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Suburban Homes

5 Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home
for the New Year

Equity Resources - 5 Simple Ways to Refresh Your Home for the New Year - Buy a Home or Ref

A new year is a fresh start, not just for goals and routines, but for the spaces we live in every day. Whether you bought your home last month or many years ago, small, strategic updates can make a big difference in comfort, function, and value.

 

Here are five approachable projects to kick off the year feeling organized, energized, and proud of your home.

 

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1) Edit, Organize, and Reclaim Space

Clutter creeps in quietly, and it’s often the single biggest factor that makes rooms feel smaller or less welcoming. Start with a quick three‑pile method: keep, donate/sell, recycle/trash. Focus on those “high‑impact zones” first, such as entryways, kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, and the living room!

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Quick wins:

  • Use clear bins with simple labels for pantry staples, kids’ toys, and linen closets.

  • Add a wall‑mounted rack or narrow console in the entryway for coats, keys, and bags.

  • Try the “one‑in, one‑out” rule for shoes, towels, and small appliances to maintain balance.

 

Budget guide:

  • Labels and small bins: $15–$40

  • Over‑the‑door organizers or wall hooks: $20–$60

  • Closet systems (modular): $100–$300

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Pro tip: Set a 20‑minute timer per space. The finite window makes it easier to start, and you’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in short sprints!

 

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2) Add Color… Without a Full Paint Job

Color can shift a room’s mood instantly. If repainting your walls sounds daunting, start with accents: throw pillows, blankets, a statement lamp, or artwork. For a targeted refresh, paint only the trim, interior doors, or a single accent wall. Deep navy, warm greige, pine green, or soft terracotta create a welcoming backdrop that includes a modern feel.

 

Quick wins:

  • Swap pillow covers seasonally… they store flat and only take a moment to swap out.

  • Layer textures! Mix knit, linen, and velvet to add depth without all that visual clutter.

  • Paint your interior doors a contrasting color, to add that cozy feeling in unexpected places.

 

Budget guide:

  • Pillow covers and throws: $40–$120

  • One gallon of interior paint + brushes: $35–$75

  • Framed prints or canvas artwork: $60–$200

 

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3) Light Smarter (and Warmer)

Lighting is the unsung hero of home comfort. Aim for three layers in main rooms: ambient (ceiling fixtures), task (reading lamps, undercabinet lights), and accent (sconces, picture lights). Warmer LED bulbs (2700–3000K) create a cozy glow, while dimmers let you fine‑tune mood and
save energy.

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Quick wins:

  • Replace cool white bulbs with warm LEDs for instant ambiance.

  • Add stick‑on, rechargeable under‑cabinet lights in the kitchen or closets.

  • Use smart plugs or bulbs to set evening scenes and automate your nighttime routines.

 

Budget guide:

  • LED bulb pack: $20–$40

  • Dimmers (DIY‑friendly models): $25–$60 each

  • Rechargeable under‑cabinet lights: $30–$80 per set

 

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4) Bring Nature Indoors (Even If You Don’t Have a Green Thumb)

Houseplants breathe life into any room. If you’re new to plants, start simple with snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos, or philodendron. They’re forgiving and thrive in varied light! Do you prefer a no-nonsense approach? A fresh bouquet or fake stems with realistic texture can provide the same visual lift, with ¼ of the effort!

 

Quick wins:

  • Group plants in odd numbers (3s or 5s) for a styled and intentional look.

  • Elevate greenery with plant stands to add more dimension and interest

  • Place herbs (basil, mint) near a sunny kitchen window for a practical balance.

 

Budget guide:

  • Starter plants: $10–$35

  • Planters/stands: $20–$70

  • Weekly or monthly blooms: $15–$40

 

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5) Create Your Own “Cozy Corner”

A dedicated nook for reading, journaling, or simply unwinding can change how your home feels at the end of a long day. You don’t need a large footprint… just a comfortable chair, a soft throw, good task lighting, and a small side table for tea or a book! You could add a basket for blankets and a diffuser to cue relaxation.

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Quick wins:

  • Position your chair near natural light and add a floor lamp for evenings.

  • Keep a tray with your favorite essentials like hand cream, a notepad, or earbuds.

  • Curate a mini bookshelf with 6–10 favorites to limit that visual clutter.

 

Budget guide:

  • Accent chair: $150–$400 (watch for New Year sales)

  • Floor/task lamp: $40–$120

  • Side table + tray: $40–$100

 

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Bonus: A One‑Weekend “Feel‑Better Fast” Checklist

If you’re short on time, this mini plan delivers maximum impact:

  • Friday Evening: Swap cool bulbs to warm LEDs.

  • Saturday Morning: Declutter the entry and kitchen surfaces. You could add hooks and a mail tray for an easy and organized look!

  • Saturday Afternoon: Paint one accent wall or an interior door (don’t forget to wipe them down first).

  • Sunday Morning: Style a cozy corner with a chair, lamp, and throw.

  • Sunday Afternoon: Add one plant group (or a fresh/fake bouquet) and finish with a 10‑minute tidy. Check those corners and crevices!

 

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Looking Ahead: Comfort Today, Value Tomorrow

Refreshing your space now can pay dividends later. Simple organization and lighting upgrades improve daily comfort, while paint and décor boost appeal if you decide to sell. Energy‑smart choices can trim utility bills over time, even small steps make a home feel more “you.”

 

Thinking about a remodel, a second home, or consolidating renovations with a refinance? Our team is here to help you explore smart options for the year ahead.


Call 740.349.7082 to connect with a Mortgage Specialist!

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