Refresh Your Home For The New Year With These Easy Tips!

When it comes to refreshing your space, small changes will make a big difference…

Refresh Your Home For The New Year With These Easy Tips!
Photo design by BrownStyle Magazine

‘Soulful Spaces With Erica Dike’ is BrownStyle Magazine’s new lifestyle column designed to help you transform your space into a space that feeds your soul.


Wouldn’t it be nice to start the new year with a fresh perspective? This year don’t just furnish your space; make it comfortable. Give your home a new look with simple changes that make a big difference. 

Keep scrolling to read my tips to add a touch of freshness and positivity to your living space.

Clean And Declutter

Start by removing unnecessary items and organizing your living spaces to create a clean, open environment. My rule of thumb is if I didn’t use it last year and I can’t think of any valid reasons to use it in the next 2 years, I can do without it. This brings me to my next point…

Rearrange Your Furniture

Change it up! You don’t have to stay with one layout forever. Changing the layout of your furniture will give your home a fresh feel. Try rearranging your furniture to create a more functional and inviting space. Think of the flow of the room and sightlines. You should be able to move around comfortably and see everything.

Change Your Sheets

As simple as it sounds, how you sleep has a huge impact on how your home feels. Change your bedding to lighter colors or patterns to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere in your bedroom.

Change Your Lighting

Start with natural light, because not only is it free, but it will also boost your mood and energy levels. Brighten up your home by opening up your curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. You can also add decorative mirrors to reflect natural light. Switch out your bulbs (warm light always) or add new light fixtures to enhance the lighting in your home. Good lighting makes your home feel more inviting.

Introduce Color Into Your Space

Use colors that make you feel at ease to create a calm atmosphere in your home. Whether it’s painting an accent wall or decorating with new throw pillows, curtains, or rugs – adding a pop of color to your home decor will make all the difference.

Add Greenery

Add some green to your space with indoor plants that thrive in your home’s lighting. Choose easy-to-care-for plants and breathe easy.

Personalize Your Decor

Switch up your decor. Add artwork or photos that bring joy, and make space for things that inspire you. Display items that mean something to you or represent your goals for the upcoming year. Little personal touches go a long way in making your house feel like home.

Add Pleasant Aromas

Use scented candles or essential oil diffusers to make your place smell amazing. Pick a scent that puts you in your happy place!


When it comes to refreshing your space, small changes will make a big difference in brightening up your home for the New Year. The key is to create a space that reflects your personality and makes you feel good. Knowing what makes you happy will make a huge impact on how your space feels!


Erica Dike is the Principal Interior Designer of Erica of Ooh Designs based in Houston, TX. Formerly decoding data at NASA as a Business Analyst and Systems Engineer, Erica now transforms spaces with a gravitational pull toward fabulousness. Her boutique firm is where data-driven design takes short-term rentals and homes to astronomical levels of chic!