Introduction

The new year brings an opportunity to refresh and revitalize your home. Whether you want to declutter, redecorate, or reorganize, a home update can make your space feel renewed. With some planning and effort, you can create a home environment that feels fresh and inspires you as you head into the new year.

Deep Clean and Declutter

One of the best ways to refresh your home is by doing a deep clean and decluttering. Go through each room and get rid of clutter as well as things you no longer need or use. Consider donating gently used items. Do a thorough cleaning including dusting, scrubbing, vacuuming, and washing windows and floors. A clean and clutter-free home will feel instantly refreshed.

Tips for Decluttering

Go through closets, cabinets, and drawers. Get rid of items you haven’t used in over a year.
Sort through paperwork and shred documents you no longer need.
Go through collections and decorative items. Donate or sell extras.
Organize items you are keeping so clutter doesn’t accumulate again.

Update Paint and Finishes

Painting is an affordable way to instantly update the look of any room. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint in a new, modern color. You can also update finishes like staining cabinets or refinishing wood floors. These simple changes can make your home feel brand new. Focus on high-impact areas like the entryway, living spaces, and kitchen.

Paint Color Trends

Neutral, earthy tones like beige and tan
Soft greens like sage and seafoam
Calm blues ranging from powder to navy
Warm shades of white like almond and linen

Incorporate New Decor

Look for inexpensive ways to make your existing decor feel new again. Replace throw pillows, area rugs, and accessories like vases, trays, and candles. Match your new pieces to the color scheme you want for each room. Shop discount home stores and online sales for budget-friendly updates. Display some new art, photos, shelves, or plants to give your walls a refresh.

Cost-Effective Updates

Switch out throw blankets and pillows
Buy new inexpensive curtains
Add a mirror or gallery wall
Display houseplants or fresh flowers
Rearrange existing furniture

Reorganize and Upgrade Storage

Reorganizing your home is a great way to feel refreshed. Having a place for everything makes your home feel clean and tidy. Consider adding organizational furniture like shelving units, baskets, or storage ottomans. Upgrade kitchen organization with drawer dividers and bins. Install pull-out cabinet organizers. Maximizing your storage makes the most of your space.

Creative Storage Solutions

Use under-bed storage bins
Install pegboards for garage/craft room storage
Buy media console with hidden storage
Utilize cabinet lazy susans and risers
Add a bench or cubbies near entranceway

Plan Some DIY Updates

For a major impact with minimal cost, take on some DIY home projects. Tasks like refinishing furniture, updating lighting fixtures, and installing new hardware and faucets can make a huge difference. Add molding for an instant facelift. Replace your front door or paint the existing one. Building floating shelves or a bench adds custom elements.

Easy DIY Projects

Paint cabinets and change out hardware
Replace dated lighting fixtures
Install a new showerhead and bath hardware
Sand and refinish wood furniture
Build and paint accent walls with trim

Freshen Up Outdoor Living Spaces

Your home’s exterior and outdoor living spaces deserve a refresh too. Try pressure washing outdoor surfaces like siding, decks, and patios. Add a fresh coat of paint or stain to give them new life. Update outdoor decor with weather-resistant rugs, cushions, and potted plants. Extend your living space outdoors.

Ideas for Outdoor Updates

Stain deck/fence or paint outdoor wood surfaces
Buy weatherproof outdoor rug and cushions
Add flower boxes, potted plants, or garden decor
Install string lights overhead for ambiance
Purchase new outdoor furniture or accessories

Conclusion

The new year provides the perfect motivation to refresh your home. Decluttering, deep cleaning, adding new paint and decor, reorganizing storage, and taking on DIY projects allows you to update your home in affordable ways. By customizing changes to match your personal style, you can give every room in your home a fresh new look as you kick off the new year. With some effort and creativity, your newly updated space will feel inspiring and uplifting for months to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy ways to update your home for the new year?

Some easy home update ideas include:

Decluttering and thoroughly cleaning each room
Adding a fresh coat of paint to high-traffic areas
Swapping out decorative pillows, rugs, and other accessories
Reorganizing cabinets, closets, and storage spaces
Displaying new prints, photos, shelves, or greenery
Updating hardware like doorknobs, cabinet pulls, and light fixtures

How can you update your home on a budget?

There are many inexpensive ways to refresh your home, such as:

Shop sales and discount home stores for new decorative accessories
Buy inexpensive curtains or tablecloths to instantly change a room’s look
Rearrange and repurpose furniture you already have
Add a gallery wall or floating shelves using affordable materials
Paint existing cabinets and furniture instead of replacing them
Freshen up outdated lighting fixtures with spray paint

What are some easy DIY projects for updating your home?

Easy DIY home projects include:

Painting walls, cabinets, front doors, and outdoor surfaces
Staining wood floors, decks, fencing
Installing new cabinet hardware, faucets, showerheads
Hanging new lighting fixtures
Building floating shelves
Refinishing old wood furniture with new stain
Adding trim like crown molding for an instant update

How can you update the exterior or outdoor areas of your home?

To refresh the outside of your home, you can:

Pressure wash siding, outdoor furniture, decks, and patios
Apply a fresh coat of weatherproof outdoor paint or stain
Install string lights overhead for ambiance
Add flower boxes, potted plants, wind chimes, and other decor
Purchase new cushions, rugs, and decorative outdoor items
Repaint the front door or update exterior hardware

What areas of your home should you focus on when doing a refresh?

When updating your home, focus on high-impact areas like:

Entryway – Sets the tone when entering the home
Living room – Used frequently for lounging and entertaining
Dining area – The gathering spot for family meals
Kitchen – The heart of the home where many gather
Bathrooms – Used multiple times daily
Bedrooms – Your personal sanctuary; make it feel fresh

Ready, Set, Refresh: Update Your Home for the New Year