5 Ways to Refresh Your Home for 2020
The start of a new decade might be inspiring you to think really big, but it can be hard to fully embrace that “new year, new you” mentality when you are surrounded by the exact same items as last year. A simple way to get inspired is to infuse new life into your nest by switching up your accent pieces. Focusing on updating accessories is a low-effort, high-impact way to give your space a completely new look—and your new decade a fresh starting point. All of these little details can have a big impact on how your home looks and feels. Here are five of our favorite ways to make your vision of 2020 a reality.
1. LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE
Lighting is an essential ingredient when you’re decorating a room (the phrase isn’t “let there be curtains,” after all). And a simple way to brighten and refresh any room is by adding to or replacing your current lighting. The light spilling from a new lamp or fixture can transform any space from dreary to dramatic. Every room should have a mix of lighting: overhead, accent and task lights. Start out by switching out your current overhead lights with something unique that speaks to you, like an elegant chandelier (and don’t forget the dimmer switch so you can adjust the lighting to your mood). Then, layer in new table or floor lamps as accents. Finally, place task-specific lighting, such as a reading lamp, as needed.
This starburst chandelier by Celerie Kemble is bold gold in a unique round shape, making it a whimsical statement piece.
2. CHANGE OF ART
Whether you’re dealing with blank walls or pieces that you just feel less than excited about, new art can set a fresh tone while upping the visual appeal. Play curator and start building your own collection. Paintings, prints, vintage posters or photographs—whatever your style or preference—artwork is an easy way to infuse your favorite color and add style to any room. Jazz up a room with art deco pieces, add castle-worthy grandeur with a tapestry or go for a bold piece. And don’t feel limited by your wall space—place your new pieces instead on an easel, or even lean them up against a wall.
An oversized print by German artist A.R. Penck, featuring primitive-style figures and shapes, is a guaranteed conversation-starter.
3. FLOOR IT
Start the year off on the right foot by changing what’s underfoot—the rug. As the literal foundation of many rooms, an area rug can have a big impact on how your space looks and feels. Bring in new color, texture and pattern to reflect your style, personality and personal aesthetic, while enjoying additional comfort and coziness. For most of us, rugs in neutral hues are the safest bet. But if you want to infuse new life into your nest, go big and unfurl a new look with a statement rug. Or change out a lighter rug for a more dramatic and dark option. And if you’re looking to add warmth, nothing beats the coziness factor of a handwoven shag rug.
The silk in this hand-knotted abstract rug gives the shades of blue and gray a subtle sheen, perfect to bring new life to an established room.
4. MASTER YOUR MESSES
Enliven your home—and create some much-needed breathing room—by prioritizing organization. You don’t need Marie Kondo levels of skill and ingenuity to make your life simpler and more streamlined for the coming year (and decade). Evaluate your clutter-prone zones and begin to make the most of your space.
A couple of quick tips:
Station a tray or bowl near the front door for keys and other loose ends
Place a letter rack near the entrance to corral mail as soon as it arrives
Add decorative boxes and baskets—they do double duty by adding storage while bringing texture and color to a shelf
Constructed of sleek, durable leather, this tray won’t just help you keep track of your keys and phone, it also can function as a travel valet.
Shop organizational accessories
5. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
It’s not just time for a new year, it’s time for a new perspective. That means giving all of your furnishings a serious look with fresh-for-2020 eyes, and evaluating whether any of your existing pieces would work better in a different area of your home. Maybe the rug in your bedroom is exactly what your living room needs. Or perhaps the office bookshelf would be perfect in the guest room. It’s all about taking a moment to assess what you already have and reinvesting in the possibilities those pieces present. And if you come across a piece that just no longer fits your space or style, find it a new home by consigning with Sotheby’s Home and make room for something that you truly love, and will for years to come.