Are people still spending money on home improvements despite rising housing costs and inflation? According to Opendoor’s 2024 Home Decor Report, the answer is yes. In fact, the average American will spend $5,635 on home remodeling projects this year.
We reviewed Opendoor’s data and spoke with a design expert to get insights on this year’s home decor and renovation trends. When it comes to how homebuyers (and renters) are prioritizing their spending, we learned that paint makes a difference, kitchens renovations are top of the to-do list, and new or repurposed decor can liven up a space. Beyond that, here are some of the most popular home upgrades American homeowners want to try ASAP.
About the Survey
Opendoor surveyed 1,041 homeowners ages 25-74 who have decorated or remodeled in the past two years or have shown interest in doing so.
Popular Home Renovations
When asked about their top-priority remodeling project, 33 percent of respondents said painting, and another 27 percent said the kitchen. Here are some other important upgrades Americans want to make in their homes.
Updating Light Fixtures
For a relatively easy home renovation that may or may not require a handyman, 25 percent of homeowners want to update light fixtures before anything else. The scale and design of overhead lighting can make a significant impact on the look and feel of a space.
Installing New Flooring
Updating floors is the most important home renovation for 24 percent of homeowners. While the cost and labor can be significant, a fresh wood floor or carpet can make a space feel brand new. However, if the scale of this project is too much for the moment, consider a new area rug or a different paint color to offset dated flooring.
Upgrading Kitchen Cabinets
Of all the kitchen renovation projects, 22 percent of homeowners say they want to (or have already) installed new kitchen cabinets. Trendy kitchen cabinet styles come and go, but for longevity, consider a style that coordinates with your home style. For example, shaker-style cabinets look great in older Craftsman homes, while slab-style cabinets work well in homes from the mid-century. If new cabinets aren’t in the budget, consider repainting them to give them a fresh, new look.
Replacing Kitchen Counters
Kitchen counters are the most important project for another 22 percent of homeowners. It’s an upgrade you can do on its own or with a full-scale kitchen renovation. While granite and quartz are popular among homeowners, home design expert Dabito prefers marble. “I think Calacatta marble is making a big splash in the kitchen. It has a lot of bold, unique veins that can add movement and texture in a kitchen space,” he says.
Dabito is an interior designer, color expert, and creative director at Old Brand New.
Affordable Projects
Not all home renovation projects need to break the bank. In some cases, they don’t even involve demolishing a space. Here’s how homeowners plan to save money when updating their homes.
Painting a Room
Painting a room was the highest priority home renovation listed in the survey, but it was also chosen as the most affordable. According to Opendoor’s 2024 Home Decor Report, the top home colors are (in order of popularity):
Off-white
Light gray
Beige
So we can expect these to show up quite a bit in renovation projects next year. “These colors can provide a sense of calm for those living in (and visiting) a home. Traditional neutrals offer a blank slate for home shoppers to easily envision their style,” Dabito says.
“That said, I’m big on color, so I anticipate that the ‘new’ neutrals will be muted tones that are grounded and offer stability—think light blue, light green, dusty rose, and eggshell yellow,” he explains. Dabito also suggests that many paint color brands’ 2024 Colors of the Year are in line with that assumption, with many choosing subdued blues and greens as emerging shades. “These colors can add warmth to a space without overwhelming the senses,” he says.
Buying Seasonal Decor
Updating your seasonal decor is the most affordable to update your home, according to 55 percent of homeowners. But does this count as a home renovation? Sure, if you consider that a renovation can include any project that improves a home, whether that be cosmetic, structural, or a decor change that improves the visual appeal of a space. (Think of how effective home staging is when you sell your home.) Try swapping out fabrics throughout your home from cotton and linen in the warmer months to velvet and wool in the winter.
Changing Furniture
Some house projects won’t require spending at all. Changing the layout of your furniture was chosen as the best wallet-friendly update by 49 percent of homeowners. And Dabito is a fan of using what you have to make a big change.
“Changing furniture is a great way to make a space feel new—without having to change a home’s structure or layout,” he says. “One of my favorite tips is to use furniture as a divider. Try moving your sofa, so it becomes the separator between a living area and the kitchen, for instance. Or, you can have your furniture float in the middle of the room rather than against a wall.”
Dabito
Flow in any space is important, so reimagine your bedroom or living room in a new layout that might offer a better flow. I also love round coffee tables for smaller living spaces because they’re more inviting.
—Dabito
Eco-Friendly Upgrades
Sustainable projects can save money, so these home renovation trends are excellent for your wallet and the earth. Here’s how homeowners take care of their environment while upgrading their homes.
Refinishing Existing Materials
Just because your furniture and decor seem dated doesn’t mean you need to toss it. Homeowners agree that refinishing existing materials is a conscious way to update your home without adding to the landfill.
“One of my favorite ways to refinish existing materials is to let the natural beauty of an existing piece shine through, says Dabito. “Peel-and-stick tiles are fantastic for any outdated tilework in a kitchen without having to commit to a full-on renovation.”
Investing in Dimmers
Installing dimmers is a relatively easy DIY project that improves energy savings. Also, dimmers can enhance your quality of life by providing a range of brightness throughout the day. Just remember to turn the lights off completely when you leave the room for maximum energy conservation.
Refinishing Old Furniture
Just like refinishing materials in your home, you can also give your old furniture an upgrade. Staining or painting wood furniture is a beginner-friendly project and will make use of materials that would have otherwise been tossed.
“Staining a wood furnishing like a side table or cabinet is a great way to make its natural qualities stand out while making it feel new. On the flip side, I also love reimagining an old piece with a fresh coat of paint,” Dabito says.
Cats are simple creatures. They only require that you love them unconditionally (when they are ready for love), always give in to their (sometimes frivolous) demands and have a full bowl of kibble ready at any hour of the day.
In exchange, you’ll get a feline friend who is mostly indifferent to everything around them, has energy bursts and sleeps a lot. The last point is important, as cats can snooze for up to 16 hours daily. And naturally, the king of your urban jungle needs a comfortable bed, and the more elegant it is, the better.
In this article: Furhaven Mid-Century Modern Elevated Pet Bed, Gavenia Fluffy Self-Warming Cat Bed and Pickle & Polly A-Frame Tent for Cats.
Only the best for your fluffy friends
Pet owners naturally want to provide their furry friends with some comfortable furniture, but too often cat scratchers and loungers look ghastly. Most of the designs don’t seem to take into consideration that only a few people’s aesthetic is cardboard chic or sisal serene.
But cats don’t need to scratch and sleep in the same location. Having a scratcher is fine when it’s in a busy, high-traffic area, but for other quieter areas, felines feel most at home in a comfortable bed.
However, not just any bed will do. Apart from getting cat furniture that fits in with your decor, there are a few things to consider. If your cat prefers a space off the ground, consider an elevated bed that gives them a vantage point.
Also, take your cat’s weight into consideration. The thickness of a mattress might seem sufficient, but heavier cats will naturally need a bit more support and the frame should be able to handle it. Related to the mattress, consider the material that it’s made from, as some are better suited for colder months while others are more lightweight for summer.
Best cat beds that might as well be home decor
Furhaven Mid-Century Modern Elevated Pet Bed
There is no better cat bed than this piece inspired by mid-century modern design. It looks good in any room, and at first glance, it doesn’t even seem like a bed for pets. It is 32 inches long and 22 inches wide and stands 9.8 inches tall. The wooden bed frame comes with pre-drilled partitions to make assembly easier, and it fits 20-inch by 30-inch mattresses.
Sold by Amazon
Gavenia Fluffy Self-Warming Cat Bed
This ultra-fluffy doughnut-shaped cat bed fits in with any clean decor or carpeted room. It has a water- and dirt-resistant base that won’t slide around on the floor. There are three sizes, and the smallest bed measures 20 inches in diameter and is 7.5 inches thick. The filling is polypropylene cotton, which is warm and cozy.
Sold by Amazon
Pickle & Polly A-Frame Tent for Cats
This adorable cat bed is perfect for a home with a rustic decor scheme or a vintage aesthetic. The simple frame is made from sturdy wood and held together at the top with a dowl rod. The fabric tent neatly attaches to the frame through elegant bows and provides a comfortable space for any cat to catch some shut-eye.
Sold by Amazon
PawHut Weaved Banana Leaf Elevated Cat Bed
This cat bed can easily be mistaken for a plant holder or an elaborate storage space. The weaved banana leaf cat bed gives off a tropical or rustic vibe, yet also looks elegant. The entrance into the ball-shaped area where cats sleep is 15 inches in diameter, and it stands on a 6.7 inch base. The fluffy cushion is 1 inch thick and 19.7 inches in diameter.
Sold by Amazon
The Refined Feline Faux Rattan Elevated Ball Cat Bed
Similar to the banana leaf bed, this elevated ball cat bed stand 28 inches tall on a 17 inch base and the ball is 11 inches off the ground. The opening on the ball is 17 inches in diameter, which is large enough for most cats. It is made from faux rattan, which is durable and elegant.
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Petmate Aspen Pet Sofa Bed with Pillow
This adorable cat couch is perfect for making your feline feel right at home while fitting in with the room’s decor. It is 20 inches long and 9 inches wide, with a plush ridge around the back edge. The sleeping area is covered in a synthetic lambswool and it even comes with a little pillow for comfort.
Sold by Amazon
Wall-Mounted Hammock for Cats
If your cat prefers to gaze upon the world from above, then this wall-mounted hammock is the perfect option. The cream and brown color scheme complements any decor choice and provides a functional sleeping spot. The sturdy backing has a scratch pad and the hammock can easily support cats up to 22 pounds.
Sold by Amazon
Free-Standing Cat Hammock
This free-standing hammock resembles an ottoman, which is great if you want it to seem like it’s part of the furniture. The simplistic metal frame is 19 inches wide and the hammock is 9.5 inches off the ground. The sleeping area is made from durable fabric is detaches from the frame for machine washing.
Sold by Amazon
Lazy Lush Orthopedic Pet Bed
If humans can have a comfortable couch, then why can’t cats? This bed isn’t elevated off the floor, but it has a 3-inch mattress for comfort. Measuring 30 inches by 20 inches, there is a 3.5-inch shredded foam wall around three sides, which doubles up as a pillow. The mattress comprises a waterproof lining, orthopedic foam and soft fur on top.
Sold by Amazon
Asrug Soft Faux Fur Pet Bed
If a fur rug is part of your decor choices, then this cat bed will be hardly noticeable. Approximately 26 inches by 37 inches, it has a 2.5 inch thick fake fur pile that provides a luxurious space for daytime napping. It has a soft, ivory-colored suede backing to prevent slipping and is machine-washable.
Sold by Amazon
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Are you thinking about downsizing your home? Whether you’re an empty nester looking for a more manageable lifestyle or starting a family and seeking a change, transitioning from owning a house to renting an apartment can offer a ton of benefits. In this guide, we’ll answer the question of how to downsize your home, from decluttering and preparing for the move to finding the perfect apartment and making it feel like home.
Know your why: understanding the motivation behind downsizing
Before setting off on the downsizing journey, it’s important to understand why you want to make this change. There are plenty of reasons why homeowners choose to downsize, like retiring, embracing a minimalist lifestyle, saving money or moving to a smaller house in a new city. By keeping your motivation in mind, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges that come with figuring out how to downsize your home.
Embracing the positives of downsizing
Downsizing your home doesn’t have to be viewed as a loss. Instead, focus on the positives that come with this transition. Consider the financial benefits, like lower mortgage payments, property taxes and maintenance costs. Downsizing can also offer newfound freedom and flexibility, allowing you to pursue other interests and experiences. By shifting your mindset and embracing the advantages, you’ll be more prepared to downsize successfully.
Planning the move in advance
To make the moving process easier, make sure downsizing your belongings ahead of time is on your to do list. This includes not only getting rid of unnecessary items but also evaluating your furniture and larger possessions. Determine what will fit into your new apartment and what you can live without. By downsizing your stuff before the move, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to expect and can make the transition to a smaller area more seamless by finding ways to save space while you save money.
Buying vs. renting: determining the best option for you
Once you’ve decluttered and prepared for the move, it’s essential to decide whether buying or renting an apartment is the right choice for you. Owning a home offers long-term stability, but it also comes with additional costs like mortgages, insurance and maintenance. On the other hand, renting provides flexibility and fewer responsibilities. Consider your financial situation, lifestyle preferences, and long-term plans to make an informed decision.
Hidden costs
When downsizing from a house to an apartment, it’s crucial to be aware of the hidden costs that might not be immediately apparent. Moving expenses, like hiring movers, purchasing packing supplies and potentially paying for a storage unit, can add up quickly.
While the apartment’s rent might seem more affordable compared to a mortgage, you have to consider the security deposit, pet fees, parking fees and any amenity fees that apartments often charge for extras like a personal on-site storage unit. These costs can significantly impact your budget, making it important to thoroughly research and factor these expenses into your financial planning.
If your new apartment requires any furnishings or renovations to make the space work for you, these are additional costs that need to be considered ahead of the move.
Utility bills
Utility bills in an apartment can differ significantly from those in a house, often leading to significant savings. Apartments typically have small rooms and less square footage than houses, which can result in lower heating and cooling costs. Many apartments offer utilities included in the rent, like water and trash services, which can simplify monthly budgeting and potentially save money.
It’s important to understand exactly what utilities are covered and what you’re responsible for paying. Some buildings may have less efficient HVAC systems or lack individual unit controls, leading to higher electricity or gas bills than expected. Researching and asking for average utility costs from the apartment management can provide a clearer picture of your monthly expenses.
Finding the perfect apartment
When searching for an apartment, it’s important to consider your specific requirements and preferences. Think about the location, amenities and size that will best suit your needs. If outdoor spaces or certain amenities are essential to you, prioritize only those things first in your search.
Consider potential future needs, like extra storage space, square footage for expanding your family or large windows for natural light. By carefully evaluating these factors, you’ll find an apartment that aligns with your downsizing goals.
Multipurpose rooms
Adapting to small rooms when moving from a house to an apartment requires creative use of space, making a multipurpose room not just a great idea, but often a necessity. A living room or guest room can double as a home office or a dining area with the right furniture and layout.
Investing in versatile furniture pieces, like a sofa bed, floating shelves, extendable dining tables or a functional storage unit, can maximize versatility without sacrificing style or comfort. Using room dividers or open shelving units for storage areas can help delineate spaces for different uses while keeping the apartment feeling open and airy. The key is to prioritize what functions are most important and design the new space around those needs, ensuring that every inch of your apartment works hard for your lifestyle.
Reviewing lease agreements and moving in
Before finalizing the lease agreement, thoroughly review all the terms and conditions. Pay attention to the rent price, security deposit, utilities and any maintenance policies.
Ensure that everything is as agreed upon and ask any necessary questions. Once you’re ready to move into your current home, you may choose to hire professional movers or handle the move yourself. Whichever option you choose, make sure you’re well-prepared and organized for a smooth transition.
Making your apartment feel like home
Once you’ve moved into your new apartment, it’s time to make it feel like home. Furnishing and decorating a smaller space requires careful consideration. Focus on selecting furniture that fits the apartment’s dimensions and serves multiple purposes in one room. Measure the rooms and furniture to ensure a proper fit. Personalize your space with colors, textures and accessories that reflect your style and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Decluttering
Decluttering is a critical step in downsizing from a house to an apartment. It involves carefully evaluating your possessions to decide what truly adds value to your life. Luckily, it also results in less stuff and, often, extra cash. This process not only makes the move easier and potentially cheaper but also helps in adapting to a smaller home.
Start by categorizing items into what to keep, sell at a garage sale, donate, get rid of or discard. Be realistic about the space limitations of your new apartment and prioritize items that are necessary or hold significant emotional value. Decluttering can be an emotional process, but a yard sale also offers an opportunity to refresh and simplify your lifestyle, making your new apartment feel spacious and organized.
Professional organizers
Hiring a professional organizer can be a worthwhile investment when downsizing to an apartment. These experts can offer invaluable advice and tips on how to efficiently use your new, smaller space, suggest ways to reduce clutter, and help you decide what to keep, donate or dispose of. They can also assist with the physical aspects of decluttering and organizing before the move, making the transition to a smaller home smoother and less stressful.
While the cost of hiring a professional organizer may seem like an unnecessary additional expense, their expertise can save you time and money in the long run by helping you avoid mistakes and make the most out of your new living situation. Their services can be particularly beneficial for those who are overwhelmed by the downsizing process or unsure where to start.
Embracing a minimalist lifestyle
Downsizing your home provides an opportunity to embrace a minimalist lifestyle. Prioritize what truly matters to you and let go of excess possessions. Adopting minimalist principles will not only help you maintain a clutter-free environment but also promote a sense of peace and simplicity. By using storage spaces, focusing on quality over quantity and reducing material possessions, you can create a space that feels spacious and organized.
Managing the transition and settling in
Transitioning from owning a house to renting an apartment may come with some emotional challenges. It’s important to be patient with yourself and allow time to adjust to the new space.
Take advantage of the amenities and community offered by your apartment complex to connect with neighbors and feel a sense of belonging. As you settle into your new, smaller home together, you’ll discover the benefits of downsizing and enjoy the freedom it brings.
You can live large with fewer square feet
Downsizing to a smaller home can be a transformative experience. By understanding your motivation, decluttering your belongings and carefully considering your options for your new small space, you can successfully navigate this transition.
Embrace the positives of downsizing, find the perfect apartment and create a space that reflects your style and values. With the right mindset and preparation, downsizing can lead to a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle.
Curling up with a good book, watching your favorite comfort show, or enjoying a cup of tea are all infinitely more enjoyable when surrounded by cozy home decor. These pieces set the mood for your entire experience, which is why investing in some good home pieces might be on your mind. Not sure where to start? These stylish, yet comfortable picks will get you started, and they’re all under $50.
When shopping for cozy home decor, opt for pieces that’ll add texture and warmth to your space. That means looking for items with soft materials, rustic elements, and pleasant colors, including warm lighting, moody wall decor, and throw pillows. And you can find all these winter essentials within Amazon’s Get Cozy section starting at $12. Plus, many of these pretty pieces are from popular brands at Amazon, like Sweet Water Decor, Bedsure, and Creative Co-Op.
One simple and easy way to instantly give your living room a cozy feel is by incorporating a fleece blanket, like this fuzzy Bedsure throw. Its soft feel and ribbed design fits right in with the quaint aesthetic you’re looking for, while adding a pop of color to an otherwise bare sofa. The Amazon best-seller is loved by more than 1,300 shoppers who say it looks luxurious, has a soft exterior, and keeps them warm during the winter. The throw is available in 27 colors and styles, and is currently on sale.
Yumknow Vintage-Like Farmhouse Wall Decor Set
Modern farmhouse decor is a popular, cozy style with warm wood details, vintage-like accents, and neutral colors. And if you’re looking for that appearance on your walls, consider this country-esque picture set that’s under $25. The set brings six paintings that feature calming landscapes and come in various sizes, making it perfect for a gallery wall. While the artwork is unframed, they’re in classic 8-inch by 10-inch and 11-inch by 14-inch prints, allowing you to customize the paintings with wood, gold, or black frames.
Mwz Modern Black Wall Sconce Set
Not only will lighting do wonders for a dark space, but it’ll also provide a nice glow, especially with an Edison-style bulb. These brushed black wall sconces will add an industrial twist to your cozy decor and break up all the beiges and grays already in your space. The sconces have brass accents on the customizable arm, which has a knob to angle the light shade 180 degrees. Shoppers installed these sconces in their living room as well as the foyer, bedroom, and kitchen.
More Winter Home and Kitchen Essentials
These are just a few cozy living room staples on Amazon. Scroll through the list below for more stylish picks or head over to the Winter Home Finds hub for even more options.
Luzdiosa Candle Warmer Lamp
Calyan Wax Co. Evergreen and Eucalyptus Three-Wick Soy Candle
With so many design trends shaping the way we think about decorating our homes, it can be tempting to go for on-trend styles when choosing home upgrades. While some trends incorporate elements that can last, there are also lots of trends that will look dated within a few years. Finding the right balance between keeping your home fresh and contemporary while avoiding looks with a short shelf life can be a challenge, but there are some simple things to keep in mind that can help you focus on enduring style.
Decorate with what you love
The first rule of timeless style is to love what you have in your home. Decorate with your own tastes in mind, even if they don’t match what’s currently the most popular wall color or the trending fabric for a sofa. Since you’re the one who has to live with it, picking finishes and fabrics that make you feel happy in a space.
Go with vintage
While various vintage styles will go in and out of fashion, depending on the current direction the design industry is heading, a well-made vintage piece that you like will outlast the trends and become an anchor of your interior design style. Look for vintage pieces that you are drawn to but also ones made from good quality materials like solid wood, natural stone, and handcrafted metal. Choosing larger furniture pieces can also help guide your choices on smaller accent items by giving you a color and texture framework to work from.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match
Combining vintage items with newer ones that have a similar color palette, choosing fabrics for upholstery and curtains that can highlight colors you like in your furniture, and mixing textures on rugs, accent pieces, and moldings can allow your style to be easily updated by intermingling more on-trend pieces with older, more classic ones without seeming out of place.
Choose function over form
Choose furniture and fixtures that truly belong in your space. Shoehorning a gigantic sofa into a small living room because you like it not only won’t work well for everyday use, but it will look out of place, and its appeal will fade faster than a piece that looks like it was made for the space. This type of decorating can accurately be called “slow decorating” because finding the perfect piece for a room can take a little longer. But overall, you’ll be happier with the result.
Go bold with art
If you want to add some bold color without committing to a saturated wall color or vibrant upholstery, art can be your guide. Choosing art is fun, and it can be a great way to add a unique look to your space. Finding art that speaks to you and your tastes and experiences will make your home feel more your own and will keep your functional design style dynamic and entertaining.
Add some plants
Houseplants are always in style, and choosing some that fit your tastes is a great way to liven up your interior. Even if your plant pots go out of style, you can swap out the pots for more contemporary colors or shapes. Humans tend to be attracted to plants in our homes, in part because of their calming and pleasing qualities, so they’re a good addition to an interior look with some longevity.
Choose long-lasting materials
Consider the quality of materials you use for things like flooring or countertops. Choosing natural stone and wood, or even less traditional materials for indoors like brick can help create a timeless look and feel to your home. Choosing long-lasting materials will also mean you likely won’t need new floors, new countertops, or a new backsplash for many years.
When it comes to home design, we’ve all decorated with a trend or two that we wish we could forget (anyone remember pistachio-colored kitchens?). But we’ve also discovered trends that have turned into classic finishes that are here to stay. (Looking at you, marble!) With that said, while trends come and go, it’s always fun to forecast what’s going to be hot in the new year. And as with the “never dress in a trend from head-to-toe” fashion rule, the same applies to home decor. It’s never wise to outfit an entire house in them, but sprinkle in a trend here and there for an updated look. From embracing bold hues to incorporating textured wallpapers, 2024 looks to be a colorful year. Four designers weigh in on what you’re sure to see inside beautiful homes around Dallas this year.
Trend: Working pantries
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More and more, new home builds and renovations are including a spot for a working pantry, which is a larger walk-in version with storage and prep space. “Adding countertops, outlets and space to prep in pantries bring an added layer of function to the home and can help achieve a mess-free kitchen space while entertaining,” says Hayden Dendy, designer for BRNS Design, a multidisciplinary architecture and design firm.
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Designer Kara Adam, owner of Kara Adam Interiors, is also urging her clients to consider adding a working pantry to their floor plans. Not only is it practical, but it’s another opportunity to have fun with design. “Pantries are no longer a closet with white shelves,” she says. “They are gorgeous and they’re functional. Design them with pretty countertops, tile and wallpaper, or paint them a fun color. They are truly treated as a room now, not just a closet. This will be budgeted into more and more of my clients’ projects.” She suggests storing appliances that take up space in the kitchen such as coffee makers, blenders and toasters. “They can also be plumbed with a sink or ice machine. Basically all of the things that are noisy or unattractive, so that your kitchen remains a pretty space,” she says.
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Trend: Saturated color
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“This year we are going to see homeowners being more adventurous with color,” says Danielle Frazier, co-owner and principal designer of interior design studio Twilly & Fig. “When you saw the trends go towards gray and neutrals and cooler tones, people lost that richness and connection to color. They are starting to feel that void and want to be more playful with color.” Within that, Frazier notes that spaces will continue to see monochromatic use of color, particularly with moody hues. She says she’s seeing an increase in purple spaces, as well. “We just did a living room in a grayish plum that is really rich. It’s a color you don’t hear a lot about now, but you’ll start to see it more,” she says. She suggests trying Benjamin Moore’s “Hazy Lilac” as a way to introduce the trending palette. Aside from the walls, Frazier also notes that homeowners are starting to ask for colorful pieces like rugs, sofas and wallpaper as well. “I think people are willing to take a risk with color on more investment pieces than they have in the past,” she says.
Adam agrees that the neutral all-white look is starting to fade. “In 2024, few people are going to ask for that,” she says. “People want a cozier environment rich in color. Even formal spaces are looking less formal because of the rich color. It draws you in and makes a space scream ‘come hang out in here,’” she says.
Trend: Mixing and matching genres
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As the neutral palette starts to fade, so does the matchy-matchy interior that looks more like a catalogue than a personalized lived-in space. “Our clients are craving an element in their design and in their homes that have a soulfulness to them,” Frazier says. “For instance, we’ve been designing a kitchen with custom handmade tiles on the backsplash. We’re finding that people are wanting to add depth, character and personality through handmade pieces and antiques.” She suggests shopping estate sales and local antique stores for hidden gems or planning a road trip to one of Round Top’s antique show weeks for one-of-a-kind finds.
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“We always encourage and push clients to embrace the unexpected,” adds Adam. “Mixing a contemporary piece with an antique will make an environment that is pleasing to the eye.”She also urges clients to purchase art, which personalizes a home even more. She suggest that her clients buy works that speaks to them, rather than what “matches” their interiors. “Your home is an expression of you,” she says. “Art is very subjective. And, it’s not just decoration anymore. It’s a statement.”
Trend: Bold bars and beverage centers
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“Bars are huge right now,” says Adam. “We have some homes with multiple bars. And much like how powder baths are the jewel box of the home, that’s how bars are going to be too. They will be extremely layered, rich in colors and accessories, and usually have unique countertops.” And thanks to the playful powder bath aesthetic that has been trending for some time, homeowners are craving more of that layered look throughout the home, which is where a bold bar comes in. “It used to be that we’d go into these beautiful, airy light homes and they’ve had this wild powder bath, but now you’re seeing that personality throughout the home,” she says.
Cheers to the new home bar: How to create a modern, multifunctional space
And on that note, Frazier is seeing an increase in beverage centers, which encompasses every drink throughout the day, from breakfast to cocktail hour. “In the past a beverage center was maybe just a coffee bar or a cocktail bar, but now people want them to be multipurposeful, a place where they can make their morning coffee or tea, make a smoothie bowl after a workout or pour a beverage after work.” Most of these areas include a beverage fridge or fridge drawers, a built-in pullout trash can, a wine fridge, a sink, and cabinets for blenders, coffee pots or tea kettles. “It depends on the person, of course, but they are designed for how they want it to function,” she says.
Trend: Cozy spaces
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Homes built in the last decade mostly feature open-concept floor plans, which usually include an open family room, kitchen and breakfast nook. But Adam is hoping to design cozier spaces in the next year. “No one wants to relax in their family room when they are sitting on the sofa and behind them is the kitchen,” she says. Dirty dishes, a pot of soup on the stove or clutter on the countertops does not create for a relaxing space. “Creating separation is good for your mental health,” she says. “You can step away from it and go back and clean it up later.” Plus, when a space is large and open, there is no breaking point for a designer to do something playful and fun on the walls or molding. “When it’s one huge space, it’s a lot harder to upholster or lacquer a wall,” she explains.
Her clients are also asking for game rooms. “We can’t do enough of them,” she says. “We are redoing spaces so that people can have a mahjong room. In our home we have a table built for mahjong, but when it’s not set up for that, we always have a puzzle out, too. Work on a puzzle for 20 minutes and it’s good for your brain and it slows things down. Then you can go back to running around or going to carpool,” she says.
Trend: Textured and printed wallpaper
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Wallpaper has been trending for some years now, and it’s still holding strong in 2024, especially selections that boast texture, bold patterns and fabric. “In 2023, we launched our first wallpaper collection with Ever Atelier, Ever X Yates, and it led us to experiment with wall coverings in new ways. For example, new construction ceilings are typically much taller nowadays, and implementing wallpaper can help weigh it down and feel more proportional,” says Bryan Yates, principal designer of Yates Desygn. “In addition, we are currently framing three panels of a de Gournay print to work as a 9-foot-by-9-foot piece of art and create a more significant moment in a client’s dining space rather than using traditional panels as a series.”
Adam notes that adding the right wallpaper to a space helps to evoke a mood, too. “People are wanting texture as opposed to a super flat, quiet space. For instance, when you’re having a dinner party in a dining room covered in cool silk wallpaper, it makes people want to stay. We want our clients to have dinner parties that go on all night,” she says.
Move over, coastal grandma, and say hello to eclectic grandpa, the latest nostalgia-fueled style taking the design and fashion world by storm. According to a Pinterest trend report, “grandpacore,” so to speak, is majorly in vogue, which makes total sense, given that vintage finds, academia-inspired accessories, and menswear fashions have experienced a major resurgence for the past several years. Bring on the cardigans, retro patterns, and leather accessories! This trend isn’t just for your wardrobe, however. In fact, we’d argue it’s even more fun to work into your home. Read on to learn all about this 2024 trend and how to pull it off in your space.
What Is the Eclectic Grandpa Trend?
Is it weird that the first person I pictured when I heard the phrase “eclectic grandpa” is the Grandfather character from The Parent Trap? I mean, he’s just the epitome of this aesthetic. Always smartly dressed in some sort of thick knit blazer, he spends his days reading the newspaper in a wood-paneled study filled with books (with a crystal decanter nearby, because obviously). His character is just the right amount of quirky without being overly so.
To translate that same vibe into your home, it’s all about warm wood tones, vintage finds, classic patterns, and accessories that tell a story. Basically, you can think of the eclectic grandpa style as being coastal grandmother’s funkier, more masculine cousin.
How to Get the Grandpacore Look in Your Home
If you’re eager to embrace this look in your home, here are some of our favorite ways to lean into the eclectic grandpa aesthetic.
Drape a plaid blanket over the sofa
If there’s one pattern that just screams eclectic grandpa, it’s plaid. For an easy, inexpensive way to introduce this pattern into your home, pick up a plaid throw blanket to drape over your sofa or at the end of your bed. Even better if you order one with your monogram, given that there’s nothing more grandpa-like than monogrammed linens.
3 colors available
Mark and Graham
10+ colors available
Work dark wood tones into your home
Dark, rich wood tones are an eclectic grandpa must. To lean into this look without buying all new furniture, start with a classic wooden tray with a bit of funky flair. Use it to organize your work-from-home station or place it on your dresser to house perfumes and everyday hair and makeup products.
Kate and Laurel
Jazz up your sofa with sweater-inspired pillows
Every eclectic grandpa has a soft spot for a good sweater. When shopping for throw pillows, look for cozy sweater-like materials like wool, woven knits, or embroidered designs. For an even funkier touch, the Etsy find below featuring the Ralph Lauren Polo bear is about as eclectic grandpa as it gets—it will surely be a conversation starter and will cozy up your space in an instant.
Pottery Barn
3 colors available
Etsy | BergenStreet
Style a leather valet tray
Vintage leather and eclectic grandpa style simply go hand in hand, and a leather valet tray is the perfect way to try out the trend. Take to the flea market (or just Etsy!) in search of a piece that you’ll be excited to style on your desk or an entryway table. These are great for corraling small items like your keys, jewelry, lip balm, and more.
Pottery Barn
2 colors available
Etsy | KarlVonArtistry
10+ colors available
Decorate with vintage ashtrays
If you’re anything like me, you aren’t a smoker but absolutely love keeping ashtrays on hand throughout your home regardless. We all know that any eclectic grandpa loves a good ashtray, too, so it’s time to build out your collection while embracing this style trend. I personally use ashtrays as bases for candles (they make your average vessel look extra luxe) and place them on my nightstand to corral jewelry or on my coffee table to hold matchbooks and other small trinkets. Etsy is a great place to browse for vintage ashtrays of all kinds. These look like they could’ve actually belonged to your grandfather at one point (in the best way possible, of course).
Etsy | RehomeVintageGoods
Etsy | AandJVintageShop
Display a large trunk
The grandpacore life involves lots of slow mornings spent at home with plenty of reading material. If you want to go beyond a classic magazine rack, stash your magazine collection inside a vintage-looking trunk or one made from woven materials (these are also great solutions for shoe storage, extra linens, small purses, you name it). Pretend it’s a piece that’s lived inside of your apartment for decades on end—it beats any modern acrylic bin.
Want to learn how to get paid to do nothing? Picture this: making money without putting in much effort, even when you’re just relaxing, sleeping, or waiting in line. The idea of getting paid for doing nothing has always been popular and it’s probably your dream life. It may seem too good to be true,…
Want to learn how to get paid to do nothing?
Picture this: making money without putting in much effort, even when you’re just relaxing, sleeping, or waiting in line. The idea of getting paid for doing nothing has always been popular and it’s probably your dream life.
It may seem too good to be true, but there are real ways to use your free time or things you already have to make money with minimal ongoing work.
There are actually quite a few things on this list that I regularly do so that I can make money doing nothing.
Now, some of the ways below may take initial effort or even some maintenance over the years. But, you may be able to earn money while sleeping or while at the beach with minimal effort needed from you.
Best Ways To Get Paid To Do Nothing
Do you want to earn money while you relax? You can get paid without a 9-to-5 job. Let’s look at some ways to make money while doing nothing.
Here are some ways out of the list below that you may be interested in:
Sell printables online – These can be made once and sold an unlimited amount of times. Learn more at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
Pose as an art model – It’s simple; just sit still! Art schools pay models around $25 per hour.
Real estate – You can invest in real estate funds. Your money might work for you, and you don’t have to manage properties.
Take online surveys – You can answer these whenever you have free time and the questions are extremely easy. Best online survey sites include Branded Surveys, Swagbucks, and Survey Junkie.
Rent your stuff – You’ve got stuff other people might want for a day or two. Think about renting out things like your storage room, baby gear, RV, and more.
Learn more about the different ways to get paid to do nothing below.
1. Sign up for a rewards credit card
Earning money without working hard can sound really nice. One way to do this is to get a rewards credit card. When you use this kind of card, you can get points or cash back for buying things you would buy anyway.
When you sign up for a new card, you might receive a big signup bonus. Some cards give you bonus points, like 50,000 or even more, as a welcome gift! However, you usually need to spend a certain amount of money first (such as $4,000 in the first 3 months).
Here is a table with the different types of rewards you might get:
Reward Type
What You Get
Points
Use for travel and gift cards.
Cash Back
Money back on your purchases.
Mile Rewards
Miles to fly on planes for free airfare.
I have a few rewards credit cards and I earn points every time I use my credit card, such as by paying a bill or going grocery shopping. I actually just signed up for a new rewards credit card this week that has a great signup bonus value of over $800.
Two rewards credit cards that I personally like are:
Important note: Using credit card rewards is a good idea as long as you use your credit card responsibly. It’s not smart to go into debt just for rewards because having debt with interest is not free or helpful. To truly make money from credit card rewards, be sure to pay your full credit card balance every month.
2. Get paid to stand in line
If you don’t mind waiting, you can earn money by standing in line for other people. Some companies and individuals pay for this service, especially when they’re busy or want to attend popular events without waiting.
Here’s how it works: You take someone else’s spot in line, like waiting for tickets or securing a spot at a busy restaurant. You do the waiting for them so they don’t have to.
You can earn approximately $25 to $35 per hour by just standing in line. The exact amount depends on your location and how much people need line sitters.
To get started, search for websites that link line sitters with clients, such as Taskrabbit, Same Ole Line Dudes, and InLine4You. Join the sites, create a listing for your services, and wait for someone to hire you.
3. Dividend-paying stocks
One of the best ways to make money without a job is to invest in dividend-paying stocks.
When you invest in dividend-paying stocks, you’re buying a piece of a company that gives you money regularly. Think of it like getting a small thank you for holding on to the company’s stock. These payments usually come from the company’s profits and they’re called dividends.
Here’s how it works. You buy stocks that pay dividends, and then, every so often (usually every three months), the company sends you money. It’s a way to earn without doing much after your initial investment.
Now, a table to show you what to look for:
Term
Meaning
Dividend Yield
How much you earn compared to the stock price
Payout Ratio
The part of profits used for dividends
Ex-Dividend Date
The day when you must own the stock to get paid
Keep in mind, not all dividend stocks are the same. Some may lose value and payments could stop if the company isn’t doing well. So, it’s important to choose wisely, and you might want to seek guidance from someone who knows a lot about stocks.
For me, I love earning dividends. It’s like being rewarded for saving for retirement, and it is so easy.
Recommended reading: What Are Dividends & How Do They Work? A Beginner’s Guide
4. High-yield savings accounts
When you put your money in a savings account, you want it to grow. High-yield savings accounts are like your regular savings account but with an extra boost for making your money grow faster.
The interest rate or annual percentage yield (APY) is what the bank pays you. The higher the APY, the more money you make. Good news! Some of these accounts offer APYs much higher than the usual, like more than 5%! That’s a lot better than the average savings account.
I personally use Marcus by Goldman Sachs and they have a very high interest rate. You can get up to 5.50%, at the time of this writing, through my referral link bonus. So, at this rate, if you have $10,000 saved, you could earn $550 with a high-yield savings account in a year. Whereas with normal banks, your earnings would only be $46.
You must be thinking, “What’s the catch?” Well, most of these accounts are from online banks. No biggie, just that you won’t have a bank branch to visit. They also tend to not offer other features, such as bill pay and checks – it’s simply a place to park your money and earn a lot more in interest.
5. Sell printables
If you want to earn money while doing nearly nothing on the internet, you can try selling printables online. Printables are files that you make once, like planners, invitations, flash cards, and worksheets, and then sell over and over again.
Yes, you will have to make the printables and open a store, but after a while, you can start making money from the same printables over and over again.
This is because printables are digital products that sell with just simple downloadable files.
I recommend reading How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy to learn more.
6. Share your opinions
You can earn money in your free time by joining paid market research studies. Keep in mind, it won’t replace a full-time job (they usually pay only $1 to $3 for each survey you complete), but you might make some extra cash.
When I was paying off my student loans, I did online surveys almost every day. I did them before work, during my lunch break, or after work. What I like about answering online surveys is that I can answer them whenever I want, such as while watching TV or eating lunch.
Some of the survey companies I recommend include:
Please head to Best Paid Online Surveys to read more.
7. Rent out your extra storage space
If you’ve got extra room at your place, you can make money by renting it out.
Think about renting out parts of your home, like an empty closet, your driveway or parking space, or your garage. Websites like Neighbor allow you to list these spaces for someone to store their belongings (such as a car, sofa, boxes, and more).
Neighbor is like the Airbnb of storage space. Instead of having guests over, you’re renting out your storage space to store other people’s belongings.
8. Sell stock photos
Selling stock photos is a good way to earn money through passive income without actively working for it.
You upload photos you’ve taken with your camera or phone to a platform like Depositphotos. When someone buys one of your photos, you get a commission.
Websites, companies, and blogs use stock photos for all different kinds of reasons. Businesses use them to improve their content, websites, or overall appearance, as they may not have the time to take photos of everything they need.
I personally use stock photos in my blog posts all the time, and I know many, many others who do as well. The photos throughout this article are all stock photos, so you can see how useful they are to website owners.
Stock photography includes pictures of things like:
Travel, landscapes, and outdoor scenes
Business settings like laptops, offices, and people working
Family moments, including parents and children
Household items, such as living areas and kitchens
Animals, including pets and wildlife
Vehicles like cars and boats
Sports, from professional events to casual games
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
9. House sitting
For some people, house sitting is the ultimate dream job. You may be able to watch houses around the world in dream destinations after all!
House sitting involves taking care of someone’s house while they’re away. It’s a way to earn money without much effort. Your responsibilities include staying in the house, making sure everything is safe, collecting mail, and sometimes looking after pets or watering their plants. Many times, people just want it to look like someone is living in their home so that no one will try to break in.
You can find house sitting jobs on websites like TrustedHousesitters and Care. You may also find these types of jobs through dog walking gigs, such as on Rover.
10. Invest in REITs
Investing in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is like buying a small piece of many buildings without the hassle of managing them.
REITs are companies that own many real estate properties, and they earn money by renting out space in those properties. Imagine shopping malls, apartments, and offices as examples.
Here’s how it works:
Choose a REIT – Look for REITs with good histories, like those experts trust.
Invest Your Money – You can start with a small amount of money.
Earn Money – REITs make cash from their buildings. They share this cash with you through dividends.
11. Pose for art classes
If you can stay still for a while, you might like posing for art classes. When you pose, art students look at you and draw or paint your picture. It’s a way you can make money by just sitting or standing.
Most times, art models get about $20 to $30 each hour. You’ll usually be there for around three hours or more.
What will you do? You will hold a pose. A pose can be something like sitting in a chair, standing, or making an interesting shape with your body. These poses can last from five to twenty minutes. Don’t worry, you get breaks so you can stretch and rest.
Who can do this? You don’t have to look a certain way. Artists need all kinds of people to learn how to draw humans well. You just need to be okay with being looked at while you are posing.
Where to find these jobs? Check with local art schools, colleges, or community centers. They usually need new models. You can also look online for art model jobs in your area.
12. Listen to music
If you enjoy music, you can actually make some money by listening to songs. You can use apps and websites that pay you just for listening. Companies want your opinion on new music, and they’ll pay you for your time!
Slicethepie is a popular site that pays you to listen to music. Other popular sites include Playlist Push, Current Rewards, and Hit Predictor.
Here’s how it typically works:
Step
Action
Find an app
Look for apps that offer payment for music listening.
Sign up
Create an account on these platforms.
Listen and rate
Start listening to music and provide your honest feedback.
Earn
Collect your earnings, usually through points that can be converted into cash or gift cards.
13. Get paid to work out
Yes, you can get paid for being active, even while doing your regular workout!
Apps like HealthyWage make staying fit exciting by allowing you to bet on your fitness goals. You set a weight loss target, bet on yourself, and join others with similar goals. If you achieve your goal first, you win money from the prize pool. It’s a friendly competition with a chance to earn a financial reward.
14. Become a notary
If you want to earn money with little effort, you might think about becoming a notary. As a notary, your job is to be a witness when people sign important papers and to check that the people signing are really who they say they are.
So, yes, you are still working a job, but you are simply watching people sign papers.
What notaries do:
Meet people who need papers signed.
Check their IDs to make sure they are who they say they are.
Watch them sign the document.
Use your notary stamp and write in your record book.
You can make anywhere from $9 to $21 per hour, but it depends on things like where you live and if you have to go to people or they come to you.
15. Mattress tester
Testing mattresses is a unique side hustle where you can make money by just testing out mattresses.
As a mattress tester, you’ll test beds and write reviews about your sleep quality, comfort, and any other observations. Your feedback is valuable as it helps companies improve their products to better meet customer needs.
Some mattress companies pay individuals like you to test their products. This helps them figure out how comfortable their mattresses are and how they can make them even better.
You can find these gigs by researching local sleep clinics or mattress companies that offer paid studies or testing.
I have actually been paid to test mattresses in the past, and it is easy! I was only paid with free mattresses, but at one point in a single year, I think I received 5 or 6 mattresses. I ended up giving away a couple to friends and family because the work was so easy.
16. Join a sleep study
Similar to testing out mattresses, you may be able to get paid to join a sleep study.
Sleep studies are research projects that help doctors understand sleep patterns and disorders. If you’re interested in earning money while contributing to science, participating in one of these studies is an option. Typically, sleep studies seek specific types of participants, such as a particular age group or weight range. Your initial step is to determine if you meet their requirements.
After being accepted into a study, you’ll visit the center for tests. During the study, you might wear special equipment while you sleep. This equipment helps researchers monitor and track your sleep patterns.
The payment you receive depends on how long the study is, which might be for one night or even several weeks.
Many universities, like the Harvard Division of Sleep Medicine, pay for sleep studies.
17. Put an advertisement on your car
If you want to earn extra money without doing much, think about turning your car into a moving billboard. Companies will pay you to put their ads on your car.
To start, join a car wrap advertising company like Carvertise or Wrapify. They’ll place a special sticker, called a car wrap, on your entire car or specific parts of it. These companies seek drivers to display ads on their cars, and the more you drive and the places you go can increase your earnings.
Your car’s make and model, condition, and paint quality are important. They decide how well the ads will stick and look.
The type of ad wrap you choose changes how much you get paid too. The options are:
Full wrap
Partial wrap
Just the windows
Here’s what you might be able to earn:
Car Wrap Type
Possible Earnings
Full Wrap
$200 to $1000 per month
Partial Wrap
$150 to $250 per month
Window Ads
$100 to $250 per month
Keep in mind that the earnings can vary. It depends on factors like how frequently you drive and where your car is visible.
Recommended reading: 6 Best Ways To Get Paid to Advertise On Your Car
18. Rent out a spare room in your home
If you have an extra room in your house and want to earn passive income streams, you can make money by renting it out. This is a smart way to earn cash without much work.
I have had several roommates over the years. We would rent out our spare room to long-term renters and people that we personally knew (such as friends and my sister).
To find a roommate and earn rental income, you can advertise your space in various places. You can announce on your personal Facebook page, place an ad on websites like Craigslist, create a rental listing on Airbnb, and more.
Whether you have a house or an apartment, this may be an option available to you.
19. Use cash back sites
When you shop online, you can earn money back on what you spend by using cash back sites.
Think of it like getting a discount, but instead of saving money right away, you get some cash back later.
I use cash back sites and apps pretty much every single time I shop – it’s easy, free money for me.
Popular cashback sites include:
Rakuten – Gives you a percentage of your money back.
Swagbucks – Earns points that you can exchange for cash or gift cards.
Fetch Rewards – I use this site for every single grocery receipt I have.
Ibotta – Another easy grocery scanning app to use.
For example: To get cash back, all you need to do is create a Rakuten account, visit their website, and click on the store where you want to shop (such as Target, Best Buy, Old Navy, etc.). They will then redirect you to that store, and you can shop online as you normally would to get cash back.
These types of sites typically pay via free gift cards or PayPal cash.
20. Rent out your RV
Renting out your RV can be a way to earn extra money on something that might be sitting around collecting dust (and rust!).
By renting it out, you could potentially make $100 to $300 a day or even more.
RVing has become very popular these days, and people frequently rent RVs to explore on vacations or even to try out a specific RV model before making a purchase.
One RV rental platform that I recommend is RVshare. RVshare is basically an Airbnb just for RVs. It’s a site where you can list your RV for rent and RVshare will handle all payments and bookings for you.
Similar to this, you can also rent out your car on Turo!
Recommended reading: How To Make Extra Money By Renting Out Your RV
21. Receive a pension
Getting paid to do nothing may sound like a dream, but if you have a pension, it’s a real thing that can happen when you retire.
A pension is money that you get regularly after working for a certain number of years.
When you work at a job that offers a pension plan, your employer puts money into this plan for you. When it’s time to retire, this money comes back to you, usually every month.
The amount you get usually depends on three things:
Age – Generally, the older you are when you retire, the more you get.
Salary – How much you earned at your job can affect your pension.
How long you worked there – The longer you worked, the higher your pension.
Sometimes, you might have the option to receive all your pension money at once, known as a “lump sum.” It’s a substantial, one-time payment instead of monthly checks. Make a wise decision by considering what works best for you. If you’re unsure, seeking advice from someone knowledgeable about finances could help you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Paid to Do Nothing
Below are answers to common questions about how to get paid to do nothing.
How can I get money for doing nothing?
You might be surprised, but there are ways to earn money with little to no effort. For instance, using a cash back credit card for your everyday spending allows you to get a percentage back. You can also do any of the things above, such as selling digital downloads online, finding a job that will pay you a pension once you retire, investing in dividend-paying stocks, and more.
What are jobs where you do nothing and get paid a lot?
So, it can be hard to work an actual job that pays you a lot of money to do nothing. After all, if that existed, then everyone would be doing it, haha! Some jobs do pay you, though, for simple tasks, such as being a notary.
Can I really make income by just being idle?
Yes, you can make passive income through methods like earning interest from a high-yield savings account or renting out your spare space.
Where can I find jobs that don’t expect much work from me?
Look for gig economy jobs where you can earn money based on the tasks you choose to accept, such as delivering food or charging electric scooters. There are so many other side jobs that aren’t even mentioned on the list above, such as creating an online course, becoming a taste tester, micro-investing (such as with the Acorns app), becoming a background actor, watching ads, affiliate marketing, delivering groceries, writing a book review online (such as for Kirkus Media), playing games, talking with an online companion or strangers, and more.
How to get paid to do nothing online?
Some ways to get paid to do nothing online include selling digital files and stock photos. These will both require initial work from you, but eventually, these will sell with little work needed by you.
How To Get Paid to Do Nothing – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to get paid to do nothing and found one or more gigs that fit what you’re looking for!
As you can see, there are many ways to get paid to do nothing (or almost nothing).
You can grow your savings effortlessly with high-yield savings accounts or make money by renting out extra storage space. Investments in stocks that pay dividends or REITs can give you money regularly without needing your daily attention.
There’s something about opening a new calendar that makes us want to feel our best. So this January, POPSUGAR is giving you everything you need to hit the reset button on your health, your habits, your beauty routine, and more. To find more articles about resetting your home, click here.
The past few years have been full of lessons. For a homebody and serial (re)decorator like me, here’s a big one: never underestimate the value of creating a home you like spending time in. (In some cases, a lot of time.)
Actually doing that is easier said than done, and there’s far from a one-size-fits-all approach. Some things — certain features of your space, or maybe your current circumstances — might make it tough to take on major changes or pricey reno projects. But one place we can all start? Finding (or creating) a home decor style that resonates, and then taking the steps, big or small, to bring it to life.
I’ve lived at 11 addresses in my life (a good chunk of those thanks to the New York City rental market), and made some questionable decor choices along the way. But my ninth home, a 350-square-foot studio apartment and my first solo adult space, was a significant turning point in understanding the power of making an empty box my own. Importantly, it allowed me to discover my eclectic and colorful decor style in the process.
Now, a few years and two places later, I’ve created a home that feels more personal — more like me and the partner I share it with — than ever. It’s an evolution of the style I established in that tiny studio that’s grown with me and that I know will only continue to.
So if you’re feeling inspired to rethink your space in the new year, or just looking for some advice to refer back to later, maybe I can help. Here are some decor tips to make your home feel more like you, so you can enjoy it to its fullest.
1. Get familiar with what you like.
We do it with food, fashion, and even dating. So why does it seem so much harder to nail down an interior style (or styles) that we like? I have a hunch. Furniture and decor isn’t the same as fashion; it’s bigger, more expensive, and takes up more space. Aside from accruing blankets and tchotchkes, it’s much easier to own multiple coats or change a lipstick than it is to swap out your sofa or have another set of dining chairs in rotation. The pieces in your home are designed to be lived with every single day, and you want to like what you’re sharing space with. In this case, decision paralysis can be very real.
So, where to begin? You’ve got options. For some, an interior-design-style quiz can point you in the right direction (especially a thoughtful one from a designer, like this). For others, scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram are the best ways to find variety at your fingertips (and save what you like). Don’t overthink it; you’ll know what you’re naturally gravitating to.
I take a hybrid approach: saving and pinning while also snapping photos of things (hotel lobbies, wall and furniture color combinations in restaurants) I see in real life. I also browse online stores like AllModern, vintage furniture resale sites like Chairish, and even Facebook Marketplace.
When browsing, don’t ignore the small stuff — even if you don’t love the big picture. For example, you may not like the way a whole room looks, but you might love a particular side table. Or you might spot a pairing of textures you love in a lamp but find a way to use that combo in a mirror. I recently saw an aged, almost-black brown wood stool on Pinterest that inspired me to buy a similarly colored bar cabinet on Facebook Marketplace. It’s now one of my favorite pieces.
2. Find a style sweet spot.
You may want your home to look like a magazine, or even the set of a Nancy Meyers film. But a few things you might be less keen on? Creating a carbon copy of someone else’s home or a time capsule of a hyper-specific decor style — early 2000s Olive Garden-style kitchens or Y2K bedrooms. (We can bring back blow-up chairs and lava lamps, though.)
While this can be hard to avoid as trends cycle in and out of style, mixing and matching can be a smart way to maintain a transitional look. Whether it’s pairing vintage with modern, incorporating family heirlooms into the mix, or laying trending patterns and textures (think: checkerboard or bouclé) over more subtle fabrics, this can help your space feel balanced and versatile.
Wherever you ultimately land may help define your decor style tastes even further. And that spot might sit somewhere between a few distinct decor styles, or many — coastal and Scandinavian, preppy meets French country, industrial with hints of art deco and glam. There’s no pressure to fit neatly into a box.
Let my space be an example: my living room is home to a mix of Chinese and Japanese accents, a Moroccan rug, a postmodern coffee table, a modern CB2 credenza with clean lines, a ’70s lamp, and curtains I found at Ikea. It’s eclectic and varied, exactly the way I like it.
3. Embrace the evolution.
All good things must come to an end, or at least change and grow. You’ll know when it’s time to let your space — or your tastes — evolve.
Maybe you’re moving into a bigger space and need the furniture to match, or maybe you’re entering a new phase of life and ready to replace an old table with a sturdier investment piece. In cases like mine, you might be transitioning from living alone to with a dog, a roommate, and eventually a partner. Or you might just generally be ready for something new.
Whatever the reason, trust your instincts about what stays and what goes, and take your time. You might want to keep sentimental artwork, statement furniture, and your sofa. But it might be time to change a rug, a table lamp, or your bedding.
And if you like what you’ve already created but just want to iterate on it, find replacement pieces with familiar qualities like colors, silhouettes, or patterns. Black-and-white patterns have become a staple of my spaces, as have bold uses of green in different shades. I interpret them a little differently each time — on a rug and then a headboard, or on towels and then a lamp — but now, they’re a signature. Wherever they are feels like home.
You’ve probably come across the term “asset” many times in your life — long before you began saving and investing.
What is an asset? Generally, the word may be used to refer to anything of value — from a great work ethic to a great group of friends. But when you’re talking about finances, the term asset is typically used to refer to things that have economic value to a person, a company, and/or a government.
Exploring the Definition of an Asset
For individuals, an asset can mean pretty much everything they own — from the cash in their wallet to the car in their garage to necklaces, rings, and earrings in a jewelry box. But usually, when people talk about their personal assets, they’re referring to something worth money.
Broad Categories of Assets
Assets typically include such things as:
• Cash and cash equivalents, including checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and U.S. government Treasury bills.
• Personal property, including cars and boats, art and jewelry, collections, furniture, and things like computers, cameras, phones, and TVs.
• Real estate, residential or commercial, including land and/or structures on the land.
• Investments, such as stocks and bonds, annuities, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and so on.
Those who freelance or own a company also may have business assets that could include a bank account, an inventory of goods to sell, accounts receivable (money they’re owed by their customers), business vehicles, office furniture and machinery, and the building and land where they conduct their business. 💡 Quick Tip: Did you know that opening a brokerage account typically doesn’t come with any setup costs? Often, the only requirement to open a brokerage account — aside from providing personal details — is making an initial deposit.
Delving Into Different Types of Assets
Generally speaking, there are four different types of assets: current or short-term assets, fixed assets, financial investments, and intangible assets.
Current Assets
Current assets are short-term resources with economic value, and are typically referred to in accounting. Current assets are things that can be used or consumed or converted to money within a year. They include things like cash, cash equivalents, inventory, and accounts receivable.
Fixed or Noncurrent Assets
Fixed assets are resources with a longer term, meaning more than a year. This includes property, like buildings and other real estate, and equipment.
Financial Assets
Financial assets refer to securities or assets such as stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), and preferred equity.
Intangible Assets
Assets considered intangible are things of value that don’t have a physical presence. This includes intellectual property like patents, licenses, trademarks, and copyrights, and brand value and reputation.
Identifying and Classifying Assets
Assets are things with economic value. They may be owned by you, like a sofa or your computer, or owed to you, like the $50 you loaned a friend. The loan or borrowed money is considered an asset for you since your friend will repay it to you.
Personal vs Business Assets
There are both personal assets and business assets. Personal assets include such things as your home, artwork you might own, your checking account, and your investments. Business assets are things like equipment, cash, and accounts receivable.
Liquid Assets and Their Convertibility
Liquid assets are things of economic value that can be quickly and easily converted to money. Liquid personal assets might include certain stocks, and liquid business assets could include inventory.
Assets in Accounting and Business Operations
In business, assets are resources owned by a business that have economic value. They might refer to the building the business owns, inventory, accounts receivable, office furniture, and computers or other technology.
How Assets Reflect on Financial Statements
Business assets are listed on a company’s financial statements. Ideally, a company’s assets should be balanced between short-term assets and fixed and long-term assets. That indicates that the business has assets it can use right now, such as cash, and those that will be available down the road.
The Distinction Between Assets and Liabilities
Assets are resources an individual or business owns that have economic value. Assets are also things owed to a business or individual, such as payment for inventory. A liability is when a business or individual owes another party. It could include things like money or accounts payable.
Asset Valuation and Depreciation
Asset valuation is a way of determining the value of an asset. There are different methods for determining value, such as the cost method, which bases an asset’s value on its original price. But assets can depreciate over time. That’s when an accounting method known as depreciation is used to allocate the cost of an asset over time.
Real-World Examples of Assets
As noted, assets can run the gamut from the physical to the intangible. What they all have in common is that they have economic value.
Everyday Items That Count as Assets
Many items that you use or deal with in your daily life are considered assets. This includes:
• Cash
• Bank accounts
• Stocks
• Bonds
• Money market funds
• Mutual funds
• Furniture
• Jewelry
• Cars
• House
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s
High-Value Assets in Today’s Market
The larger assets you own tend to be more valuable, such as your house, a vacation home, or rental property. Your investments may also be considered high-value assets, depending on how much they are worth. 💡 Quick Tip: Automated investing can be a smart choice for those who want to invest but may not have the knowledge or time to do so. An automated investing platform can offer portfolio options that may suit your risk tolerance and goals (but investors have little or no say over the individual securities in the portfolio).
The Nuances of Non-Physical and Intangible Assets
Intangible assets, or those that have no physical presence, can be extremely important and quite valuable. So it’s wise to be aware of what they are.
Understanding Goodwill, Copyrights, and Patents
Intangible assets are such things as copyrights (on a book or piece of music, for instance) and patents (for an invention). A copyright protects the owner who produced it, and a patent protects the patent owner/inventor. What this means is that another party cannot legally use their work or invention without their permission.
Goodwill is another intangible asset, and it’s associated with the purchase of one company by another company. It is the portion of the purchase price that’s higher than the sum of the net fair value of all of the company’s assets bought and liabilities assumed.
For example, such things as brand value, reputation, and a company’s customer base are considered goodwill. These intangibles could be highly valued and the reason why a purchasing company might pay more for the company they are buying.
The Role of Digital Assets in the Modern Economy
Digital assets refer to such things as data, photos, videos, music, manuscripts, cryptocurrency, and more. Digital assets create value for the person or company that owns them.
Digital assets are becoming increasingly important as individuals, businesses, and governments use them more and more. With more of our every day resources online, and with data stored digitally, these types of assets are likely to be considered quite valuable.
Labor and Human Capital: Are Skills and Expertise Assets?
Labor is not considered an asset. Instead, it is work carried out by people that they are paid for.
Human capital refers to the value of an employee’s skills, experience, and expertise. These things are considered intangible assets. However, a company cannot list human capital on its balance sheet.
Navigating Asset Management
As an investor, you’re also likely to hear about the importance of “asset allocation” or “asset management” for your portfolio. Asset allocation is simply putting money to work in the best possible places to reach financial goals.
The idea is that by spreading money over different types of investments — stocks, bonds, cash, real estate, commodities, etc. — an investor can limit volatility and attempt to maximize the benefits of each asset class.
For example, stocks tend to offer the best opportunity for long-term growth, but can expose an investor to more risk. Bonds tend to have less risk and can provide an income stream, but their value can be affected by rising interest rates. Cash can be useful for emergencies and short-term goals, but it isn’t going to offer much growth, and it won’t necessarily keep up with inflation over the long term.
When it comes to volatility, each asset class may react differently to a piece of economic news or a national or global event, so by combining multiple assets in one portfolio, an investor may be able to help mitigate the risk overall.
Alternative investments such as real property, precious metals, and private equity ventures are examples of assets some investors also may choose to use to counter the price movements of a traditional investment portfolio.
An investor’s asset allocation typically has some mix of stocks, bonds, and cash — but the percentages of each can vary based on a person’s age, the goals for those investments, and/or a person’s tolerance for risk.
If for example, someone is saving for a wedding or another shorter-term financial goal, they may want to keep a percentage of that money in a safe, easy-to-access account, such as a high-yield online deposit account. An account like this would allow that money to grow with a competitive interest rate while it’s protected from the market’s unpredictable movements.
But for a longer-term goal, like saving for retirement, some might invest a percentage of money in the market and risk some volatility with stocks, mutual funds, and/or ETFs. This way the money may potentially grow over the long-term, and there may likely be time to recover from market fluctuations. As retirement nears, some people may wish to slowly shift their investments to an allocation that carries less risk.
The Role of Automated Asset Management Solutions
Businesses may want to consider using automated asset management systems to track and collect data on their assets. This may be easier than manually tracking assets, which could become complicated and overwhelming. There are a number of different software programs available that could help businesses with this.
Individual investors might want to think about automated investing programs to help manage their financial portfolio. These platforms may help those who want to invest for the long-term but don’t have the time or expertise to do it themselves.
However, It’s important to do your homework and consider the risks involved since automated platforms are not fully customized to each individual’s specific needs. You also need to be comfortable with the types of investments they may offer, such as ETFs, and make sure you understand the risks and possible costs involved.
Unpacking Asset Classifications Further
The assets you accumulate will likely change over time, as will your needs and your goals. So, it’s important to know the purpose of each asset you own — as well as which ones are working for you and which ones aren’t. Here are some questions you can ask yourself as you mindfully manage your assets:
1. Are you getting the maximum return on your investment, whether it’s a savings account or an investment in the market?
2. How does the asset make money (dividends, interest, appreciation)? What must happen for the investment to increase in value?
3. How does the asset match up with your personal and financial goals?
4. Is the asset short-term or long-term?
5. How liquid is the investment? How hard would it be to sell if you needed money right away?
6. What are the risks associated with the investment? What is the most you could lose? Can you handle the risk financially and emotionally?
If you aren’t sure of the answers to these questions, you may wish to get some help from a financial advisor who, among other things, can work with you to set priorities, suggest strategies for investing, assist you in coming up with the right asset allocation to suit your needs, and draw up a coordinated and comprehensive financial plan.
Short-term vs Long-term Assets
As a quick recap, short-term assets are those held for less than one year. They are also known as current assets. These assets are typically meant to be converted into cash within a year and are considered liquid. For individual investors they can include such things as money market accounts and CDs.
Long-term assets are those held for more than one year. Long-term assets can be such things as stock and bonds, as well as fixed assets such as property and real estate. Long-term assets also include intellectual property such as copyrights and patents. Long-term assets are not as liquid as short-term assets.
The Importance of Asset Liquidity
Liquid assets can be accessed quickly and converted to cash without losing much of their value. Cash is the ultimate liquid asset, but there are plenty of other examples.
If you can expect to find a number of interested buyers who will pay a fair price, and you can make the sale with some speed, your asset is probably liquid. Stock from a blue-chip company is generally an asset with liquidity. So, typically, is a high-quality mutual fund.
Some assets are non-liquid or illiquid. These assets have value, but they may not be as easy to convert into cash when it’s needed. Your car or home might be your biggest asset, for example, depending on how much of it you actually own. But It might take a while to get a fair price if you sold it — and you’ll likely need to replace it eventually.
While some investments have long-term objectives — including saving for a secure retirement — liquidity can be an important factor to consider when evaluating which assets belong in a portfolio.
Many unexpected events come with big price tags, so it can help to have some cash or cash equivalents on hand in case an urgent need comes up. General recommendations suggest having three to six months’ worth of living expenses stashed away in an emergency fund — using an account that’s available whenever you need it.
Some might also consider keeping a portion of money in investments that are reasonably liquid, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This way, ideally, the assets can be liquidated in a relatively quick timeframe if they are needed. (Although, of course, there’s never any guarantee.)
Choosing that original asset allocation is important — but maintenance and portfolio rebalancing is also key over time. As people attain some of their short- or mid-range goals (paying for that wedding, for instance, or getting the down payment on a house) they may wish to consider where the money will go next, and what kind of account it should be in.
As life changes, it is possible that the original balance of stocks vs. bonds vs. other investments is no longer appropriate for a person’s current and future needs. As a result, they may want to become more aggressive or more conservative, depending on the situation.
Rebalancing also may become necessary if the success — or failure — of a particular asset group alters a portfolio’s target allocation.
If, for example, after a big market rally or long bull run (both of which we’ve experienced in recent years) a 60% allocation to stocks becomes something closer to 75%, it may be time to sell some stock and get back to that original 60%. This way, an investor can protect some of the profits while buying other assets when they are down in price.
You can do your rebalancing manually or automatically. Some investors check in on their portfolio regularly (monthly, quarterly or annually) and adjust it if necessary. Others rebalance when a set allocation shifts noticeably.
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