New Year, New Look | By: Mary Ellen Cunningham, Knilans' Interior Designer

It’s a New Year, let’s think about a New Look! When we take down the Christmas decorations, our homes can look so bare. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time for a new look! There are several ways to accomplish this and I’ll outline them in this blog.

Take a look at your furnishings with fresh eyes and see if any of your existing pieces can work in other areas of your home. Could your living room rug switch places with the one in your bedroom? Could the flow of your room be re-imagined? Rather than have your sofa against a wall try floating it in your living room. Instead of having your dining table in the middle of a space, consider moving it closer to a wall.

Minimalism has become popular for a reason! Sometimes, less is more.

Sometimes it’s about paring down your furnishings to give your room a new look and feel. Do a ‘furniture edit’ to see if there are pieces that no longer serve a purpose or resonate with you. This helps open up your space and make room for new pieces. This is a good time to explore design styles and furnishings that may not have appealed to you previously. You might find a few things that you didn’t think you would like but decide they mix nicely with some of your other pieces. 

Switching up accents is another great way to refresh your space. You can add new accent pieces, or move around existing ones. Consider adding a new piece of art or a new rug. You can swap art between rooms, and always take care to add art to areas that don’t have any.

Adding new fabric accents is a great way to try something new. Nothing updates a sofa or chair like new pillows. A new throw is perfect to toss over a sofa or chair. It adds color and provides warmth during the winter months.

A new faux floral arrangement is uplifting in our winter climate. Adding one or two contrasting colors can ensure a new look. When planning a floral arrangement, use your existing furniture and art as your base and pick a contrasting color.

One final thing to think about is your lighting. The right type of lighting can really have an effect on the mood you are trying to create. Experiment with different types of lighting, table lamps and floor lamps that provide upward and downward light as well as different bulbs and wattages. These can have a huge effect on the feel of your space.

All these small changes can add up to a big difference in your home. In 2020, focus on curating a space that reflects your taste and lifestyle! For small updates, keep an eye on the Knilans’ design blog - we’re always providing tip and tricks for home designers. And for larger projects, come chat with a Knilans’ designer in person! We’re happy to help you create the home of your dreams.