A chill is in the air, lights are everywhere, and the towns are abuzz with festive cheer. Christmas is over and it’s to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome in the new year – and there is no better time to start thinking about giving your home that complete refresh it deserves.
To help you give your home a complete refresh for the new year, interior design expert Zoe Warren at PriceYourJob.co.uk has created this great list of tips. As the saying goes, happiness starts at home and these ten top tips for putting the sparkle back in your abode are sure to make 2025 YOUR year!
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. 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 that little extra room on your shelves and in your cupboards makes!
Deep Clean
After reclaiming your space from all of that clutter, it’s time to dive right in with a spot of spring cleaning. Those items going back on your shelves deserve a nice, clean environment to return to, and you can have them looking shiny and new in no time. Deep cleaning, however, 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. 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!
Freshen up the Fragrance
Now that your home is fresh and clean, you may start to wonder whether you have gone a little nose-blind to certain smells, and sadly, your favourite scented candle may have also fallen victim. Constantly refreshing the fragrance of your home will make it so much more powerful and can really add to the mood you are aiming to create. A simple switch of candles and reed diffusers will see you embracing the spirit of each season, and whether it be fresh flowers in spring or spiced pumpkin in autumn, you are sure to receive plenty of compliments on the delightful aroma that engulfs guests as they step through your door.
Rearrange Furniture
Transforming your home doesn’t mean you have to splash the cash – simply rearranging your existing furniture can be a great way to spruce up any room. Sick of staring at your television on that same wall day after day? Try switching it with your sofa for a whole new perspective! Every room in our home is like a puzzle and you will have hours of fun rearranging the pieces and slotting them in to their right place.
Restoration is Key
Another thrifty way to work with the furniture you already have is upcycling. A fresh lick of paint or some new handles could be all that tired-looking wardrobe needs to restore its former glory and give your clothes the home they deserve. For those of you looking to really get those creative juices flowing, why not try reupholstering chairs and sofas with new fabrics? It will give your furniture a whole new look, and the pride that comes with knowing that this is your creation is sure to add that extra glow to both yourself and your home!
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. They are the focal point of these areas and a new colour or pattern can change the entire look of your room. If new replacements aren’t within your budget, just switching around the what you already own around is a great idea. That blanket draped across the bottom of your bed could add new life to your favourite cosy chair!
Create an Accent Wall
An accent wall is one that differs from the other walls within a room, and there are many different ways to achieve this look. A common way is to add some statement wallpaper, which will really make the wall pop and draw attention, but perhaps a simple change of paint colour is more your style! Texture also plays a big role in how we perceive a wall and features like wooden slats, panelling, and exposed brick can create a fun and quirky style. Adding some shelving to your feature wall is another great way to show it off and allows you to be creative with your design – Maybe you want to use it to display your collection of favourite books or trinkets!
Add some Artwork
A statement piece of artwork can really add that wow factor a room is missing. The blank space above your fireplace or bed is craving the joy of a beautiful painting or collage that all eyes are guaranteed to be glued on. As with many of the tips here, happiness does not need to come at a great cost and the art you choose is simply designed to be a reflection of your personality in your treasured space. For those of you feeling particularly artsy, why not have a go at creating it yourself for that extra touch of personalisation? The start of a new year is all about letting your creativity flourish, and what better way to display it than in your home?
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. So now is the perfect time to bring outside inside and add some nature to your home! The splash of colour from a beautiful bouquet of flowers is sure to brighten up your mood on even the darkest of days and really add that finishing touch to a room. For those looking for something a little more understated, try adding some leafy plants, pine cones or twigs to create that earthy look and feel.
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. And with all the work you have put in to creating your ideal space it would be a disservice not to show it off with the perfect lighting! Repositioning a lamp or changing the colour of a bulb has the power to completely transform a room and create the ambience you wish to achieve.
And there we have it – I hope this article has proved useful in getting the inspiration flowing to transform your space and create the home of your dreams in 2025. Happy New Year everyone!
