11 Times Doing Nothing Was the Best Home Improvement
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When it comes to your home, there’s a special kind of magic that comes from resisting the urge to meddle. Adding one more coat of paint, reorganizing the furniture, or investing on the latest gadgets is not always the best decision. Sometimes, just taking a step back, letting the dust settle, both literally and figuratively, and believing that ‘less is more’ is more than just a saying is the way to go.
We are in a culture that is all about action, hustle, and always getting better, but that doesn’t always match up with what a home actually needs. Energy and atmosphere are as much part of your home as aesthetics and function. Inaction is, sometimes, the golden ticket to maintaining harmony and character.
Preserving Natural Patina
Older homes have tales to tell, and their worn look can’t be replicated. There’s nothing you’d rather do than scrub rust off the tip of a vintage doorknob or give an old wooden chair a new coat, but the marks of time are what keep the character. Sometimes, homes that maintain their original features sell faster than overly modernized homes. Imperfection is sometimes just perfect.
Letting Trees Grow
That tree blocking your kitchen window view might be annoying today, but in a few years it could be the best friend you ever had. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a well placed mature tree can cut cooling costs by 25 percent. It is also a natural habitat for birds and squirrels, which will provide extra life to your backyard. Before you get the chainsaw out, take a breath… nature has an idea.
Allowing Paint to Peel
Dread can be invoked by peeling paint, but it’s also charming in places like outdoor sheds, fences or barns. Imagine those farmhouse photos you see on Pinterest. Instead of breaking out the sandpaper, ask yourself: Does this wear and tear tell a story? The answer is often a resounding yes.
Waiting on Trends
Does anyone remember when shiplapping your walls and installing barn doors was a thing? Your home is here for the long haul, trends come and go. The latest craze may have you jumping on it, but you could end up with dated décor. To avoid buyer’s remorse and to make sure that what you buy is actually something that you like and would wear rather than a trend, take a pause.
Keeping the Old Windows
Replacing old windows for new, energy efficient ones seems like a no brainer—until you find out that the originals are part of the soul of the home. They can’t replicate thick glass or aged frames or hand blown imperfections. Rather than replacement, look at storm windows that preserve the historic windows while improving the insulation. Authenticity is irreplaceable.
Embracing Creaky Floors
That squeak in your hallway isn’t a defect, it’s a benefit. These charming imperfections are found in older homes, and newer construction tries to mimic them. Creaky floors can have a practical use beyond the nostalgia: I mean, security can come in many unexpected forms.
Skipping the Power Washing
Cleaning or over cleaning — sometimes there’s a fine line, especially when dealing with delicate surfaces like old brick or stone. Not only can power washing eliminate years of natural texture and damage the material, but it can also cause damage to the siding. Sometimes, a spotless pathway is too much, and there’s nothing like that moss covered pathway.
Leaving Ceilings Untouched
Exposed beams and rustic ceilings are a trend that will never go out of style. Not all surfaces need to be stripped and stained. That 60s popcorn ceiling? It’s making a quiet comeback. Sometimes ignoring it saves time and headache, if it’s in good shape and not causing issues, and who knows, maybe it’ll be trendy again soon.
Refusing to Declutter, at Least Not Yet
Minimalism is charming, but there’s beauty in organized chaos. The overflowing pantry, that stack of books, or collection of knick knacks tells your story. If it makes you feel at home, it’s fine to let the clutter sit there. Sometimes things aren’t part of a journey, but simply part of a journey to something else, a road to somewhere else. And as Marie Kondo herself once admitted: not everything needs to “spark joy” immediately.
Letting Gardens Grow Wild
While perfectly manicured lawns are lovely, wild gardens are definitely trending for a good reason. They’re easy to maintain, they’re environmentally friendly and they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Scientists at Cornell University have found that less diverse, more untamed landscapes support healthier ecosystems. A messy garden, in fact, is a magical, living work of art.
Resisting Quick Fixes
That broken tile in your entryway, it could be replaced, but it’s not the end of the world. Minor imperfections left as they are are often a reminder that homes aren’t meant to be perfect, just as people aren’t. These quirks can live with you and teach patience, and make your space more approachable and human.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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