Tired of the same old resolutions that evaporate quicker than you can say, “Auld lang syne?” Well, if home improvement is on your list, sticking to a resolution may be easer that you think. From optimizing your chic urban studio apartment to updating an expansive estate — and everything in between — by working on your home in organized stages, you can gradually make the changes and see the differences that will help you achieve and maintain your beautiful home vision.
Whether organizing, renovating or rethinking your spaces, here are some tips to make January changes that will last for seasons:
1. Tidy Up the Trimmings. One of the simplest things you can do to start the year off right is to put away any holiday decorations when the celebrations are over. Tasks that make sense for early January include taking down the tree, packing up the lights and ornaments and storing everything away until next year. If you are someone just lives for the holiday ho-ho-ho avoid the post-holiday blues by replacing the twinkle with some cozy winter touches such as soft new pillows, fun fireplace tools or a bright lap blanket.
2. Clear Out the Clutter. When the days are short and the weather is frigid, prep your home for a new look eliminating unused, dust-gathering items that have accumulated over the past year…or ten! Anything you haven’t needed, wanted, enjoyed looking at, or touched in months or years should be tossed, donated, freecycled or recycled. Clean off your bulletin board that’s crowded with invitations to parties you attended last summer and expired coupons. Get rid of old clothes, books and toys that don’t fit your life anymore. Say goodbye to out-of-date food items and cosmetics. Create space to inspire!
3. Fix the Furniture. If you have any pieces of furniture or art that need repair or updating, show them a little love. This could mean anything from fixing a wobbly table to reupholstering a chair to reframing a print. Small changes like these help your home reflect who you are today and make it more functional and comfortable.
4. Ditch the Less Desirable. If there are any home decor pieces or collections you no longer want, free up valuable space and get rid of them. Based on condition and desirability, this could mean selling, donating or simply throwing them away. A little research on sites like Facebook Marketplace, TheRealReal and with local resellers can help you determine if your items have value and if there is a demand for them. Feeling sentimental/guilty about the heirloom figurines, crystal, coins or furniture that just don’t jibe with your look anymore? Keep one or two of your favorite pieces for sentiment that can be balanced with items and styles you love.
5. Roam the Rooms. Once you have finished Steps 1-4, take a good look at your home. Walk through each room with fresh eyes and note what you like and don't like. Where do you feel most comfortable? What rooms do you avoid and why? What changes would you like to see in each room?
Congratulations, you’ve done the work! Now is the time to identify, prioritize and initiate any design changes you’d like to make over the rest of the year. Maybe you’ll even have a little extra budget from Step 4!
