Interiors: Clear out the old in January
Small changes can bring big results all around the home with brighter days on the way. Try these tricks to inject some cheer
Every year, I vaguely dread January and the feeling that comes after all of the Christmas decorations come down. Yes, it’s a relief to feel like the house is less cluttered, but January and February and even March are so very cold and dark that it feels a bit cruel to spend them without fairy lights and all the festive bits. If you’re living in that post-Christmas slump, here are a few tips to inject a little pre-springtime cheer into your interiors.
1. Rearrange shelves of decorative items
January is a great time for some serious faffing. If you have bookcases that are feeling a bit cluttered, take everything off, wipe them down, and start over. Arrange items in small groups, and vary the heights and size of the items. If you’re participating in any sort of dry January challenges, you can use any success as a reason to reward yourself with a new decor item.
2. Swap out bedding and cushions
Consider swapping out bedding for something fresh, light and cheerful. It’s amazing what a new or seasonal duvet cover can do for a space to totally transform the look. Cushions can create the same effect in living spaces as well.
3. Ditch anything you didn’t miss when decorations were up
On the other hand, I always use this time to get ruthless with what interiors decor doesn’t make the cut. I put a fair few things away when I decorate for Christmas, then really evaluate whether they deserve to go back up. Alternatively, you could just do a proper switch out of decor and put things you’re tired of away for a few months.
4. Add bright flowers or a flowering plant
Spring is a few months off, so flowering plants or a bright bunch of flowers is a good reminder of what’s to come once the days get warmer and brighter.
Plants like hyacinths or amaryllis are ideal indoor plants that don’t need too much attention and are lovely to watch grow and bloom over the course of a few weeks as well.
5. Keep fairy lights and candles at hand
While I ditched the Christmas tree in early January, I’ve saved a few sets of fairy lights to brighten those dark evenings.
Candles work a treat as well to help keep the cosy spirit alive. Their soft light is flattering and soothing on the eye – and a scented candle always influences the mood.