After the festive warmth has faded and the Christmas Decorations have been packed away, we can use January as a gentle reset for our homes. With many of us feeling the effects of darker mornings and long winter evenings, its no surprise that well-being focussed interiors play a vital role in helping our homes feel calmer and more restorative. New routines are beginning and small intentional and thoughtful changes can make a huge difference to creating a calm haven that provides comfort at every turn.
This doesn’t mean to need to go ‘full renovation mode’. Instead look at small design choices you can make to transform your space. Thoughtful use of tactile textures, warm lighting, soft tones and fresh scenes are all perfect to counter the Winter blues.
Texture and layering is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel cosy and inviting. A simple and cost effective way to add texture to your space is through tactile cushions and throws. It works because soft layering invites relaxation and a sense of comfort and ease, encouraging you yo slow down, snuggle up and relax. Layer cushions in complementary tones rather than matching sets and drape a throw casually over a sofa or armchair to create a space that feels lived-in and warm.
If you are anything like us, you hate the harsh tone of main lights and opt for the soft glow of a Table Lamp. Lighting has one of the biggest impacts on wellbeing, especially during January when natural daylight is limited. Swap out harsh lighting and instead create pools of warm light throughout your home using Table Lamps, Candles and Floor Lamps. And what ever you do, use warm bulbs rather than a cool white light as soft lighting helps signal relaxation to the brain, making you feel calmer and rested in the evenings. Candles are a powerful wellbeing tool and can be used for more than just decoration. The flickering frame creates movement and casts a soft glow across your room.
With our sense of smell being so closely linked to emotion and memory, introducing fragrance into your home can instantly change how a space feels. We recommend opting for scents that feel grounding and soothing rather than overly sweet or overpowering like woody tones, subtle spices and softer florals. Diffusers and candles are an easy way to introduce scent, or you can even spray your faux flowers with a soft floral scented room spray for subtle freshness.
While you may not be able to quickly change a paint colour or wallpaper, you can look at your accessories and switch out colours to ensure you have a cohesive and calming palette around you. Muted neutrals, soft blue and earthy tones focus on gentle contracts rather than bold statements. Mixing colours across materials such as printed fabrics, painted furniture and ceramic accessories can help make your room feel complete and considered.
Christmas can feel cluttered and overstimulating so we often use the January reset to strip things back and choose fewer decorative pieces that mean more. Style your surfaces with intention and choose decor that brings you joy- a favourite sculptural piece, a quirky accessory or a statement piece.
