By Sharon Bloudek, July 2, 2020
We’re all spending a lot of time at home these days—too much, most would say. Home used to be the place we gathered to eat and relax with family and friends, and to sleep, a place to recharge and get ready to go back out into the world. Now, for many of us, working and learning are also home-based activities. And even if you are an essential worker and out in the world each day, just as in pre-COVID times, the home has now become even more of a sanctuary from the outside world.
However, when we’re staring at the same walls day in and day out, those walls can start to feel like they’re closing in. Try looking at your home with a fresh eye toward making it feel as peaceful and welcoming to its inhabitants as possible. A little effort and intention go a long way. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Keep clutter at bay. A place for everything and everything in its place, right? That can be easier said than done when everyone is home all day (every day!). Still, managing clutter is the first step in making your home feel calmer. Make a point to immediately load dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Don’t let the mail pile up. Before you go to bed each evening, spend 15 minutes to straighten sofa cushions and stacks of papers. If you have children, you can even turn decluttering into a game: set the timer for 10 minutes and challenge everyone to put away as many of their things as possible during that time. And if clutter gets out of hand, here’s a tip from a mom friend: hold favorite toys (or video game controllers!) hostage until messes are cleaned up. Desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures!
- Create cozy spaces. Once your house is tidied, consider how you can create spaces that draw people in. Where do you (and/or your family members) spend the most time? Floor cushions scattered around the coffee table and jigsaw puzzle or favorite board games (neatly stacked, of course!) are an invitation to spend quality time together. A comfy chair in a quiet corner with a small table to set a drink is the perfect place to curl up with a book. A platter of cheese and crackers or a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen table creates a pause to sit down for a snack.
- Bring nature in. House plants have so many benefits! They help to purify the air in your home, create a sense of calm, and they look beautiful. Try bringing at least one plant into each room of your home. Make it a fun project: do some research to find out which plants are best for each room. For example, some plants tolerate low light; others prefer direct sunlight. You’ll enjoy learning about the many varieties of house plants and will enjoy the feeling of life they add to your indoor spaces. I recently bought some house plants from MI Home Nest in downtown Tigard. Not only does Laura have an Etsy store, but also a brick & mortar store where you can make an appointment and learn all about house plants.
- Embrace outdoor spaces. You can bring nature indoors to you, but you should also go outdoors to enjoy nature! When everyone is home at the same time, think of your porch or yard as an extra room in your home. Embrace the beautiful summer weather here in Oregon and move things outside! Begin your day with coffee on the front porch. An Adirondack chair in a shady corner can become an outdoor office. And for a change of scenery (and a change of pace!), move dinner to the deck (or a picnic blanket on the lawn!).
- Establish a routine. I get it: life looks different these days. But different isn’t necessarily bad. Seize the opportunity to establish new routines that reflect what’s important to you. If dinner was always a mad rush in the “before” time, pause to appreciate the chance to sit down to a leisurely meal. Take a mid-afternoon walk to clear your head. Set your bedtime for a half an hour earlier than usual, and use the extra time to read before turning out the lights. Make every Friday night pizza night—make your dough or order from your favorite local pizza place. You may grow to love these new habits—they may even stick as you transition back to “normal.”
As a real estate agent, I’m passionate about home. Helping you to find a house is an important step—but what comes next is all that you do to create your home. I hope these tips give you new ways to think about your home, and that the moments you spend there are enjoyable and meaningful.
Sharon Bloudek
Principal Broker | OR
She/Her
Sharon is a Licensed Principal Broker in Oregon with 17 years of experience in the real estate industry. With a Business Degree in Marketing/Management from Loyola Marymount University, an MBA from the University of Oregon, and international business studies at the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark, Sharon brings a strategic and diverse perspective to her role.
Leading the #1 team at Living Room Realty alongside Beth Benner, Sharon has earned recognition in the top 1% of the RMLS and is a long-time member of PMAR's Masters Circle Diamond Platinum Level.
Sharon’s integrity, expertise, and commitment to excellence are what make her standout. She has served more than 450 homeowners over the years, leveraging her strong industry relationships and dedication to her clients to deliver exceptional results. Sharon is also an active participant in the local real estate investment scene, using her comprehensive market knowledge to inform her investment decisions.
Originally from Southern California, Sharon has called Portland home for 20 years. Beyond her real estate career, she has served as a Board Member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, has a passion for pickleball, basketball, and softball, and enjoys a fulfilling family life with her three children.
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- T: 503-701-1000
- sharon@bridgetoportland.com
