5 Simple Ways to Bring Joy Into Your Home Without Breaking the Bank

Inspired by Ingrid Fetell Lee’s “Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness”

Millennials are stressed out. No, really. According to the recent Deloitte Global Survey, 42% of Millennials reported being stressed all or most of the time. Perhaps this is a side effect of trying to save the world? With the Country slowly reopening, there’s been an increase in positive coronavirus cases which could result in another stay-at-home period. And if we’re going to be stuck at home, we may as well make it more enjoyable. Here are 5 ways to create joy in your home and counteract some of that stress.

Embrace Bright Colors

Scroll through the feeds of some of your favorite influencers and you’ll notice a muted color trend. While cool colors are known to help calm environments, if overdone they can also sterilize your joy. (Hello hospitals.) Try energizing your home with vibrant accent pieces like chairs or side tables. And if you’re feeling artsy, painting an accent wall makes a huge impact.

Bring on the Feels with Texture

The comfort you got from your childhood teddy or blanket is not confined to youth. Textures add a level of coziness that no one should ever forget. Add warmth to your home by introducing textured elements like rugs and ottomans. Plush materials like velvet and mixing patterns will also amp up the feels. Your inner child will thank you.

Layers are Life

Layers make simple things seem more interesting. Think of a bookcase overrun with your favorite titles or a gallery wall above your desk. And have you ever dove into a bed full of throw pillows? Something about layers makes life feel more abundant. In this case, more is definitely not less.

The Element of Surprise

Unleash the unexpected throughout your home by dropping in some playful details. These pieces should trigger a smile or at least a playful scoff. Think a slinky on your coffee table or a chalkboard paint message board. Even a hammock or a reading nook can enhance the whimsy in your space.

Shape Up

In Fetell Lee’s “Joyful”, she correlates circles, spheres, and bubbly forms with play. While you may think you’re too old for bubbles (but you’re not), let nothing stop you from adding this aesthetic to your home. For an easy fix, try an oversized circle mirror or ditch tradition and opt for a circle shelf. You won’t be able to get around the feeling of joy.

Not into home design? There are other ways you can make room for joy. The first and cheapest is by creating a mindset of gratitude.