We all know divorce rates are higher than anybody would like and some of you may have to continue to live in the same house you built your marriage in. Lisa shares some advice on how to redecorate your space after divorce.
In 2011, there were 877,000 divorces and annulments in the US, or about 4 divorces for every 1,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control’s National Vital Statistics System. Divorce might be common but that doesn’t mean that each person experiences it the same way. If you’re one of the majority of divorced women who remained in your house after the dissolution of your marriage, the bedroom might be a source of pain and unpleasant memories. Rearrange and redecorate the space to make it truly yours post-divorce.
Feng Shui the Space
Feng shui is an ancient art that strives to maintain energy flow and balance. It’s a complicated philosophy, but the central premise is that there are areas of positive and negative energy throughout everyone’s home. The way you arrange your furniture can block the positive energy or stimulate the negative energy, with the effects felt throughout your life, including your love life.
After a divorce, you want there to be as much positive energy coming your way as possible. That can mean moving the bed in the bedroom and clearing away the clutter in the space to improve your chi, or energy flow.
Photo by Jeremy Levine Design via Flickr
While you can look at a book on Feng Shui, your best bet might be to hire a Feng Shui consultant, who can map your bedroom and home using a bagua. Find a consultant in your area using the Feng Shui Directory, which lists consultants and design companies located across the country.
Change the Window Treatments
The blinds or drapes on the windows should reflect your tastes and personality after your divorce. Whether or not you liked the window treatments you had before the split, invest in new ones to signal a new start post-divorce. Choose a style you like that also accomplishes something practical, such as keeping out light so you can get a peaceful night’s sleep.
Photo by PoshSurfside.com via Flickr
TheShadeStore.com offers a wide range of window treatments for your bedroom. Choose long, elegant draperies if you want to make a dramatic statement, or hang roller shades or Roman shades with blackout lining, if blocking out light is your goal.
Paint the Walls
Banish your ex from the bedroom by painting over the walls. You can have a solo painting session or make an event of it and invite some friends over for a painting party. Since picking the right color for the bedroom is one of the hardest parts of painting, take the mood quiz from True Value Paint before you head to the paint or hardware store. The quiz will give you an idea of the hues that will work in your new bedroom based on your design choices and wants. If you’re hesitant to commit to a completely new color, paint an accent wall in in the color and stick with white or a neutral hue for the rest of the room.
Photo by Nogwater via Flickr
Replace the Bedding
You don’t have to replace the bed after your split, but you should replace the bedding. Think of it as a way to really get a fresh start. Pick the best quality bedding you can afford. Martha Stewart’s Bedding 101 guide suggests looking for sheets with a 300 thread count. Natural fiber is a better pick than synthetics, too.
Photo by PoshSurfside.com via Flickr
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
What have you accepted in your life that took time, physically or mentally?
I think my studies were the most time consuming. I spent countless hours awake obtaining my interior design degree.
What do you appreciate about yourself and within your life? I appreciate music, art, and love!
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What goals do you still have? I have been able to teach art history at a local art college, giving back to the community is most rewarding for me.
What is your not-so-perfect way? What imperfections and quirks create your Identity?
I can be a little anti-social at times. Its hard to get me out of my house and away from my books!
How would you complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love the creative skills I was given and being about to give back to my community.
