This post created in partnership with World Market.
The projects and opinions are my own.
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Happy New Year! I hope you had a lovely holiday with family and friends. I’m excited to start the year in a new house and to share updates about what’s happening here. This week I’ll post a current “state of the house” update and outline the projects I’m planning and working on.
After the tree and holiday decor come down, homes can feel a little empty — but often also calmer and more streamlined. January is a perfect month for fresh starts and for tackling small projects that make a big difference. Now is an ideal time to get organized and complete a few interior updates you might otherwise postpone when the weather warms up.
A little creativity can transform how a home feels, and working on creative projects at home can lift our spirits during this quieter season.
Below are three easy ways to refresh your home for the New Year. I tried each of these ideas in my house last week and finished all three projects quickly. Read on to see how I did it.
1) Organize the everyday.
Making everyday items both more organized and more beautiful is an easy way to refresh a space. A dramatic improvement can be as simple as corralling necessities in an attractive cart or basket. Towels, cosmetic bags and daily essentials look neater and are ready to use when contained together.
I love small carts like this. Last week this bathroom felt like a blank, disorganized space, but adding the cart instantly gave it personality and function. It was the perfect starting point for organizing everyday items. I’ll share more about this bathroom in an upcoming post.
2) Make the most of the space you have.
Don’t ignore small corners or hallways when you’re organizing for the new year. These narrow spaces can be both useful and charming. I enjoy turning tiny areas into functional spots for our family. Last week the walls in this upstairs hall were blank, but there was just enough room between the kitchen and the basement stairs for a compact “command station.”
We’re using a small chalkboard as a reminder board for our son now that school is back in session. It’s perfect for quick notes as he leaves his room in the morning. The metal mail holder serves as a drop spot for incoming mail. These modest additions make the space much more practical.
It’s amazing how much improvement a little attention can bring to overlooked spaces.
3) Bring the outdoors in.
When the Christmas tree is gone, consider planting a winter terrarium to bring greenery back indoors. Working with plants is calming, and mini indoor gardens are enjoyable year-round. Terrariums are compact, decorative, and make great projects to do with kids or to use as table centerpieces. Choosing different containers lets you get creative with how you bring nature inside through every season.
I usually pick up small seasonal plants at a local nursery, but faux plants are a good alternative if you don’t have a green thumb. They give the same fresh look without the worry of maintenance.
Cute, yes?
I hope these projects inspire you to find small ways to refresh your home throughout the year.
Sources: Zinc Metal Cart / Farmhouse Whitewashed Chalkboard / Glass House Terrarium / Geo Terrarium / Metal Hanging Mail Holder / White Chevron Bath Towel / Mini Succulent Pots / Mason Jar Hand Lotion / Scented Bath and Body Oil / Striped Cosmetic Bag / Botanical Prints (free printables)
Disclosure: I was provided a gift card to World Market for the products in this post.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! What small project around your house could you complete this week to kick off the New Year?