When you walk into your home, town house, or apartment, how do you feel? Happy? Creative? Down? Personalizing your space can rev up your productivity and give a boost to your morale while you’re at. No matter if you’re looking to make your space more welcoming, inspiring, or soothing, a few simple changes can make all the difference. Best of all, you don't need a bundle of cash to make effective improvements.

Define Your Style

It can sometimes take a bit of introspection to discover the kinds of changes you need to make to feel better about your space. Some people flourish in a bare-bones modern apartment, while others thrive when surrounded by objects stimulating to the senses. Before you start shelling out your hard-earned dollars on decor, think about how you want to feel while at home, and let your personal style inform your purchases. It could be as simple as painting one wall a bold color, adding a new style of bar stools, or changing out the handles of your cabinets to give your space a makeover.

Energizing Lighting Options

If you're on the hunt for ways to stay energized and focused when you’re home, consider updating the lighting. Nothing drags your energy down like hanging out in a dark room all day. A variety of ambient, indirect, and direct light sources is best. Natural lighting helps you feel connected with the world outside. Adequate direct lighting is also critical for important tasks, if you have night hobbies or you work from home.

Comfort Counts

Staying comfortable not only makes you feel better about your apartment or house, but is critical for your health and well-being as well. Look for ways to reduce muscle strain without busting your bank account. If you don't have enough cash on hand for a plush bed, for example, invest in some extra bed cushions as a temporary solution.

Clear the Clutter

Don't curate your space. Clear it. Nothing is more distracting when you're at home than a space filled with visually arresting objects. Keep cherished objects like family photos and art work, but consign other clutter-happy accessories to storage until you decide on better places to put them or are ready to part with them.