If you're looking to make a positive change with the start of a New Year, why not begin with your home? Not only are you spending a lot of time at home—which means it's likely top of mind all day, every day—but it's a direct representation of you. When your home is decorated, organized, and cleaned to your liking, it might feel like all other facets of your life fall into place.
It happens like clockwork. Every year, you promise yourself that you'll finally keep your home tidy. However, life always gets in the way of your organization dreams. One thing leads to another and your home is covered in dirty dishes, worn clothes, and scrap pieces of paper. But, since you're spending so much time at home, now's a better time than any to make those dreams a reality.
"When someone says, I need to get organized, they immediately think of boxes and containers," designer Quintece Hill-Mattauszek says. "However, I tell my clients while storage is always fantastic also consider ways to organize your routine! For example, a cute shoe cabinet and chair at the front door can help you keep the 'shoe monkeys' at bay and establish the rule of dirty shoes stay at the door!"
Each year, Chicago-based designer LJ Savarie strives to finish one full project in her own home. If you want to take a page out of her book, now is the best time to tackle your basement.
"Many of us have thought about transitioning our basements into multi-purpose, functional spaces that can accommodate living, working, and playing," she says. "Why not now?"
Redecorating an entire room might be a tall order—especially for impatient design lovers—but Savarie says slow and steady will pay off.
"Quick fixes, like swapping pillows, are great but will not net that same feeling of accomplishment," she explains. "I often hear clients get overwhelmed by all of the projects they want to undertake, so resolving to start with one is an easy fix. Start planning during the winter and knock it out once the weather turns."
If you want to start the year with a fresh slate, double down on your clutter.
"We're all spending lots of time at home, so why shouldn't everything you interact with on a daily basis add to your life in some way," ask Mary Catherine Murray and Amanda Khouri, co-owners of Murray Khouri Interior Design. "Often there's a temptation to hold onto things that were once loved, but as your tastes evolve or your needs for your home change, give yourself permission to edit things out if they no longer thrill you, so that the pieces you love can really shine. You will feel lighter, happier, and more productive in your space."
Of course, there's more than one way to declutter your space. While Murray and Khouri recommend giving your pieces to a second-hand store, designer Robert McKinley suggests investing in pieces that can withstand the test of time.
Want to make your home a brighter, greener space? Consider putting sustainability at the center of your home décor.
"I like to consider the big picture when setting my resolutions and intentions for the year ahead," designer Liz Caan says. "I plan on continuing to invest in my home in ways that truly better the way my family and I live, like embracing healthier living by using natural, ethical materials, like wool, linen and cotton."
When it comes to sprucing up her own space, Caan is committed to prioritizing quality over quantity.
If a picture says a thousand words, just imagine how telling a gallery wall can be? Not only is this one resolution that will give your home plenty of personality, but it's something you can work toward all year-long.
"Start a framing project; and make it personal," designer Fran Keenan recommends. "Each month of the new year, frame one personal photograph or piece of artwork that you already own, but has been waiting for a frame. Custom or store-bought, these personal pieces will set your home apart."
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