How to January-proof your home: 7 decorating tips
An anti-climax to the excess and excitement of the festive period, it can feel as though there is little to look forward to in January. Grey, cold weather makes us feel utterly uninspired, and we spend a sizeable chunk of our time at home.
But, it’s not all bad – there's nothing wrong with being at home if you love the space you're in. There's also plenty you can do to improve your interior and make it feel like a comforting escape from the rest of the world – much of it is fuss-free or easy to achieve.
Keep reading to learn expert tips to January-proof your home...
'Colour psychology is the notion that we subconsciously associate colours with feelings and moods. Therefore, the shades we surround ourselves with will not only transform the appearance of a room but also impact our emotions which can be particularly important to combat those January blues,' says Helen Shaw, director of marketing (international) at Benjamin Moore.
'An injection of colour is a surefire way to make us feel uplifted - think of colours that are synonymous with happiness and evoke a feeling of positivity. Our colour of the Year 2024 is Blue Nova 825 – the kind of colour that fills the room with classic appeal and reassurance. The violet undertones inject a sense of warmth and homeliness, making it a great example of an uplifting shade to help lift the January blues, going against the stereotypical assumption that all blues are cold.'
For a sense of playfulness, use contrasting colours to add visual interest to your space. For example, pairing blue with a rich terracotta shade creates a striking combination that gives a sense of warmth and richness.
Curtains don’t only block light and draughts, they also provide a physical barrier from the outside world, making us feel sheltered and safe.
'Possibly the most effective way to instantly cosy up a space and create a sense of calm is to add an additional window dressing,' explains Amy Wilson, creative director for 247 Curtains. 'If your home currently has blinds at the windows, try adding some full-length curtains that will help to frame the window, as well as provide a further layer for warmth.'
When the weather is cold opt for curtains in rich fabrics, such as wool or velvet. A voile panel or frosted glass behind will maintain your privacy when the curtains are pulled back. As spring creeps in, you can switch heavier styles out for more lightweight options – cotton is a popular choice as it will keep your space feeling airy.
It's pretty tricky to feel calm in a cluttered or unorganised environment, and this is never more true than at home. Get ahead of your spring cleaning plans by starting your decluttering in January.
'After the busy Christmas period, we all long to be clutter-free,' says Gisela Lancaster, head of buying at Sofology. 'Streamlining your living space by rationalising the furniture and accessories is an effective way to make your home feel calm. Multifunctional pieces such as footstools with built-in storage are incredibly useful for keeping toys, books or papers out of sight.
'Cleaning your furniture at the start of the year can also help reset the room and your state of mind. Hoovering down the sides and under the seat pads (where possible) to ensure no crumbs or dirt have overstayed their welcome from Christmas is a good start. Put aside some time to do this at the start of the year and perhaps repeat it every six months.'
Layering texture brings a space together by adding depth. Not only will this prevent the room from looking too flat, but it will also help you to feel cocooned and settled. The tactile aspect invites touch and maintains a laidback atmosphere in your space.
'One of the quickest ways to bring in that warm and cosy feeling we all long for during the cooler months is to add layers of soft furnishings to our homes, such as throws, cushions and curtains,' says Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV.
'From cosy living rooms to snuggly bedrooms, cleverly layered textiles not only create a cohesive look but also help to create a feeling of warmth. Soft furnishings have a significant impact on the overall feel of a room.
'Layer plains and patterns carefully; when using bold patterns on upholstery, it is best to keep the cushions plain or go for a plain fabric for the upholstery. Experiment with a mixture of colours and patterns on scatter cushions.'
'The same can also be said for rugs, particularly if you have colder flooring like wood or stone,' adds Lisa Conway from Agnella (by Brintons).
'Adding a rug is an instant way to bring some warmth and cosiness to a space, giving your feet a break from the cold of the floor. Wool rugs have a great bounce-back quality due to the springiness of the fibre, meaning they last longer and feel fantastic under your toes.'
'Use mood lighting to create a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation,' advises Mara Rypack, managing director at Industville Ltd.
'Approaching your lighting in a layered manner will create little pockets and pools of light, giving a welcoming atmosphere. A decorative light hung above a dining table will provide ambient light and define the dining space, giving it a cosy, more intimate feeling.
'If you have an architectural feature or piece of wall art in the home, consider accenting it with wall lights for a subtle glow and using warmer, lower-level lighting such as table lamps will help create a snug, relaxed feel in any room.
'Embracing the full range of lighting sources available, from decorative pendants and wall lights to functional LED spotlights, will allow you to create a practical and welcoming space.
'Another tip is to use dimmer switches as they are a quick and cost-effective way of offering multiple lighting levels in a space, allowing the homeowner to set the tone and change the atmosphere of a room. For instance, you may prefer a low, dim light for a cosy feel during the evenings but still require the option of full brightness in that room for everyday tasks.'
Scent plays a powerful part in dictating our emotions, especially at home. Whether you love candles or choose to use diffusers, opt for fragrances that elicit positive reactions, whether it's a sense of relaxation or one of energy.
Amy explains: 'With scent commonly associated with mood, adding a new fragrance candle or room diffuser is a great and cost-efficient way to elevate the space. Opt for fresh and clean smells such as eucalyptus, basil or lavender – these will instantly calm the senses as you enter the room.
'A good tip is to ensure you have a different scent in your relaxing areas to your home working areas if you work at home. This will help to separate the two and encourage true rest in your living spaces.'
Forget feather duvets – when it comes to keeping the chill at bay, there's another must-have material to try out. 'Making the switch to wool bedding is the ultimate hack for creating a cosy and comforting bedroom,' says Sophie Platts, the founder and CEO at Floks.
'Wool fibres breathe naturally and absorb moisture from the air, releasing it back into the environment when the atmosphere is drier. This breathable quality means that wool bedding can help regulate your body temperature – helping to create the perfect, cosy hibernation bed for chilly January nights.
'Temperature regulation is important for a good night’s sleep, so if you’re looking for bedding that looks and feels luxurious and warm – while actually helping you to get some good shut-eye – opt for wool!'
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