Delights and Diversions: 5 Fulfilling Things To Do at Home Right Now

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As we find ourselves unexpectedly hunkered down at home, now is the time to tackle household hopes and dreams—or, at least, to find some inside amusement. Transform your living room by repositioning the sofa, clean overlooked workhorses (such as your washing machine), and get to those repairs and creative projects on your rainy day To Do list.

Here are some favorite projects:

1. Finally Do It Yourself

our own justine hand used a tree stencil to pattern the white walls of her son& 17 — Above: Our own Justine Hand used a tree stencil to pattern the white walls of her son’s bedroom: see The DIY Boreal Forest. (She also roller-painted a pattern onto a wall in her daughter’s room: see that project and more in Editors’ Favorites: Our Top 10 Weekend Projects.)

&#8\2\20;when i couldn’t stand looking at my bedroom’s bare w 18 — Above: “When I couldn’t stand looking at my bedroom’s bare walls another minute, I dug out some art supplies I already had and set out to create something to hang above the bed,” says Dalilah Arja of her DIY Block Prints. In lieu of frames, she used nails and binder clips.

Looking to upgrade your rental apartment? See Expert Advice: 23 Genius, Reversible, Budget-Friendly Hacks to Transform a Rental Apartment. For many more ideas, such as the hugely popular Easy Burlap Shades (for Less Than $20 Each), peruse our DIY Projects archive. Photograph by Justine Hand.

2. Rearrange the Furniture

use what you&#8\2\17;ve got but shift it around—and see how upliftin 19 — Above: Use what you’ve got but shift it around—and see how uplifting it can be to enter what feels like a new room. Get ideas from 11 Ways to Make a Room Look Bigger. Nothing fancy required: low-slung pieces create an open feel, as designer Corinne Gilbert demonstrates in her low-key chic apartment shown here (as featured in *Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home* and How to Decorate Like a Frenchwoman). Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

deletions can also be the answer: this small space design by workstead feels mu 20 — Above: Deletions can also be the answer: this small-space design by Workstead feels much roomier thanks to the absence of a rug and curtains. Find more pointers in Tips for Creating the Illusion of Space. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

3. Create Artful Order

our all time favorite approach to organization? put up a shaker style peg rail 21 — Above: Our all-time favorite approach to organization? Put up a Shaker-style peg rail and gain instant order. Shown here, a rail made by Michigan workshop Peg and Rail from our book *The Organized Home*. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

our companion site, the organized home, is filled with inspired ideas for every 22 — Above: Our companion site, The Organized Home, is filled with inspired ideas for every room. These Fabric-Wrapped Hangers are a Depression-era trick that brightens closets—and enables the clothes to stay in place. Photograph by Pez Madrid.

4. Deep Clean

in expert advice: editors&#8\2\17; top \23 cleaning tips, we detail solutio 23 — Above: In Expert Advice: Editors’ Top 23 Cleaning Tips, we detail solutions that make use of on-hand ingredients, such as vinegar, salt, even toothpaste (it’s great for polishing jewelry). Photograph by Justine Hand.

now that surface cleaning has become a daily ritual, take the scouring to the n 24 — Above: Now that surface cleaning has become a daily ritual, take the scouring to the next step: Clean Your Washing Machine and Your Dishwasher: over time, grime takes its toll and they both deserve a scouring. On a roll? Clean your mattress and pillows, too. Photograph by Justine Hand.

Go to our Domestic Science archive for more ideas, including a DIY All-Purpose Cleaner Made from Essential Oils and a DIY Cleansing Calming Yoga Mat Cleaner.

5. Love Your Bed

even maximalists find it easier to sleep in a room stripped of excess stuff. th 25 — Above: Even maximalists find it easier to sleep in a room stripped of excess stuff. This storage bed on Cape Cod doubles as a dresser. For space-enlarging approaches, see Justine’s 12 Tips for Making a Small Bedroom Look Bigger. And get inspiration from 27 of Our Favorite All-White Bedrooms. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Trouble sleeping? See our 10 Secrets for a Better Night’s Sleep. Also consider The Scandinavian Sleep Secret—Mine and Yours Duvets.

another soothing approach: the monochrome bedroom. this all pink design— 26 — Above: Another soothing approach: The Monochrome Bedroom. This all-pink design—see Blush in the Boudoir—is in architect Jess Thomas’s Brooklyn townhouse. For many more design ideas, scroll through our Steal This Look column. Photograph by Kate Sears.

Stay home, everyone, and stay well. And if you’ve tackled any household projects while sheltering in place, we’d love to hear about them—please fill us in in the Comments section below.

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Frequently asked questions

What are five fulfilling things to do at home right now?

According to Remodelista's article, five fulfilling things to do at home right now are:
1. Start a garden
2. Learn to make bread
3. Rearrange your furniture
4. Organize your closet
5. Start a book club

Why is starting a garden fulfilling?

Starting a garden is fulfilling because it allows you to connect with nature, work with your hands, and see the fruits of your labor. It can also provide fresh produce for cooking and a relaxing outdoor space for relaxation.

What are the benefits of learning to make bread?

Learning to make bread is a fulfilling skill that can provide a sense of accomplishment and result in delicious homemade bread. It can also save money on buying store-bought bread and provide a creative outlet for experimenting with different types of bread recipes.

How can rearranging furniture be fulfilling?

Rearranging furniture can be fulfilling because it allows you to refresh your living space without spending money on new furnishings. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and a new perspective on your home's layout and design.

What are the benefits of organizing your closet?

Organizing your closet can be fulfilling because it can make getting ready in the morning easier and more efficient. It can also help declutter your living space and provide a sense of satisfaction from a tidier and more organized home.

What are some benefits of starting a book club?

Starting a book club can be fulfilling because it provides an opportunity for intellectual stimulation, social interaction, and a shared love of reading. It can also introduce you to new books and authors and offer a sense of community and camaraderie.

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