New Year Refresh
New Year’s is such a time of rebirth – resolutions, goals and projects are all come to mind. But equally important is a refresh for your home. Here are my suggestions for a New Year Refresh to recharge your batteries, create peace and harmony in your home, instilling a sense of calm.
Adding natural elements in soft shades of white and neutrals is an easy way to make the switch from Christmas decor to Winter accents.
Plant bulbs indoors
Now is the time to pick up those half price Paperwhite bulbs at the nursery or pick up some hyacinth or daffodil bulbs that are just starting to sprout in a nursery pot and replant them indoors. And Amaryillis bulbs should be on sale. The ones that are dipped in wax don’t even need planting or watering!
Paperwhites
The trick with these bulbs is to have water just touch the bottom of the bulb. Glass beads or pebbles in the bottom of a pitcher do the trick of supporting the bulb while allow enough water to support their growth. The pitcher will support the stems as they grow. Paperwhites need to be tricked into thinking they’ve gone through the winter. Keep them in a cold dark place, such as an out of the way corner of your basement or garage, for two weeks. Then bring them into the light and they will start growing vigourously. Wait another two weeks for the flowers to appear. Remember to keep checking the water levels as they’re growing. Adding in the Pussy Willow branches creates a textural component.
bulbs in a Vase or pitcher
Planting bulbs in an unexpected vessel can be delightful. I often will plant spring bulbs indoors in a serving dish, such as this pedestal or footed bowl. White is my favourite floral colour for January as the colour implies a fresh start for the New Year.
Using just the planting material that came with the bulb, I place three in this serving dish. Remember to plant in odd numbers as it just looks better. This is a guideline that is used throughout interior styling.
Cover up the exposed dirt with moss.
So easy! And all for the price of a bouquet of tulips that wouldn’t even last a week. Please recycle the pots that the plants came in. Once the bulbs have finished blooming, plant them in your garden where you can enjoy them next spring.
It’s incredible the effect that nature has on our mental health. Bringing nature indoors during the dark days of winter is like a little boost of serotonin for the brain. If you’d like to read more about that, check out my blog post on Biophilic Design.
Keep changing out the plants as they bloom and plant the tired ones out in the yard where they will come to life next winter. And if using bulbs such as amaryllis, January is the perfect time to purchase them at a discounted price.
Switch up your decor
Move decor items around and try them in a different arrangement. Add pops of colour to brighten and lift your mood. Try out a piece of furniture in a new spot. As the old saying goes, “a change is as good as a rest.
Adding a white faux fur throw to your sofa as well as a wintery themed pillow can really freshen up the space and also speaks to the sense of touch with its cozy texture.
Pussy willow stems are just gorgeous and are plentiful at this time of year. Many of the neighbouring farms sell them by the bunch. I planted my own tree just so I would have a never ending supply each spring. And White Hellebores are such a cheerful and long lasting flower at this time of year. White flowers and catkins always add an element of freshness to one’s decor in the New Year.
Add some sparkle
While still wintery, this collection of pinecones and oyster shells with some glass balls and fairy lights doesn’t reek of Christmas. The nights are still so long so the sparkle from the lights and glass lights the spirits. The Scandinavians have really nailed it for keeping their mood elevated during the long winter months and adding light is a key element. And bringing nature indoors is a fundamental aspect of Biophilic design which has been proven to improve our mental health.
Decorating your mantel isn’t just for Christmas. I find that after the lights have come down, I still crave light on dark winter nights so add battery candles and a birch branch wrapped in fairy lights.
Make a change
This buffet was an auction find of my Dad’s. He lovingly refinished it for me for my first dining room. The table and chairs ended up being really uncomfortable so I eventually sold those. But as Pops passed away in 2014, I just couldn’t bare to part with this piece that reminds me so much of him. By painting the buffet with Fusion Mineral Paint and changing out the handles, I’ve breathed new life into the piece so it now fits in with my decor. Don’t be intimidated. Painting furniture is easy and doesn’t take much time. If you’d like to learn how, just read this post.
I absolutely adore the “monkey’s fist” or “sailors knot” handles. They inject a bit of light hearted fun and an element of the unexpected – just what’s needed in a cheerful beach house. I love them so much, that I’ve recently ordered more as I’m going to change out all my closet door pulls as well.
Adding white accessories like these coral lamps, glass fishing float, white wreath and a collection of shells and antlers in the glass cloche really elevate the buffet. With limited light in the winter, bouncing what light you do get is extremely important. This inexpensive mirror from IKEA reflects the ocean view out my windows.
Never underestimate the power nor the importance of scent. Eucalyptus provides such a fresh scent for this time of year and dries quite nicely too. Scents are an important element of your home and this Winter White Candle has a lovely scent, especially if you’re missing that Christmas Tree smell.
don't forget the bedroom
The winter is when I lean into really embracing my down time, which can mean climbing under the covers on a rainy and windy Sunday afternoon with a good book, a cup of tea and a wonderfully scented candle. A fluffy white duvet creates the feeling of a luxury hotel room.
After I separated, I visited a tarot card reader with a friend for a laugh. The psychic said that I was a “Queen” who would meet my “King”. I’ve never met a king bed that I didn’t like!
I recently learned the new term, bedscaping which is dressing up your bed similar to what you’d see in a magazine. I do like to change out my pillows and recently added an oversized lumbar pillow (not shown).
Periodically, I rent out my home on Airbnb and until recently included my primary bedroom so had to keep things simple here. I’ve now taken the decision to remove it from the listing which means that I’m looking forward to making it even more of a personal sanctuary which really reflects me. And don’t forget the guest rooms too. The perfect spot for that hyacinth bulb you’ve been forcing.
Duvet | rug | beside table | sconce | coverlet | tea caddy | book | king sized upholstered bed (similar)| art | readers | similar tray
NEW YEAR REFRESH
A New Year Refresh doesn’t have to be complicated, extensive nor expensive. Sometimes it’s the small changes that can really make a difference.
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