If you’re anything like me, most of the summer holidays are spent turning a blind eye to the whirlwind going on around you. Children whizzing in and out, along with all manner of grass and muddy footprints no doubt. It’s a killer for a neat freak like me but I have trained myself to let it go...counting one, two, three...3,963 etc.
But once you’ve jetted back from your hols, exhausted Netflix and found yourself on first name terms with all the animals at the zoo - and there’s STILL three weeks to go before the start of term - you might just decide to throw in the towel and declare, “Right! I'm going to sort this mess out once and for all!”
Ok well maybe you won’t take an advert out in The Times, but you might start quietly mulling over your plans.
Because the thing is, summer often exposes the chink in our decor’s armour, the morning sunbeams ‘helpfully’ shining a spotlight on that peeling wallpaper. Don’t even mention the windows. Karchers, vinegar, old wives tales you name it, those pesky streaks are going nowhere.
A recent study suggested that undone DIY projects can lead to a feeling of failure. You don't say....Professor Craig Jackson, head of psychology at Birmingham City University advises visualising the end result before starting. I can safely say I've got that one covered.
How lovely would it be to have a new coffee table in the lounge? A dresser in the kitchen? Or a new console table for the hall perhaps? I can just see it now.
Maybe the children would benefit from new desks to help with their increasing levels of homework?
A lick of paint on the front door or a couple of new lamps in the study?
We'll see. As for the peeling wallpaper, my first solution to such problems is a short term distraction technique. I am forever thinking about new accessories and am renowned for changing things around, much to my family’s annoyance. My standing hurricane lamp has been known to inflict a few injuries in its time...Still, I do like to revitalise my home every now and again. Whether it’s a new armchair or just a simple picture frame, it will always make a difference.
A perfect home is all in the planning, so while the children continue to run rings around you, keep your cool, make a list and stay calm.
Your time for revival will come!