One needs to ensure that the kitchen is not only functional but pleasant to be in- contributed

With the beginning of every year we make new resolutions, the majority of which we are never able to keep, either because they are not realistic or we have not put enough thought into them. If one of your resolutions this year involves home improvement, here is one way you can accomplish it and feel good all year. Simple DIY projects that can be accomplished on weekends will require that you:

1. Take time out to make a list of what needs to be done.

2. Prioritise the list.

3. Set goals to achieve it.

One of the best ways to view the areas of your home that need attention is to imagine that it is up for sale so that you can visualise how it might be viewed by a prospective buyer. Using that approach, you will be shocked to see how many things are in need of attention and improvement.

Come with me on a tour of your home, grab a pen and a piece of paper and let's make a list as we go through room by room.

Starting from the entrance of your home, is it bright and welcoming, or dark and uninviting? Why not change the colour on the wall to something softer and lighter, what about allowing more natural light to filter in? If that's not possible, you could, of course, install more or even brighter lighting fixtures.

Moving on to the living/family room, where is your focal point? Are your eyes pulled automatically towards it? And what of your colour scheme? Are your walls, furnishings, window treatments and floor, coordinated and harmonising?

It's important to create colour harmony or contrast to give your living room a restful feel. It is, therefore, safe at this point to select a paint of neutral tones that can be teemed with your existing furniture, window treatment and floor.

warm and welcoming

Continuing the tour of your home, we stop in the dining room, is it warm and welcoming? If not, could it be the lack of decoration, colour and lighting? Take note and plan to make the necessary DIY improvement soon, for it is very important that you, your family and guests have an improved appetite here and not visual indigestion.

Let's turn our attention to the kitchen. First and foremost, is it hygienic? Do you need to redo the surfaces? Is there adequate accent lighting? What about storage solution? Do you need to reorganise for space? For the kitchen, the list can be endless and one needs to ensure that this area of the home is not only functional but pleasant to be in.

Heading into the bathroom, is there adequate space? What can you move or rearrange to make it more comfortable to your needs? What about the existing faucet fixtures? Why not change them for new and modern ones? And that toilet seat might just need to be replaced. Go ahead, pamper yourself a little by replacing that old shower head with a spa shower; after all, your bathroom is a place to relax and renew.

Finally, the bedroom. Where is your focal point? The bed, which undoubtedly is your focal point, should be placed and dressed to command attention. What about your colour scheme? What effect does it have on you? Is it relaxing or agitating? Colours affect a person's mood and so it is very important that you choose a colour for your bedroom that will create a cohesive atmosphere. Do you need to cover the floor to provide warmth for your feet? Is your lighting adequate for reading and relaxing? Your bedroom is a sanctuary and you should take time out to do your DIY projects to create that ultimate feeling for yourself.

So go ahead and make your list this year, you will feel fulfilled when you complete a project each week and can cross it off your list.

The bed, which is your focal point, should be placed and dressed to command attention.

Send your feedback and quires to Sharon Lowe at sharonintdec@yahoo.com