Happy New Year, friends! We celebrated quietly at home this year — my husband, our daughter Courtney, our son Luke, and our two doodles, Jack and Lily. We kept things simple with takeout from a favorite local spot, tried a new board game called Carcassonne (a lot more fun than we expected), and stayed awake until midnight to welcome the new year together.
I’m deeply grateful for your support of The Inspired Room over the years and through 2020. Every message, share, and comment has meant so much. Thank you for following along and being part of this community.
I’m excited about what 2021 will bring. I have some enjoyable and helpful posts lined up, so if you haven’t signed up for my newsletter yet, please subscribe so you don’t miss any updates.
Are you ready for a fresh start this year? Small, intentional changes can make a big difference — whether it’s organizing a single room, establishing a simple cleaning routine, or adding a few finishing touches that make home feel warm and welcoming.
Below are a handful of inspiring reads to help you start the year with calm, order, and style. Enjoy this week’s Home Style Saturdays selections and pick one idea to try this week.
Top photo: House & Home – Sarah Richardson
StoneGable | How To Clean Your Home In 30 Minutes A Day
If you’re trying to maintain a tidy home without spending hours each day cleaning, the StoneGable approach offers practical daily habits that add up. Focused 30-minute sessions, done consistently, can keep spaces guest-ready and reduce the need for exhausting weekend cleaning marathons. Start with a simple routine: pick one or two high-traffic areas each day, set a timer, and stick to the essentials. Small, steady efforts maintain order and free up time for the things you love.
Designthusiasm | Things to Do in January to Stay Organized All Year
January is a natural reset month for organizing. Designthusiasm shares practical, achievable tasks to reduce clutter and create systems that last. Consider clearing one drawer or shelf at a time, setting up a donated items bin, and creating a simple calendar for household tasks. These small projects help build momentum and make organization an ongoing habit rather than a seasonal scramble.
The Inspired Room | Four Essential Homemaking Practices for Every Season
Creating a home that feels comfortable and cared for doesn’t require grand gestures. The Inspired Room outlines four steady homemaking practices you can adapt to each season: decluttering, cleaning, refreshing decor, and planning meals or routines. By approaching these tasks intentionally and seasonally, you can keep your home feeling fresh and comfortable year-round without burnout.
On Sutton Place | Banana Oatmeal Smoothie Recipe
A nourishing smoothie is an easy way to start the day, especially when routines are busy. This banana-oatmeal smoothie blends wholesome ingredients for a filling breakfast on the go. It’s a simple, adaptable recipe ideal for chilly mornings or busy afternoons when you want something quick, healthy, and satisfying. Try swapping in different fruit or nut butter to change the flavor profile.
Shabbyfufu | Winter Decorating Ideas For After Christmas
After the holidays, the transition to simple winter decor can extend the cozy feeling without the fuss of full holiday decorations. Shabbyfufu offers ideas for toning down festive elements while keeping warmth and texture in your rooms. Think neutral layers, soft throws, and natural accents that create a calm, lived-in aesthetic through the colder months.
Southern Hospitality | Add a Sliding Door to a Bathroom
A sliding barn door can be both practical and stylish in a bathroom renovation. Southern Hospitality details how a sliding door saves space and adds charm while outlining considerations for installation and hardware. It’s a simple change that can make a noticeable difference in function and design, especially in compact or transitional spaces.
I hope these curated links spark a few ideas for your home this week. Whether you focus on a short cleaning routine, a small organizing project, an easy recipe, or a decorative update, taking one small step can make your home feel more peaceful and intentional as the new year begins. Wishing you a happy, healthy start to the year!