Start the New Year by Refreshing Your Home
EGR Living - Tone on tone is the key to calming vibes in this East Grand Rapids home.
The New Year is here, and there’s no better time to welcome the new year than by refreshing your home. The shift from the busy holiday season into the quieter winter months offers a perfect opportunity to reassess, reset, and create a calmer environment that supports rest, reflection, and renewal.
The holidays bring joy — but they can also leave behind clutter, noise, and lingering chaotic energy. These mindful home reset ideas can help you reclaim your space and make thoughtful changes that feel aligned with the slower, cozier season ahead.
Remove Any Remaining Holiday Décor
The first step toward a more tranquil home is removing the last traces of Christmas décor.
Set aside intentional time to take everything down slowly and thoughtfully. Carefully pack away ornaments, garlands, and seasonal accents so that next year everything is organized, dust-free, and ready to enjoy again.
Don’t forget the children’s spaces — toys and gifts tend to multiply during the holidays. January is a wonderful time to:
purge broken or unused toys
donate items that no longer serve them
make space for the new
A well-edited space naturally feels calmer, more peaceful, and more supportive of everyday life.
Do a Deep Clean & Declutter
Once the decorations are stored away, give your home a thorough deep clean.
Clearing out dust, greenery, and lingering holiday remnants instantly shifts the energy of your space — helping your home feel fresh, crisp, and ready to begin again. Even though deep cleaning isn’t the most glamorous task, it can make the new year feel lighter and more spacious.
Consider:
letting go of anything worn out or unused
simplifying visual clutter
clearing surfaces for a more open feel
While you’re at it, take inventory of your cleaning supplies. Replace worn-out tools, toss nearly empty bottles, and consider switching to organic, earth-friendly cleaners to help reduce VOCs in your home.
Small changes can support both wellness and intentional living.
Add Cozy Layers for Winter Comfort
Winter is a season of slowing down — and your home can reflect that.
Embrace a sense of Hygge, the Danish concept of comfort and contentment, by layering textures and soft lighting throughout your space:
plush throw blankets
layered rugs
fresh, cozy bedding
warm table or floor lamps
Candles and diffusers are another beautiful way to shift the atmosphere of your home. Choose calming, grounding scents — and always place candles safely and never leave them unattended.
These simple details invite warmth, softness, and a sense of ease.
Upgrade Your Storage (Beautifully)
Storage doesn’t have to be purely functional — it can also be beautiful.
Elevate everyday organization with:
woven baskets
decorative boxes
ceramic bowls or trays
A thoughtfully styled catch-all near your entry for keys or mail can make daily routines feel more intentional.
Remember: useful items can still bring joy when they are thoughtfully chosen.
Oakley Bungalow Kitchen - A 1927 bungalow goes from cramped and dingy to white and bright!
Create a Cozy Tea or Coffee Station
Nothing says winter comfort like a warm drink ritual.
If you don’t already have one, create a simple tea or coffee station by grouping your essentials in one spot:
kettle or coffee maker
canisters for tea, coffee, or cocoa
mugs and spoons in a basket
sweeteners or seasonal add-ins
Even small rituals can set a peaceful tone for the day.
Re-Accessorize & Restyle Your Spaces
The new year is the perfect time to reassess your décor.
If you have open shelving or styled surfaces, remove everything and start fresh. Clean thoroughly, then thoughtfully consider each piece before placing it back.
Ask yourself:
Does this item feel meaningful?
Does it support the calm atmosphere I want?
Would rearranging it create a fresh perspective?
Rotating or simplifying décor can completely reset the way a room feels.
Enhance Your Home’s Energy with Feng Shui
An especially powerful way to shift the energy of your home is through Feng Shui — and the beginning of the year is an ideal time to do so.
Feng Shui is a beautiful and effective practice that helps create calm, balance, and tranquility within your living spaces. It can transform your home into an environment that truly supports and nurtures you and your family.
Past clients often describe their Feng Shui adjustments as:
motivating
grounding
cleansing
deeply supportive
Feng Shui offers a unique way to assess both your home and your habits, creating energetic shifts that move you in a positive direction.
Feng Shui Adjustment Sessions with Align Design
Align Design is currently offering in-person and remote Feng Shui adjustment sessions.
Each session is $198 and includes:
A pre-evaluation of your floor plan
A completed Bagua map for future reference
A real-time or virtual walk-through of your main floor
Personalized recommendations for adjustments
Appointments are now being scheduled.
For more information or to book a session, please email:
shawnmerk@gmail.com
A Thoughtful Beginning to the Year Ahead
Refreshing your home doesn’t have to happen all at once. Even the smallest intentional changes can create meaningful shifts in how your space feels — and how you feel within it.
If you’re unsure where to begin or are still discovering what feels most aligned with your personal style, you may enjoy revisiting one of our earlier posts:
“What’s My Interior Design Style? A Complete Guide to Finding Yours.”
It’s a wonderful place to start if you’re refining your aesthetic, exploring inspiration, or seeking clarity for the year ahead.
Wishing you a peaceful winter season — and a home that feels comforting, calm, and deeply connected to you.