You know the saying, "New year, new me." This New Year's, consider taking this phrase in a different direction, altering your physical surroundings rather than yourself. Here are some ideas that can inspire you to change up your furnishings in 2020 and beyond:
1. Add some fun pops of color
If you're starting to feel that your home needs a refresh, it might be because it's lacking some vibrance and color. If your staple furniture pieces are neutral-colored, you might want to add some throw pillows, blankets, curtains, area rugs and other decorative pieces in bright colors to add a whole new look to your home's interior. Even if these furniture pieces are colorful, you can spice things up by adding even more life to the room. You might decide to play around with complementary colors for a classy look, or you could throw in some contrasting shades for an interesting twist.
Looking for an accent piece in a color that's fun but won't clash with the rest of your interior design? Ashley Furniture's green-glazed Ceramic Table Lamp is a nice, vibrant staple for any living room. The muted shade of green goes nicely when contrasted against blues and yellows, and will make for a tasteful impact in a room of neutral tones.
2. Experiment with art
The pieces you have hanging from your walls may be classic and beautiful. However, when you're walking into the same room every day, you've probably become desensitized to their loveliness. After a few years on the wall, they've become a permanent fixture in your home, something that eventually blends in. If you own a piece that stunned you when you first purchased it but now doesn't make you turn your head, you might need a break from it. Swap out some of your artwork for new ones, even if it's just for a few months. Getting a break from the same decorations every once in awhile will make you appreciate them more when you eventually take them out from storage again.
3. Declutter your bookshelves
They're there to hold novels, trinkets and other bits and pieces, but bookshelves can easily become overwrought with clutter. Since they're a form of storage, you might have placed some things onto your bookshelves that don't belong there, even just temporarily: a piece of mail you've been meaning to reply to, a random item you didn't know where else to put, the list goes on. Instead of turning your shelves into crowded spaces, go a different direction: instead, only place things on your bookshelves with intention.
What better item can fill bookshelves than some of your favorite novels and stories? For the avid book collector, it can be simple to fill a bookcase with hardcovers and paperbacks alone. However, if you're trying to create an aesthetically pleasing bookshelf, think about adding in some other decorative pieces to each shelf, such as candles, miniature succulents and (of course) some nice bookends to keep them from toppling over.
Colella Collection's Contemporary Cappuccino Leaning Bookcase transforms from a furnishing that holds books into a statement piece, especially when ornamented with a variety of bits and bobs, not just books.
4. Change up your entryway
It's the first thing you and your guests see when you enter your home. Why not give this area a little upgrade? Adding a little bench to your foyer or mudroom adds a nice look and gives you and your family a seat to use when squeezing into your winter boots to take on the winter weather. The Dressing Bench from NE Kids' Highland collection is simple but stylish, with plenty of drawer storage for hats, scarves and other items you want to keep by the front door.
