An around the home guide helps homeowners maintain, organize, and improve every space in their house. Whether someone just moved into a new place or wants to refresh their current setup, practical room-by-room advice makes a real difference.
Most people spend over 60% of their time at home. That’s a lot of hours in spaces that should work well and feel good. This guide covers the essentials, from kitchen efficiency to outdoor curb appeal, with tips that actually save time and reduce stress.
The goal here is simple: make each room function better without overcomplicating things. No trendy hacks that take more effort than they’re worth. Just solid, proven strategies for a home that runs smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- An around the home guide helps homeowners maintain, organize, and improve every room for better daily functionality.
- Layer three types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—to transform how living spaces feel throughout the day.
- Follow the kitchen work triangle rule by keeping the sink, stove, and refrigerator within 4-9 feet of each other to minimize wasted steps.
- Use vertical storage solutions in bathrooms and bedrooms to maximize limited square footage without adding clutter.
- Keep bedrooms cool (65-68°F), dark, and free of electronics to create a sleep-friendly environment.
- Extend your around the home improvements outdoors with curb appeal updates like a fresh front door, potted plants, and maintained landscaping.
Creating an Organized and Functional Living Space
The living room serves as the central hub of most homes. It hosts everything from movie nights to work-from-home setups. An around the home guide starts here because this space sets the tone for the entire house.
Furniture Placement Matters
Pull furniture away from walls. This sounds counterintuitive in smaller rooms, but floating furniture creates better conversation areas and makes spaces feel larger. Leave at least 18 inches between the sofa and coffee table for easy movement.
Storage That Actually Works
Clutter kills a room’s functionality. Use these storage solutions:
- Ottomans with hidden compartments for blankets and remotes
- Floating shelves to display items without eating floor space
- Baskets under console tables for magazines and charging cables
- Furniture with built-in drawers
Lighting Layers
One overhead light creates harsh shadows and eye strain. Instead, layer three types of lighting: ambient (ceiling fixtures), task (reading lamps), and accent (picture lights or LED strips). This around the home approach transforms how a room feels at different times of day.
Keep cords organized with cable management clips. Nothing ruins a clean living space faster than tangled wires behind the TV stand.
Kitchen Efficiency and Maintenance
Kitchens work hard. They see daily use, frequent messes, and constant foot traffic. A good around the home guide prioritizes kitchen efficiency because it directly affects daily routines.
The Work Triangle
The sink, stove, and refrigerator form the kitchen work triangle. Keep these three points within easy reach of each other. No single leg should be less than 4 feet or more than 9 feet. This layout minimizes wasted steps during meal prep.
Cabinet and Pantry Organization
Store items where they’re used. Keep cooking oils and spices near the stove. Place glasses near the dishwasher or sink for easy unloading. Use shelf risers to double storage capacity in cabinets.
For the pantry:
- Group similar items together (baking supplies, canned goods, snacks)
- Use clear containers for dry goods, easier to see what’s running low
- Apply the “first in, first out” rule to prevent food waste
Maintenance Schedule
Kitchen appliances last longer with regular care. Clean refrigerator coils every six months. Run an empty dishwasher cycle with vinegar monthly. Wipe down cabinet fronts weekly to prevent grease buildup.
This around the home maintenance approach saves money on repairs and keeps the kitchen running at peak performance.
Bathroom Care and Organization
Bathrooms are small but mighty. They need smart organization and regular cleaning to stay functional. This section of the around the home guide focuses on maximizing limited square footage.
Vertical Storage Solutions
When floor space is tight, go vertical. Install shelving above the toilet. Use over-the-door organizers for hair tools and cleaning supplies. Mount a magnetic strip inside cabinet doors for bobby pins and tweezers.
Cleaning Routines That Stick
Daily wipe-downs prevent deep cleaning marathons. Keep disinfectant wipes under the sink for quick countertop swipes. Squeegee shower walls after each use to stop soap scum buildup.
Weekly tasks should include:
- Scrubbing the toilet bowl
- Wiping mirrors and fixtures
- Washing bath mats
- Emptying trash cans
Humidity Control
Excess moisture causes mold, peeling paint, and musty smells. Always run the exhaust fan during showers and for 20 minutes after. If the bathroom lacks a fan, crack a window or use a small dehumidifier.
An around the home approach to bathroom care keeps this high-traffic space fresh and hygienic.
Bedroom Comfort and Storage Solutions
Sleep quality affects everything, mood, productivity, health. The bedroom deserves special attention in any around the home guide because rest matters.
Bed Setup Basics
The mattress should be replaced every 7-10 years. Flip or rotate it quarterly to prevent sagging. Use mattress protectors to guard against allergens and spills. Invest in quality pillows that support the neck properly.
Closet Organization
Closets overflow fast. Try these fixes:
- Double hanging rods for shirts and pants
- Shelf dividers to keep sweater stacks neat
- Shoe racks or over-door organizers
- Seasonal rotation, store off-season clothes elsewhere
Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Block light with blackout curtains. Keep the room cool, between 65-68°F is ideal for sleep. Remove electronics from the nightstand. The blue light from phones disrupts melatonin production.
An around the home guide wouldn’t be complete without addressing clutter’s effect on sleep. Messy bedrooms create mental clutter. A clean space promotes relaxation.
Consider under-bed storage containers for extra linens, out-of-season clothing, or shoes. This uses dead space without adding visible clutter.
Outdoor Spaces and Curb Appeal
First impressions start outside. Curb appeal affects property value and daily satisfaction. This around the home guide extends beyond interior walls.
Front Entry Updates
The front door is the focal point. A fresh coat of paint transforms the entire facade. Choose a color that contrasts with the house but complements the trim. Add a new doormat, house numbers, and porch lighting.
Potted plants on either side of the door create a welcoming feel. Choose low-maintenance options like boxwoods or ornamental grasses.
Lawn and Garden Maintenance
Mow weekly during growing season. Edge along sidewalks and driveways for a polished look. Pull weeds before they spread. Mulch garden beds to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Outdoor Living Areas
Patios and decks extend living space during warm months. Keep these tips in mind:
- Power wash surfaces annually
- Store cushions during rainy periods
- Add string lights for evening ambiance
- Create zones for dining, lounging, and conversation
An around the home approach to outdoor spaces increases usable square footage and boosts property value. Even small improvements, like a new mailbox or pathway lighting, make a noticeable difference.
