Once the holiday rush is over, the house can feel a little crowded, a little tired, and not quite back to normal. That is exactly why many interior designers treat the first weeks of the year as a reset, not a renovation. In a recent roundup from Homes & Gardens, designers shared the small, practical changes they rely on to make their spaces feel calm again. The good news is that most of these updates cost more time than money.
The first step is also the most satisfying, taking down every last trace of the festive season. Designer Ami McKay says she starts by removing holiday decor, then walks through each room with fresh eyes to spot what still works and what suddenly feels worn out. Marie Flanigan agrees that packing everything away immediately creates a clean break and makes the home feel reset. Once the sparkle is gone, you can actually see the room again.
After that, it helps to focus on the places that tend to collect the most chaos. If you have kids, their rooms often become a post holiday pile of new gifts mixed with old toys, stuffed drawers, and overfilled shelves. The simplest fix is to clear out what is no longer used, then reorganize so daily favorites are easy to reach and the rest has a proper home. Baskets on open shelving can make the whole space look calmer without demanding perfection.
A deep clean is the next mood shift, especially when the house has been busy with visitors and cooking. Designer Ali Henrie says thorough cleaning makes everything feel lighter, and simplifying surfaces helps the home breathe again. The kitchen deserves extra attention because it works overtime during the holidays. Flanigan suggests clearing countertops so the room’s materials and architecture can shine, then putting back only what you truly use or love seeing every day.
If you have energy for one bigger change, paint can deliver the fastest transformation. Even repainting a single high traffic area can brighten the entire home, and designer Lauren especially likes refreshing the hallway since it sets the tone the moment someone walks in. Comfort also matters in the heart of winter, so Kathy Kuo recommends layering in softness with throws, cozy textures, and better lighting where a corner feels dim. Upgrading storage can help too, like swapping tired plastic bins for woven baskets with lids and using a decorative tray or bowl to catch keys and mail.
Finally, shift the atmosphere with details that feel like a new chapter. After weeks of cinnamon, pine, and rich holiday scents, a fresh candle, diffuser, or even simple greenery can signal a clean start, and Flanigan notes that scent changes can be surprisingly powerful. Seasonal flowers are another instant lift, and Lauren says they bring life back into a room right away. McKay also likes reworking shelves and display spots by rotating meaningful pieces like travel finds, favorite ceramics, books, and objects tied to happy memories.
Which of these resets would make the biggest difference in your home right now? Share your go to new year refresh in the comments.
