Fall Reset: Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home Before the Holidays

There’s something about the shift into October that makes us pause. The mornings carry a crispness, the light slants differently through the windows, and suddenly our homes feel ready for a change too. Just like we reach for a sweater on a cool evening, our homes can reflect the season we’re walking into.

Fall is the perfect time for a reset. Not a full remodel or a complete overhaul—just small, intentional touches that help your home feel cozy, inviting, and ready for the season ahead. And the best part? A refresh now saves you from the overwhelm that can sneak in once the holiday rush begins.

Here are a few simple ways to create that fall reset in your home:

1. Swap Your Textiles

It’s amazing how much a blanket or pillow can change the feel of a space. Trade the lightweight throws for chunky knits, add in a couple of velvet pillows, or roll out a rug with deeper tones. These layers instantly add warmth and texture, making the whole room feel more grounded and ready for cozy evenings. I’m loving this sweater knit throw right now!

2. Create Layers of Light

As the days grow shorter, the right lighting makes all the difference. Add a lamp in a darker corner, switch out bright white bulbs for warmer tones, or bring in candles to set a softer mood. Lighting isn’t just functional—it sets the tone for how you experience your home in the evenings.

3. Lean Into Seasonal Scents

Scents have a way of shaping our memories. A candle that smells like apple cider, a simmer pot with cinnamon and cloves, or even fresh eucalyptus in a vase can instantly change how a room feels.

I love supporting local shops, and Ruby + Begonia’s Central Park in Autumn candle is one of my favorite fall finds—it fills a room with warmth and comfort. It’s the kind of scent that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and stay awhile.

4. Declutter Before It Gets Busy

Think of your entryway, living room, and guest bath—these are the spaces guests see first, but they’re also the places we tend to overlook in our daily routines. Clearing the surfaces, organizing the baskets, and refreshing a few details now means you’ll feel less stressed later when life speeds up.

5. Prepare for Gathering

The holiday season will be here before we know it. Instead of rushing in November, take a quiet afternoon now to check your guest towels, polish your serving ware, or stock up on the little things (like extra candles or napkins). You’ll thank yourself later when company’s on the way and you’re not scrambling.

A fall reset doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s really about creating a home that feels like a place you want to sink into after a long day, a place that welcomes both your family and your guests with warmth and ease. With just a few intentional changes, your home can feel refreshed, calm, and ready for the season ahead.

If reading this makes you realize you’d love a little extra guidance—or even just a fresh set of eyes on your home—I’d love to come alongside you. Sometimes a designer’s perspective is the nudge that helps you see what’s possible. You can learn more about how we work together here: www.practicallyperfecthomes.com.

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The Art of Letting Go (of Stuff): How to Declutter Your Home with Purpose

The Art of Letting Go (of Stuff)

Because your home should hold what helps you thrive—not what holds you back.

There’s a moment I see in nearly every home I visit—as a designer and professional organizer near me—when a client says something like,

“I don’t even know what’s in there anymore.”

Sound familiar?

In homes filled with family, love, and life, clutter doesn’t always look messy. It accumulates quietly—through seasons and sentiment. But when it lingers too long, it creates friction in your day-to-day life.

And sometimes, what your home really needs isn’t more storage—but less stuff.

Why Letting Go is So Hard (But So Worth It)

Letting go isn’t about minimalism, it’s personal. Here’s what I often hear from clients:

• What if I need this later?

• But that was expensive.

• My mom gave this to me.

• I feel guilty giving this away…

And yet—every item you release is space gained, time saved, and peace restored.

Decluttering your home is the first step to designing a space you love.

Letting go isn’t just organizing—it’s emotional freedom. It’s creating margin in your home for rest, function, and beauty.

5 Gentle Ways to Let Go Without Regret

1. Start Small: The “One Drawer” Method
   Choose one junk drawer or shelf. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Go.

2. Let Your Future Self Be the Guide
   Ask: “Does this support the life I’m living now?” If not—let it go. Decluttering is an act of self-care.
   

3. Create a ‘Blessing Box’
   Think of giving things away as sharing, not losing. Pass on what no longer serves you.
   

4. Don’t Organize What You Don’t Need
   Even pretty bins can become clutter traps. Edit before you style.
   

5. Hire Help—You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
   A fresh, trained set of eyes can help you see what’s worth keeping… and what’s just in the way. As an organizing expert, I can help you make confident decisions—without the overwhelm.

Professional Organizing That Goes Beyond the Bins

At Practically Perfect Homes, organizing is never just about containers. It’s about creating harmony between what’s functional and what’s beautiful—so your home works for your life.

So here’s your gentle permission:
You don’t have to keep everything just because it once had a place.
You deserve a home that reflects where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom juggling sports gear and dinner prep, or a busy entrepreneur needing a clear headspace, our organizing services are tailored to your world.

A thoughtfully edited home clears space for joy, creativity, and rest.

Ready to Make Space for What Matters Most?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, I’m here to guide you—judgment-free. Whether we’re editing closets or planning an entire home design, we start with this question:

What helps you thrive?
Let’s keep that—and release the rest.

📞 Get in Touch

Visit www.practicallyperfecthomes.com to learn more about our home organizing services and full-service design packages. Let’s simplify your space and restore your peace—one drawer, room, or home at a time.

Spring into Style: Decluttering and Decorating Tips for Busy Families

Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes the urge to refresh our homes. If you’re anything like me, the idea of both spring cleaning and spring styling can feel exciting but overwhelming—especially if you’re balancing work, family, or running a business from home. The good news? You don’t have to choose between a well-organized home and a beautifully designed space. With a little strategy, you can tackle both at once.

Let’s dive into a dual approach that blends cleaning and styling to create a space where you and your family can thrive.

Step 1: Declutter First, Style Second

Before you start adding fresh decor, take some time to declutter. Go through one room at a time and eliminate anything that’s overstayed its welcome. Winter coats piling up by the front door? Papers covering your kitchen counters? This is your chance to clear the space for a fresh start.

Pro Tip: If the thought of decluttering overwhelms you, set a timer for 15 minutes per room. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in that short amount of time, and once you get going, you might not want to stop.

Once you’ve removed the excess, you’ll have a blank canvas to work with, making it easier to bring in new spring decor without it feeling cluttered or chaotic.

Step 2: Add Seasonal Elements Thoughtfully

Spring is all about renewal, so this is the perfect time to incorporate elements that reflect the season. Think lighter fabrics, fresh colors, and natural textures. But remember—function is just as important as beauty. We want to add pieces that make your home feel fresh but still work for your busy life.

Consider these ideas:

• Swap out heavy winter throws for lighter, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton.

• Incorporate pops of fresh color—soft pastels or vibrant greens that mimic the outdoors.

• Bring nature indoors by adding potted plants or fresh flowers. They add life and beauty with minimal effort.

• Change out your entryway rugs to something brighter and easier to clean—perfect for those muddy spring days.

Step 3: Make Storage Stylish

A key to maintaining an organized, styled home is creating systems that work for your daily life. I get it—between work deadlines, school pickups, and squeezing in time for yourself, it’s easy for things to pile up. So, how do you keep your home looking polished while staying functional?

• Baskets and bins: Opt for chic woven baskets that double as stylish decor but offer easy storage for toys, shoes, or blankets.

• Decorative trays: Place them on coffee tables or counters to corral loose items like remotes or mail. They instantly tidy up the space while adding a touch of elegance.

• Hooks for everything: From mudrooms to entryways, adding stylish hooks helps keep coats, backpacks, and bags off the floor. This simple addition brings order to busy, high-traffic areas.

Step 4: Prioritize High-Traffic Areas

Focus your energy on the areas that get the most use—entryways, kitchens, and living rooms. By keeping these spaces decluttered and thoughtfully styled, your whole home will feel more organized and welcoming.

If your entryway is a constant source of frustration, invest in functional yet beautiful furniture like a bench with hidden storage or a console table with drawers. This will give you a place to stash shoes, bags, and other essentials, keeping everything out of sight but easy to grab on the go.

Step 5: Keep It Simple

It’s easy to get carried away when styling your home, but sometimes less is more. Instead of overhauling an entire room, consider swapping out just a few key elements. A new set of throw pillows, a bright vase, or some fresh artwork can completely transform a space with minimal effort.

Remember, the goal is to create a home that feels both beautiful and functional for your busy life. By focusing on a few well-chosen updates, you can refresh your space without adding to your to-do list.

Ready to Refresh Your Home This Spring?

Spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your home, and with this dual approach, you can combine the benefits of spring cleaning and spring styling. Whether you’re balancing a full family schedule or running your business from home, creating a space that is both organized and beautiful will allow you to focus on what really matters.

Need help tackling your spring refresh? At Practically Perfect Homes, we specialize in designing spaces that balance function and beauty, so you can thrive. Let us handle the details so you can enjoy the season without the stress.

Visit us at www.practicallyperfecthomes.com to learn more about our full-service design and professional organizing services.

Top Interior Design Trends for 2025: What You Need to Know

As we step into 2025, the world of interior design continues to evolve in exciting ways. For busy families and professionals trying to make the most of their homes, it’s important to create spaces that are not only stylish but also functional and comfortable. This year, design trends are all about balance—between bold statements and cozy retreats, vibrant colors and calming spaces. Here’s a look at the top trends for 2025 and how you can incorporate them into your home, even with a packed schedule.

Colorful Kitchens: A Bold Statement for Your Home

Kitchens have long been considered the heart of the home, but in 2025, they’re taking center stage in a whole new way—through color. Gone are the days of purely neutral tones; today’s kitchens are bursting with vibrant hues. From bold cabinetry in deep blues and emerald greens to colorful backsplashes and playful accents, a colorful kitchen adds personality and energy to the space where you spend a lot of your time. 

For busy families, this trend doesn’t mean sacrificing functionality. There are plenty of ways to integrate color without overwhelming the space or making it harder to maintain. With my help, we can choose colors that elevate your kitchen while also complementing your family’s lifestyle. Imagine a bright, welcoming space where you can cook, eat, and gather—all while feeling inspired! I’m currently debating whether to pull the trigger on yellow cabinets. Should I go bold with just the lowers, or take the leap with both the upper and lower cabinets? I’ll let you know what I decide!

Biophilic Design: Bringing the Outdoors In

Biophilic design isn’t a new concept, but it’s definitely making a strong comeback this year. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, there are other added benefits, like improving air quality and reducing anxiety and stress, making it the perfect choice for busy families and professionals looking to create a peaceful, healthy home environment. Whether it’s through lush indoor plants, natural materials like wood and stone, or large windows that let in natural light, biophilic design helps create a serene and calming environment. 

This trend is perfect for those who want to escape the chaos of daily life and find a little peace in their home. But, integrating nature into your space doesn’t have to be complicated. Together, we can create a home that not only feels more relaxed but is also functional and easy to maintain. Adding a few well-placed plants or incorporating natural textures into your décor can make a big difference without disrupting your busy schedule. 

Vibrant Maximalism: Let Your Personality Shine

While minimalism still has its place, 2025 is all about maximalism. Vibrant, bold, and eclectic, maximalism allows you to mix patterns, colors, and textures freely, creating spaces that feel lively and full of character. For busy families, this trend might seem a little daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s all about creating a space that reflects your unique personality and lifestyle.

Maximalism doesn’t mean chaotic or cluttered—it’s about layering pieces you love in a way that feels intentional. Whether it’s mixing bold prints with bright colors or curating a gallery wall that tells your story, this trend can bring energy and joy to your home. And as an interior designer specializing in organization, I can help ensure that your maximalist space still feels functional and comfortable for your family’s everyday life.

Cottagecore: A Cozy Retreat for Your Family

Cottagecore is all about nostalgia and warmth, and it’s making a big comeback. With its focus on simple, rustic charm, floral patterns, natural textiles, and vintage-inspired furniture, cottagecore brings a sense of comfort and tranquility into your home. This trend is about creating a space where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy slow, meaningful moments with loved ones.

From cozy reading nooks to inviting kitchens with farmhouse sinks, cottagecore is perfect for families looking to add a bit of charm to their homes. I can help bring this whimsical style to life, ensuring that your space feels welcoming and practical for your busy family’s needs.

Moody Spaces: A Shift Towards Drama and Depth

Finally, 2025 is embracing moody spaces, characterized by deep, rich colors and a sense of mystery. Think dark blues, charcoal grays, and forest greens, paired with luxe materials like velvet, leather, and matte finishes. This trend is perfect for creating intimate and dramatic rooms that stand apart from the typical bright, airy spaces we’ve seen in recent years.

Moody spaces create the perfect ambiance for relaxation and rejuvenation—ideal for those looking for a sophisticated retreat that feels grounded and calming. By selecting the right materials and colors, you can achieve a space that’s both dramatic and cozy, making it the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. And don’t worry, even moody spaces can be organized and functional with a thoughtful approach.

Is there anything moodier than a teenager? We recently updated my daughter’s bedroom, and while they chose plush, light-colored headboards, we went with the beautiful dark, moody Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze for the walls, doors, and trim. With a few well-placed lamps and wall sconces, it’s the perfect retreat for my teenager—a space that’s both cozy and dramatic.

Bringing It All Together

As you can see, the top interior design trends for 2025 are all about making your home reflect your personality while balancing beauty and functionality. Whether you’re interested in colorful kitchens, biophilic design, or embracing maximalism, there’s a trend that can work for your home—no matter how busy your life gets.

The key to integrating these trends is working with a professional who understands how to blend style with practicality. That’s where I come in. As an interior designer specializing in both design and organization, I help busy families like yours create spaces that are not only on-trend but also perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

Ready to bring these trends into your home while ensuring it’s a space that works for you and your family? Let’s connect and transform your home into a place that truly reflects who you are—and supports your busy life in 2025.

Cultivate Joy: The Power of Gratitude During the Holidays

The holiday season is filled with twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and the warmth of family traditions. But for many busy moms (myself included!), it can also bring a whirlwind of stress, clutter, and chaos. Between planning meals, shopping for gifts, and trying to keep the house in some semblance of order, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where the power of gratitude comes in.

Gratitude is more than just saying "thank you." It’s a powerful mindset that shifts your focus from what's missing to what's already present in your life. And during the holiday season, this simple practice can be transformative. Whether you're looking to simplify your home, nurture your family connections, or just maintain your sanity, here’s how cultivating gratitude can help you embrace joy and create a more peaceful holiday season.

Gratitude Helps You Slow Down and Savor the Moment

The holidays tend to be a whirlwind of to-do lists and social obligations. It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly racing to the next task, barely catching your breath. By practicing gratitude, you intentionally pause and appreciate the little moments — like your kids’ laughter while decorating the tree, or the warmth of a cup of coffee on a chilly morning.

Pro Tip: Start a gratitude journal this season. Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for. They don’t have to be big; even the smallest moments of joy count! This simple habit will help you slow down, reconnect with what matters, and stay grounded amid the holiday rush. Any journal will work, but this one by Cultivate What Matters is my favorite gratitude journal!

Gratitude Fosters Stronger Family Connections

Holidays are for family, but between school performances, holiday parties, and the everyday responsibilities of mom life, it can be hard to truly connect. Gratitude can strengthen those bonds. By expressing thanks — whether it’s for your partner's help with the dishes or your child’s effort in making a handmade ornament — you create a positive, supportive atmosphere at home.

Try starting a gratitude tradition with your family. Maybe it's sharing one thing you’re grateful for at dinner or writing thank-you notes to each other. These small acts of appreciation build a sense of togetherness and remind everyone of the love that’s at the heart of the holiday season.

Gratitude Reduces Holiday Stress

Let’s be real: the holiday season can be stressful. There’s so much to do, and it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. Gratitude is like a mental reset button. When you’re stressed about your to-do list, a quick moment of gratitude can help you refocus on the positives — like the fact that you have a home to clean or loved ones to celebrate with.

When you shift your perspective to focus on what’s going right, rather than what’s overwhelming you, stress levels naturally decrease. You’ll feel more in control and less burdened by perfectionism. Plus, studies show that practicing gratitude boosts your mental health, making you feel calmer and happier overall.

Gratitude Helps You Declutter and Simplify Your Space

As an interior designer and professional organizer, I’m all about creating homes that are functional and beautiful, without the clutter. Practicing gratitude is a natural complement to decluttering, especially during the holidays when gifts and decorations can overwhelm your space. When you focus on gratitude, it becomes easier to let go of items that no longer serve you. You appreciate the things you truly love and release the rest without guilt.

This season, before the influx of new holiday items, take time to declutter. Donate gently-used toys, clothes, or home goods that are no longer needed. By doing so, you’ll not only create space in your home, but you’ll also extend your gratitude by giving to those in need.

Gratitude Cultivates a Joyful Holiday Spirit

At the heart of it all, gratitude is about joy. It helps you recognize the abundance around you, even in the midst of holiday craziness. When you focus on what you’re grateful for, you experience more joy — in your home, your family, and your life. And that joy becomes contagious.

Whether it’s finding delight in a quiet moment of self-care, celebrating a messy but love-filled family dinner, or reflecting on the blessings of the past year, gratitude brings out the true spirit of the holidays. And when you embrace that, the season becomes less about the stress and more about the joy.

Final Thoughts

This holiday season, let’s commit to practicing gratitude — not just as a fleeting thought, but as a daily habit. As busy moms, we deserve to feel the joy that gratitude brings, both in our homes and in our hearts. By focusing on what truly matters, we can turn this season into one of peace, connection, and happiness.

So, take a deep breath, look around, and ask yourself: What am I grateful for today? That small question can transform your entire holiday experience.

Wishing you a holiday season full of joy, gratitude, and love!

— Alison