5 Ways to Reset Your Living Room for the New Year

The holidays are over, the decorations are put away, and now you're stuck indoors during the dreariest time of the darkest season. Why not make the most of it by refreshing your living room for the new year? This is the perfect time for a nice home project - not only are you getting through the winter by keeping yourself busy, but you're also making your own living space more lovely to be in. Here are five easy tips for a living room upgrade!

Clean Up

First order of business: Get the place tidy. Throw out any and all clutter that's been building up on shelves, in drawers, or on the coffee table. Dust everything. Vacuum like it's going out of style. Maybe even rearrange some furniture to maximize space. A tidy and orderly room is the best possible starting point for getting a hold on which aspects of it you'd most want to update, plus you'll just generally feel better in a clean environment.

Get Organized

Now that everything's clean, take a good look around. How well is your stuff organized? Could you use more shelving space for your books, music, or knickknacks? Do you have a collection that's growing so quickly, it may need more space sooner rather than later? Figuring out where everything goes, or is going to go, is really important in creating a peaceful atmosphere in a room. Shelving is always an option - including freestanding, wall-mounted, and corner shelves - but decorative baskets, chests, or cabinets are also excellent storage solutions.

Refresh Your Color Palette

It's easy for a room sort of fade into the background when you see it every day; you may be surprised by how much you can wake everything up with a new pop of color. Painting the walls is probably the first activity that comes to mind, but if you're not quite motivated enough to break out the drop cloths and rollers, there are some lower-effort options too. Bringing in a new rug or curtains can add the updated look you're craving, or adding throw pillows and a blanket in a vivid new shade can be eye-catching for your couch. Even painting your existing picture frames with a new color can breathe life into a room's design. By the way, that reminds us:

Update Your Photo Displays

You've taken hundreds of photos of fun times with family and friends over the years, but they're probably all confined to your phone. Instead of just giving them a brief stint on your Instagram story, why not pick out some favorites and print them out for display? Decorating your living space with pictures of your favorite people makes every day a little brighter, so get those captured memories off the cloud and give them a place in the real world!

Bring Nature Inside

A minor finishing touch that can completely transform a space: houseplants. Dedicating even a small piece of your home to living plants can bring an extra touch of serenity to everyday life. If you prefer something flowery, species like African violets and Christmas cacti are able to bloom any time of year. Looking for something low-maintenance? Succulent plants like aloe vera or jade plants provide nice greenery without requiring much upkeep. One word of warning: If your household includes pets or babies, make sure the plants you bring into your home are non-toxic.

A redecorating project doesn't have to involve a down-to-the-studs demolition. With these easy tips, you'll be on your way to a brand-new living room look for the winter and beyond!