New Year, Dream Home: The Resolutions We’re Keeping

Rip & Tan: In 2023, what’s one thing that ought to be a non-negotiable on everyone’s list of home resolutions?

Linnea Schooley: Making your home a place that fills you with joy! I am all about romanticizing your life, and I believe that begins with making the place where you spend most of your time as much of a sanctuary as possible.

Rip & Tan: As we set goals for our dream home, what’s a project—or even a specific room—you recommend beginning with?

Linnea Schooley: Your living room or your bedroom—whichever you feel like you spend most of your time. Both can easily be spruced up with new pillows, throws, coffee table books, candles, window treatments, rugs, and so forth. All can hugely transform a space with a smaller investment.

Rip & Tan: Whether for sake of time or simply sorting priorities, what’s one home resolution we can all do away with this year?

Linnea Schooley: Any resolution that puts too much pressure on yourself, no matter what it is! Let’s not be too hard on ourselves when we maybe don’t reach those lofty goals by the end of the year.

Rip & Tan: When you’re approaching a new project, how do you like to organize your to-do list?

Linnea Schooley: To-do lists can be so daunting especially when they feel like they’re never-ending, as they often do for big projects. I always start with big-picture tasks such as floor plans and concepts. I then work backward with lead times to prioritize the details—I start with anything I know takes forever or is needed sooner. Items that are usually in stock or easily accessible, I save for later on.

Rip & Tan: If we only have the time and energy for one big project this upcoming year, what should we prioritize?

Linnea Schooley: Whichever place in your home brings you the least joy, you should prioritize. We don’t need to bring negative spaces into 2023!

Rip & Tan: What are simple yet impactful home swaps or interior updates we can make on a daily or weekly basis?

Linnea Schooley: Candles and fresh flowers are my favorite small ways to elevate a space!

Rip & Tan: Thrilling as it can be, resolving to create your dream home can be incredibly overwhelming. And tips for staying motivated and approaching each project with ease?

Linnea Schooley: Always hire a designer if you are able to! It’s so worth the investment, I promise. People don’t realize how much work and thought goes into designing a thoughtful and cohesive space, and designers are there to alleviate that for you.

If you’re not able to hire a designer, take things one step at a time, and don’t rush the process. Less mistakes will be made and you’ll be overall happier with the end result.

Rip & Tan: Regardless of personal style or aesthetic, we’re all after a happy and healthy home. What are some of the most important elements to consider when making this a reality for ourselves?

Linnea Schooley: Invest in quality materials that are better for you, better for the environment, and will last you for years to come. It’s always better to move through the home renovation or improvement projects slowly and with quality materials, rather than filling your home with materials that will fall apart in a few years’ time.