Do your 2024 New Year's resolutions include focusing on your mental, physical or financial health, professional development or personal style? Why not align those goals with updates to your home design elements? A change in your surroundings — whether a minor tweak or a major renovation — can be motivating uplifting, and a smart investment.

Looking for ways to get started? Here are some ideas for every style and budget:

Reconfigure what you have

• Move furniture around and between rooms to create a new flow, reimagined color combinations, unique seating nooks, and different levels of formality.
• Prioritize your favorite accessories and make sure they are highlighted.
• If the size is right, switch around your rugs, window treatments and bedcovers.

Declutter and organize to access and display what matters

• Tackle closets and realistically assess what you'll wear again.
• Empty your hardest-to-reach cabinets. If you haven't used that huge stock pot or decorative trinket in years, perhaps it's time to release it.
• If you work from home, recreate your desk space from scratch. Create a fresh inbox. Set up new files for 2024. Refill your supplies. Buy new matching accessories to boost your productivity.
• Why save “the good stuff” for special occasions? Start using your cloth napkins, china and barware more often.
• Use inexpensive drawer and shelf dividers to keep folded items neat and loose items sorted.
• Donate or freecycle usable items. Facebook has tons of "buy nothing” groups with people ready to give your items new life. Many nonprofits will pick up furniture and housewares and offer tax receipts.
• Recycle textiles, metals and plastics. Many schools and strip malls have bins to keep clothing and accessories out of landfills.

Pick a new inspirational color, pattern or finish to "test drive”

• Re-accessorize your most-used sofa, primary or guest bedroom with new pillows and/or a throw. Use varied fabrics and textures to build an interesting and cohesive look.
• Change the hardware or faucets in a kitchen or bathroom for a totally new vibe. Just measure and pick a few styles to try before committing. There are infinite styles, colors, finishes and prices to choose from.
• Shop for a focal piece such as a lamp, vase, side table or piece of wall art that makes you happy. If a high-end gallery or furniture store is not in your budget, browse Etsy or your local thrift store for something unique.
• If you’re thinking bold, paint or wallpaper a small powder room or office space. You can achieve a dramatic effect without a huge investment or commitment. Just make sure to tie into your hall color so you don’t have competing or clashing tones.

Don’t forget the exterior

• Nothing says "welcome home” like a beautiful front door. Perk up your entrance with updated light fixtures (or even just new bulbs), some fresh potted greenery, and a new mat.
• Do a quick “not-spring“ outdoor cleaning. Remove dead fall plants from sight, sweep away cobwebs, and pack up your holiday décor.
• If you live in a temperate climate, put a new coat of paint on your doors and shutters.
• Consider landscape lighting to brighten those longer nights. Many DIY kits are available to you.

Start planning ahead for big changes

• If you’re ready for a 2024 home addition or renovation, take some time to understand (and document) what you want, what you need, how much you’ll be able to invest and if there are any hurdles a prospective designer team should know about. Look through local magazines and websites for reference. Or drive around and take photos of exterior elements.
• If needed, secure a home equity line of credit.
• Ask friends and online groups for references for designers, builders and architects. Reach out and start interviewing a few to determine a good fit.

Still need some professional support to prioritize your home design goals and projects? Contact us and get started with complimentary 30-minute phone consultations.