of a large cushion to create a solo focal point on the couch, or a floral throw on the sofa.
Flair does it
The art of clever arrangement is important. Create a feature wall by bring together a group of photo frames. Unite a few candles in different shapes and sizes, and make a line with cheery marigolds.
Light an aromatic candle as the sun dips in the sky to create a soft glow in the house. Bring in some amber pools through standing lamps with paper mache covers.
Flaunt the colours
Pops of sunshine yellow, happy tangerines and bubble gum pink spell sheer joy. Bring in cheerful colour through wallpaper on a feature wall, trims on a mounted mirror, a painting or artwork, or even crockery on the table when you sit down to eat. A tea or coffee mug in a nodding green makes your heart sing, when charcoal clouds line the window view.
Fluidity of space
Ensure you keep the home free from clutter. Give away what you do not use any more - from clothes to dishes to papers and items of personal use to old non-functional appliances, pots and pans. Bring in a space organiser, re-arrange the furniture to give your spaces a new voice and infuse a bit of music throughout the day to break the monotony of doorbells and intercom alerts.
Focus on yourself
Rev up the mood, starting with yourself. Nothing succeeds like a red lipstick in putting the spring in your step. Apply a bit of make-up to stay prepared for video calls as you WFH. Even if you aren’t working, a peppy colour works beautifully. Wear a cool top, apply some kajal and make yourself a mug of hot chocolate as the rain hammers on the windows to elevate your mood, and that of your home.