Mixology, Macrame, Meditation & More: 24 Things To Do When You’re Stuck At Home

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WORDS BY Anjelika Temple

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Published on February 10, 2022

We’re still stuck at home y’all. Whether the pandemic’s got you staying “bubbled” yet again or winter temps are too darn frigid to brave the outside world, home is where, well, all the things are. If you’re anything like us and have binged out your Netflix list (that “are you still watching?” prompt is the ultimate troll), you may be in need of some fresh stuck-at-home inspo. Lucky for you, we here at Havenly happen to be experts on the home front – and we’ve got tons of creative, productive, and just plain fun things to do when stuck at home.

1. Become a Mixologist and a *Mocktologist*

What to do when stuck at home

We love a perfectly mixed negroni, but, controversial opinion, we believe the art of the mocktail may be even more challenging than its spirited big sis. Armed with a few key copper tools, you can create a whole creative process around your daily happy hour. A muddled berry here, a spritz of elderflower essence there, perhaps a fresh sprig of lavender or sage to top it off? (And we won’t tell if you can add a capful or two of gin in there as well.)

2. Read More Books

What to do when stuck at home

You’ve made this resolution before, but now you have the time to make it happen. Plus, less subway and bus commutes means you can read actual real-life hard-cover paper-paged BOOKS. And hey, we can even collab with you to design your very own Reading Room. Fancy, right? 

3. Color Block Your Books

What to do when stuck at home

Speaking of literary pursuits, another activity that can pass the time *and* moonlight as both creative and productive is color-blocking your books (or any one of these other designer-approved secrets to organizing your bookshelf). You’ve definitely seen this trend on Pinterest, and we are still here for it. 

4. Indulge in a Multi-Step Skincare Routine

What to do when stuck at home

It’s high time for a little more me time, and a multi-step skincare routine will bring you one step closer to that fresh-out-of-the-spa glow.

5. Try a Capsule Wardrobe, Then Purge Your Closet

What to do when stuck at home

Step one, the capsule wardrobe. Figure out what you actually wear on the regular. Layer in a few wild statement pieces that have you covered for special occasions. Keep a handful of nostalgic items (that Britney tee *will* be a collectible one day). Commit to this capsule collection for a couple weeks, or even a month and see what you miss. Everything else can go! 

6. Plan a Puzzle Night

What to do when stuck at home

If there was ever a time to dedicate half of your dining table to puzzles, this is it. Puzzle nights are trending and we’re not mad about it (especially if cocktails are involved). You’ve gotta admit it, they are oddly satisfying and this Forbidden Fruit 1000-piecer needs to be next up – pretty, colorful, well styled.

7. Glamping, Home Edition

What to do when stuck at home

Who says you need to leave the comfort of your home to go on a camping trip? Transform your balcony, backyard, or even your living room into a cozy oasis by flexing your fort-building skills. Layer in lots of blankets and pillows, add in string lights, and have yourself a slumber party.

8. Plan Your Dream Vacation

What to do when stuck at home

Planning a dream vacation will ignite and satiate your wanderlust all at the same time. Browse unusual dwellings on Airbnb, find yourself in a Google Maps rabbit hole of tiny European mountain towns, add all of your favorite spots to a Pinterest board. If you’re feeling really bold, book a (refundable) ticket and turn dreaming into planning. May we suggest something in the Mediterranean

9. Learn a New Language

What to do when stuck at home

You don’t need to jet set to experience a new culture (though it certainly won’t hurt when you finally book that dream vacay). DuoLingo and Babbel are great free apps that make it insanely easy to learn basic phrases and words, and you can uplevel your knowledge by practicing with a friend.

10. Finally Install That Gallery Wall

What to do when stuck at home

We don’t know about you but we definitely have an art collecting problem. Enter the gallery wall – an organized cacophony of art pieces, photographs, and objects that fit together like a puzzle. Our favorite way for planning out a gallery wall is tracing framed pieces onto newspaper or grocery bags, cutting them out and then taping them to the wall to figure out how things will fit together. Once you’ve got everything mapped out, time to install (but check out our designer do’s and don’t first).

11. Paint an Accent Wall

What to do when stuck at home

You’ve dreamed of having a huge splash of color in your home but never had the time to move your furniture, tape it off, and paint more than one coat. Now’s the time! You can use paint to define a feature like a fireplace in an unusual way (we’re big fans of this TikTok paint trend) or just go for a full wall of color and completely transform your space. 

12. Redesign Your Home (Or Just a Room)

What to do when stuck at home

Shameless plug: If you’re looking for an even bigger makeover moment, let us help you. Whether it’s the blank wall that’s driving you crazy, tricky layout you can’t quite figure out, or furniture that just doesn’t feel like you, our experts are standing by for it all. Your Havenly designer will work with you one-on-one to bring your Pinterest ideas to life, complete with a 3D rendering of your actual space and hand-picked shopping list. Meet the perfect designer for you, starting with our Style Quiz. Then all you have to do is pour a cup of wine (or mocktail if that’s your thing), sit back, and have fun. 

13. Go for a Hike at Sunset (or Sunrise!)

What to do when stuck at home

Okay this one does require leaving your home but we promise it will give you a major recharge. There’s something so magical about seeing a rainbow of colors in the sky as the start or end to your day – plus, “stretchy” pants are still more than OK for this activity. 

14. Find Your Form of Meditation

What to do when stuck at home

Give yourself a week of meditation. Try different methods to find your zen, from morning breathwork to a coloring book instead of watching TV before bed. There’s no wrong way to meditate, it’s all about connecting with yourself, your breath, and finding a way to recharge. 

15. Make Your Own Wall Art

What to do when stuck at home

Macrame is still having a moment and our boho-loving selves continue to be totally on board. That huge space in your home that’s just begging for a giant piece of art? Make it yourself. If macrame feels too intimidating, try buying a few canvases and paint huge swatches or stripes of ombre color across them. Spotlight as a diptych or triptych and feel free to dub yourself a modern day Rothko. 

16. Ready, Set, BAKE!

What to do when stuck at home

We know, baking is so 2020 pandemic – but that era was all about sourdough. For this new wave, we’re taking our cues from the Great British Baking Show and perfecting shortcrust tarts, flaky pastries, and SO MUCH butter. 

17. Become a Plant Parent

What to do when stuck at home

It’s always the right time to bring more plants into your space. Enough said.

18. Pick Up a New Creative Hobby

What to do when stuck at home

Think you’ve got what it takes to be an interior designer? We do too! And we’ve got a book to help you take your styling obsession to the next level (sneak peek tips here). Written by Havenly co-founder Lee Mayer, “Design The Home You Love” takes you through our team’s tried and true tips and tricks for finding your style, customizing your space, and making your home really feel like you

19. Make a Vision Board

What to do when stuck at home

Whether you’re making a vision board for a year, a month, or a particular project, the act of physically pinning images and words up on the wall always leads to clarity. Go old school with a classic cork bulletin board or go artsy and create your own linen board that’ll easily double as a custom work of art (or stylish Zoom backdrop). 

20. Enjoy At-Home Wine Tasting

What to do when stuck at home

Also known as “buy a lot of bottles of wine and drink them all.” One half-glass at a time. In an organized and classy way. Right? 

21. Host a Backyard Movie Night

What to do when stuck at home

Screen time, but make it outdoorsy. All you need is a screen projector, some pillows and blankets, and a snack or two for a fun, kid-friendly activity. 

22. Dust Off Your DIY Skills

What to do when stuck at home

The more time we spend in our homes, the more things we want to change. With a few simple layers of paint, plaster or fabric you can completely transform any object in your home. We love this DIY Lamp transformation by Havenly VP Creative & Design Shelby Girard (before and after above), and you’ve gotta check out this epic DIY Headboard by Havenly lead designer Melissa Wagner. 

23. Wallpaper a Room

What to do when stuck at home

Another creative to-do you finally have time for! Whether tropical vacay vibes or go colorful goth or something in between – it’ll give you that swoon-worthy reveal. And don’t worry about commitment issues, that’s what peel-and-stick is here for.

24. Set Up a Home Fitness Zone

What to do when stuck at home

And finally, tackle that age old resolution. We promise, if you set up an actual zone for yoga, home cycling, or even ‘80s-inspired step aerobics, you are so much more likely to make it happen! Design a space that feels comfortable, has everything you need, and will keep you coming back. 

OK, so now are you ready to put that stuck-at-home time to good use? Let’s start your project. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram for even more fun home ideas.

Words by Anjelika Temple