2021 New Years Resolutions for your Home

Whether you’re a firm believer in the annual practice of creating New Year’s resolutions or you’re more of the “New Year, same me” type of person, you can’t argue with the benefit of taking a look inwards or, in this case, outwards at your home and doing a quick assessment of potential areas of improvements. Without further ado, let’s dive into five of our top recommended New Year’s resolutions for the home:

Starting the New Year with a Clean Slate

We have said it before, but we will say it again. We’re big fans of creating a clean slate before making any big moves—resolutions included. So while this isn’t a resolution per se, it's number one on our list of New Year to-dos around the home. First, we get rid of anything that isn’t being used, doesn’t serve a purpose, or simply is no longer a good fit for your home. Have you acquired multiples of items over the years? Could you narrow down your collection of kitchen appliances? Do you have a closet full of deserted toys, linens, or bathroom products? Good riddance to them! Now, once you’ve freed yourself from the burden of clutter, it’s time to clean. We’re talking about the nitty-gritty that gets neglected during your routine cleaning session—the windows, the baseboards, the floor. Speaking of floors, our Care & Maintenance guide is an excellent resource for all your floor care needs, including how to properly care for your specific flooring type.

Getting your Home Organized

Interior design: Cynthia Soda  Photo: Stephani Buchman

Now for the resolutions. The idea of getting organized is certainly not innovative come January 1st. In fact, it’s probably at the top of many people’s lists. However, it’s important to ensure you tackle this resolution with the right tools at hand, and created spaces in your home that facilitate organized behaviors are vital. In Keeping Your Family Beautifully Organized, designer Cynthia Soda shares a few of her favorite ways that she helps her clients to stay organized. In the kitchen, the designer recommends double-decker cutlery-style drawers to not only keep items organized and in place but to double your storage capacity! And don’t worry, custom cabinetry is not necessary. This type of setup can be purchased as a separate insert for your existing drawers and can certainly be used beyond silverware. Can you say, most organized junk drawer ever!? 

Here are a few other spaces that are top of our list for getting organized in the New Year:

• Clothing closets
• Bathroom storage
• Filing cabinets
• The garage
• Spice drawers

Prioritize this Year’s Home Projects

Home improvement projects can feel overwhelming, expensive, disruptive, and like a whole lot of work. But, we’re here to tell you that if you take the time to create a plan, these projects can be tackled one-by-one in a manner that feels easy and is individually suited to you. This year, we challenge you to create a list of all your wants and wishes, big or small, for your home. Next, do a little leg work to get a rough estimate for the cost of each project. Google can be a great resource for smaller projects. For large investments like flooring, it’s best to contact a professional who can offer you a free estimate. With a better idea of cost, you can now take the time to consider the below:

Your Budget

How much money do you have to allocate to 2021 projects? There’s no need to overextend yourself financially. Tackle what’s reasonable.

Your Time

How much time do you have to either (a) carry out the project yourself or (b) invest in coordinating the necessary professionals to carry out the job?

Your Need 

What projects will make the biggest difference in your day-to-day life? A purely aesthetic update might be less expensive, but the benefits of a project that improves functionality could be worth the additional costs.   

Your Investment

Homes are an investment. That said, it’s smart to take into consideration which projects will add value to your home.

Of course, prioritizing home projects isn’t an exact science. But, taking the time to consider the above should help bring key factors to light and help to guide your plan for the New Year. To get inspired, here are 10 Easy Home Improvement Projects to consider in 2021.

Schedule Home Maintenance

While not as exciting as planning out home improvement projects, creating a schedule for your home’s maintenance can help you to avoid costly repairs and will keep your home looking and functioning like a champ.

Here are a few important services to consider scheduling or planning for:

• Have the HVAC system serviced
• Inspect your attic and basement for cracks and/or leaks
• Have your gutters cleaned
• Inspect the caulking around windows and doors
• Pressure wash your home’s exterior, walkways, patios, etc.
• Have your chimney inspected
• Re-stain or reseal the porch or deck
• Trim trees and shrubs away from the house

Expand your Style Horizons

Interior design: Michelle Berwick  Photo: Larry Arnal

If you’re reading this blog, you most likely to have some type of affinity for interior design. Regardless, whether you’ve never given much thought to your home’s style or you’re an interior design enthusiast who's spent years honing your décor, there’s always room to expand your style horizons.  

• Play with color. Incorporate a touch of color to an otherwise neutral space. 

• Add textural interest. New grasscloth wallpaper, a beautiful stone backsplash, a lovely curation of textured bed linens; there are so many ways to add texture to a home, each with the innate ability to instantly add a level of luxe within a space.

• Incorporate a new, on-trend material. A few of our current favorites: cane detailed furniture, bouclé upholstery, and petrified wood accessories.

• Rework the flow of a space. If the footprint allows, switch it up! You never know what a new bedroom or living room layout could inspire or what new, creative entry it may bring.

• Make an unused space purposeful. After all, great design is equal parts beauty and function.

Are you ready to create your New Year's resolution list for your home? Or do you need a little more inspiration? We've got you:

Creating all the Comforts of Home  |  6 Easy Ways to Start Living Clean  |  How to Choose a Color Story for your Space  |  Steps to Creating a Productive Home Office  |  Reuse, Recycle, and Restyle your Home Décor  |  How to Use Flooring Samples to Pick New Floors