REFRESHING YOUR HOME - A SENSORY RESET FOR A NEW YEAR

At the beginning of the year, we have the opportunity to channel the spirit of change that this season evokes.

Image by Lisa Romerein

As an interior designer, I focus this energy towards making shifts in my home. As I walk around and consider how I could transform my space, I consider how each intentional adjustment will impact not only my space but all of my senses. Through these mindful moments, I seek to synchronize both my home and myself with the new energy of gentle evolution in the air.

If you find yourself wanting to reset as well, I hope these small changes, centered around all five senses, will help you do just that.

SIGHT

Our eyes are often the first storytellers in a space. What are yours noticing right now?

DECLUTTER THOUGHTFULLY

Image by Lisa Romerein

A simple edit can work wonders. Remove any items that are causing chaos in your home; eliminating excess can allow your beloved pieces to shine once again.

REARRANGE WITH YOU ALREADY LOVE

Image by Lisa Romerein

It always surprises me how much small shifts can impact a room. Moving one piece of furniture from one side to another, swapping a chair or table to another space, or simply rearranging decor on a shelf, can be a welcome reset, without needing to completely overhaul your original design. 

ADD SMALL TOUCHES OF NEWNESS

Once you have edited your collections and repositioned what you already have, consider adding something new to elevate your space. A few of my favorite additions include pillows, antique decor, and charming ornaments. Although they may seem minor, they can make a major difference. 

TOUCH

Texture grounds us. It invites comfort and signals rest.

INTRODUCE COZY LAYERS

As we are still in the midst of winter, now is the perfect time to prioritize comfort in your home. Draping a new, soft blanket over your couch to snuggle up with at the end of the day, or laying down a plush rug to soften your hardwood floors, can help you feel content during these cold days. 

REFRESH YOUR BEDDING

Image by Lisa Romerein

One of the places where the importance of fabric’s feel comes to the forefront is in the bedroom. If your sheets are feeling scratchy or you sense you need a refresh, high-quality sheets are one of the greatest investments you can make for yourself. 

SMELL

Scent helps to set the emotional tone of a home. It lingers, comforts, and welcomes.

CANDLES & DIFFUSERS

Burning a candle or opening a diffuser that feels aligned with the current season connects me with nature’s rhythms and feels restorative. This time of year, I find myself drawn to rich, warm scents to help me feel grounded and cozy. As we head into spring, I learn more towards clean, floral scents to harmonize my home with the natural world.

HEARING

Sound is often overlooked in design, yet, as I’m sure many of you have noticed in a restaurant that is too loud, or anywhere the music isn’t quite your taste, it can play a grand role in how you feel in a space.

LET MUSIC FILL YOUR ROOMS

Image by Lisa Romerein

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is the Christmas music that fills every room during gatherings. Although that time of year has come and gone, there is no reason that music has to go too! Steve and I love to place speakers around the house, and play music whenever we are hanging out around the house. Curating a morning playlist that energizes you, or an evening one that helps you wind down, can help to transform how you feel in any given moment. 

TASTE

Finally, taste serves as both nourishment and pleasure, which is deeply tied to home.

A NEW COOKBOOK FOR INSPIRATION

Image by Lisa Romerein

With the cold weather keeping us indoors more often, this time of year can be a wonderful opportunity to step into the kitchen to try new, nourishing recipes. Picking up a new cookbook at the bookstore, the library, or at our shop, can be a fun way to spice up your daily meals. 

Carefully considering how your home impacts your daily life is a powerful way to shape how you move through your days. Paying attention to how small shifts impact each of your senses can help you feel more grounded and prepare you for whatever this season throws your way. 

Image by Lisa Romerein

I hope you found this post helpful and feel inspired to join in on the seasonal shifts!

xx,

Brooke