
The new year is a perfect time for a home refresh to spark inspiration, open new opportunities and create a change of scenery. Whether you’re refreshing your own home or offering refreshing tips to a client, here are 10 ways to transform your space and embrace the year ahead, from interior design expert Zoe Warren at PriceYourJob.co.uk.
1. Declutter
“Before we can bring in the new, we sometimes have to say goodbye to the old, and decluttering your space can be the perfect way to kickstart your home transformation,” Warren says. “As you collect and store those items over the years, it can be difficult to let go, but the time has come to ask yourself, ‘Is this piece really adding to my peace?’. If an item is no longer bringing you the joy it once did or simply doesn’t work within your space, it may be time for you to send it off to a new home. You will be surprised at the difference having a little extra room on your shelves and in your cupboards makes!”
2. Deep Clean
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to wait until spring. Post-declutter is the perfect time to deep clean.
“Deep cleaning goes a little further than your weekly dust and polish, and you want to be really getting into those corners to remove all of the dirt and grime that may be lurking,” Warren adds. “That bit of extra hard work will leave you and your home completely refreshed and ready to tackle all that the new year has to offer!”
3. Freshen Up the Fragrance
A new scent can be helpful in setting a new energy for 2025, and it can offer just the change you’re looking for. Warren suggests a simple switch of candles or reed diffusers to embrace each season, from fresh floral scents in the spring to spiced pumpkin come autumn.
4. Rearrange Furniture
“Transforming your home doesn’t mean you have to splash the cash,” she says. “Simply rearranging your existing furniture can be a great way to spruce up any room. Sick of staring at your television on the same wall day after day? Try switching it with your sofa for a whole new perspective!”
5. Try Restoration
Another budget-friendly refresh tip? Upcycle the furniture you already have. A fresh coat of paint or new handles can completely makeover your cabinets or dresser, and some DIY upholstery can give a sofa or chair a whole new look.
6. Replace or Switch Soft Furnishings
“Don’t fancy yourself as the next great interior artist? Livening up your chairs and beds can be as simple as a new set of cushions or blankets,” Warren encourages. “They are the focal point of these areas, and a new color or pattern can change the entire look of your room. If replacements aren’t within your budget, just switching around what you already own is a great idea. The blanket draped across the bottom of your bed could add new life to your favorite cozy chair.”
7. Create an Accent Wall
An accent wall stands out from the other walls of a room, whether it has a different color, texture, pattern or feature. Choose a wall you want to stand out and cover it in a statement wallpaper, paint it with a pop of color, add slats or paneling or add some shelving to show off your books.
8. Add Artwork
Art can add something new to a blank space, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Try thrifting a statement piece or even creating one of your own for an extra touch of personalization.
9. Go Green
“The cold winter months can leave us feeling reluctant to venture outside, and as a result, we may become a little out of touch with nature,” Warren says. “So now is the perfect time to bring outside inside and add some nature to your home!”
She recommends adding a splash of color from a bouquet of flowers or incorporating some understated leafy plants, pinecones or twigs to create an earthy look and feel.
10. Enhance Your Lighting
“The lighting you choose for each room in your home is pivotal in setting the mood and tone you are aiming for,” Warren finally adds. “And with all the work you have put into creating your ideal space, it would be a disservice not to show it off with the perfect lighting! Repositioning a lamp or changing the color of a bulb has the power to completely transform a room and create the ambiance you wish to achieve.”
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