Easy & Affordable Ways to Refresh Your Home for the New Year
A new year often brings a desire for a fresh start—and that doesn’t have to mean a full renovation or big budget. Some of the most impactful updates are also the simplest. As an interior designer, I always encourage clients to focus on small changes that make their home feel more intentional, refreshed, and loved.
Here are five easy and affordable ways to update your home as you step into the new year.
1. Change Out Cabinet Hardware
This is one of my favorite quick updates. Swapping cabinet knobs or pulls can instantly change the look of a kitchen, bathroom, or built-in cabinetry—without replacing a single cabinet.
Whether your style leans modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, hardware is a small detail that makes a big impact.
Designer tip: I know it may feel strange, but it’s okay to mix metals. Mixing metals adds dimension to your space.
2. Update Light Fixtures
Lighting sets the tone for a room, and outdated fixtures can make a space feel older than it really is. Replacing a light fixture in an entryway, dining room, or bathroom is a relatively simple project that can dramatically elevate the space.
You don’t need anything overly ornate—clean, simple fixtures often feel the most timeless.
Designer tip: Warm lighting helps create a cozy, welcoming feel, especially during winter months.
3. Refresh with Paint
Paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your home. A fresh coat on the walls, trim, or even interior doors can make a space feel brand new.
If painting an entire room feels overwhelming, consider an accent wall or a small space like a laundry room or bathroom.
Designer tip: Warm whites and soft neutrals are versatile, timeless, and easy to build around. If your really brave, try a moody paint color. You won’t regret it. ;)
4. Update Soft Goods
New pillows, throws, rugs, or window treatments can instantly refresh a room without replacing furniture. This is also a great way to introduce texture, pattern, or subtle color.
Soft goods are especially helpful if you enjoy seasonal updates—small changes can make your home feel current without committing to something permanent. Pillow covers can be very cost effective and an easy way to update a space.
Designer tip: Stick with neutral foundations with texture and rotate accent pieces throughout the year.
5. Bonus Tip: Thrift with Intention
Don’t underestimate the power of thrifting. Stores like Goodwill and local thrift shops can be incredible resources for unique décor pieces at a fraction of the cost.
I’ve found some of my favorite styling items secondhand—vases, baskets, trays, and especially frames. Thrifted frames can completely update a space when you swap out the print inside. Whether it’s artwork, family photos, or simple black-and-white prints, frames add character and charm without breaking the budget.
Designer tip: Look for solid wood frames with a mat—they’re timeless and easy to style in any space.
A Fresh Start Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Refreshing your home for the new year doesn’t require a full makeover. Thoughtful, intentional updates can make your space feel lighter, more functional, and more “you.”
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, sometimes a fresh set of eyes is all it takes. Small changes often lead to the biggest transformation.
Here’s to a new year and a home that supports the life you’re living in it 🤍