Organising and decluttering can be overwhelming, but having a clear process will help you stay on track. Cheryl Barnes, founder and owner of Olive Organising, a professional organising service in Wellington, New Zealand - has generously shared the process she uses to achieve success with her clients, so you can try it for yourself! DECLUTTERING PROCESS By following these steps and decluttering tips, you can create more organised, functional, and enjoyable living spaces. Step 1: Categorise Focus on one area at a time (e.g., a wardrobe, cupboard, junk drawer, garage). Pull everything out ..read more

In a world that often pushes us toward bigger and better, it can be reassuring to pause and consider the transformation possible in our homes when we make the most of what we already own and love. Decorating in this way has always been the foundation of the Homes with Soul approach. With a focus on authentic, soulful home interiors, it’s less about following trend, and replacing things unnecessarily, and more about embracing our unique personal style, and decorating our homes, starting with what is already there, gradually layering over time to create a timeless and inspiring home interior. T ..read more

When the winter chill has you reaching for your hottie and slippers, a cosy and relaxing bedroom is a welcome retreat. It’s not only is it nice to have a space that is yours - to escape from the day to day stressors of life, but it is so important for our wellbeing. Here are some of my top tips to help you transform your bedroom into a cosy and relaxing space as we brace ourselves for Winter. Embrace Natural Bedding Materials I only ever purchase bedding made from natural materials. You may want to choose a soft feather or wool duvet inner, complemented by 100% cotton or brushed cotton she ..read more

The ancient art of Feng Shui offers invaluable wisdom in the quest for a harmonious and uplifting living space. Derived from the principles of energy flow and balance, Feng Shui teaches us to create environments that nurture our well-being and inspire positivity. One key aspect of Feng Sui that I discovered recently is the importance of using natural materials, as these natural materials play a vital role in shaping the energy of our homes. In this blog, let's explore why surrounding ourselves with natural elements is essential for creating a sanctuary that feels truly nourishing and how in ..read more

In the art of interior design, colour isn't just a decorative feature; it's a powerful tool that can be used to influence our emotions, perceptions, and behaviours. From calming blues to energising yellows, each hue is capable of transforming a living space into a sanctuary of serenity or a hub of dynamic energy. In this blog, let’s explore how strategic use of colour can uplift our mood, boost energy, and inspire optimism for the future within your home. The Emotional Palette of our Home Picture stepping into a room infused with soothing shades of blue or green. Instantly, a sense of calm ..read more

Creating cosiness at home can often be achieved by simply "shopping your home" and utilising existing items you already own and love, to create a snug atmosphere without the need for many (if any) additional purchases. The primary objective of these strategies below is to reduce the effect of too much hard or shiny surface area within your space. By introducing more tactile elements, you will enhance comfort and significantly improve the overall cosiness. These ideas will help you understand what can be achieved using your existing pieces, and also give you some hints as to what you might l ..read more

Imagine coming home after a long day, and instead of being greeted by clutter, broken fixtures, and irritating sights, you step into a space that welcomes you happily? It's clean, tidy, and exudes a sense of tranquillity. Such an environment can significantly impact your overall sense of well-being. Numerous small irritations that we tolerate on a daily basis can add significantly to our mental load. Making small improvements and repairs on a regular basis make our homes easier and more enjoyable to live in - creating a sanctuary where we can truly thrive. In this blog, we'll explore the tr ..read more

Have you ever found yourself hesitating to make a purchase for your home, scared of making the wrong decision? Perhaps you've been burned by expensive mistakes in the past, leaving you feeling uncertain and stuck in your current situation. If so, you're not alone – many people struggle with indecision when it comes to home decor, afraid of wasting money on items that may not work as well as they hope they will. In fact, I find making decisions for my own home a real challenge - ironic huh! I am so much better at helping other people make good choices. Whether you're considering a small inve ..read more

Imagine coming home after a long day, and instead of being greeted by clutter, broken fixtures, and irritating sights, you step into a space that welcomes you happily? It's clean, tidy, and exudes a sense of tranquillity. Such an environment can significantly impact your overall sense of well-being. Numerous small irritations that we tolerate on a daily basis can add significantly to our mental load. Making small improvements and repairs on a regular basis make our homes easier and more enjoyable to live in - creating a sanctuary where we can truly thrive. In this blog, we'll explore the tr ..read more

There's something so special about the feeling of returning home after a long day, or time away, but not all homes provide this sense of comfort and joy. Regardless of your budget, or where you live, your home has the potential be a sanctuary, a place where you feel content, relaxed, and utterly at ease. Taking some time to consider changes you could make to your space – even minor ones – can help you create a space that makes you feel happier and more content. Let's explore five less well-known strategies to help infuse your home with the feel-good factor! Soften your space by Embracing Cu ..read more