One of my major goals this year is to show a little more love to my home. From decor to design, my abode had always been one of uncoordinated aesthetic. A rug I got on sale here, a sweet table I scored at a garage sale there, etc. While that eclectic approach might've suited me in my early twenties, it feels like a messy afterthought now. It's past time I take the steps to make it feel like a home (slash office!)

We've been making conscious changes here and there, with attention to overall color palette (black, white & grey with pops of primary color) and materials (reclaimed wood, concrete, metal, natural or organic fibers.) We once favored functionality over design, but now they're equally important. I need things that make my life easier or that take little to no maintenance while still making my place look good.

Here are a couple of ways I've done that, and a couple of things on my wish list to simplify life even further.

Fancy up the walls

We've collected tons of art over the years that just need to go up! One piece I put up immediately was a Brooklyn Flea find, by a Washington state native who beautifully portrays quotes on recycled pieces of wood.

Mixing patterns

My couch has always sat bare, with just a couple of random throw pillows I'd use as cushions for my laptop. A few new pillows of varying shapes, textures and sizes made for a quick but visually-appealing upgrade!

Reclaimed and vintage

One of the hottest trends lately is the use of reclaimed materials and vintage furniture. We traded in our non-descript computer desk for a tall, reclaimed wood, steel-enforced long table. 

Multi-tasking

If you're anything like me, you've got your phone near you at all times. I got this little iPhone charger / speaker dock that looks like an old phonogram. It's so cute, and kills two birds with one stone - charging my phone while playing music for me to sing along with in the shower!

Organization booster

The one major thing I haven't cemented in this home is a good place for the random but important stuff. You know - car keys, mail, grocery list, reminders, bills and such. I'm in the market for a good organizer, and am leaning toward this bamboo wall panel by Seattle-based Three by Three.

Tidy town

We are in dire need of a new vacuum. We've got two huge, clunky ones that are on their last legs and just taking up space in the closet. The holy grail of vacuums, of course, is Dyson's entire line, and I'm hoping to make one the next vacuum in my life.

Dyson Digital Slim™ vacuums have a detachable long-reach wand for floor to ceiling cordless cleaning. Powered by the Dyson digital motor, they’re the most powerful cordless vacuums. Learn more at www.dyson.com/digitalslim.

What tips or upgrades have you made to simplify or spruce up your home lately? Let me know in a comment below!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dyson via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dyson.