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How to Refresh Your Living Space for the New Year

by Ann Ferguson

Finally, it’s the beginning of a new year, and that means it’s time to change a few things. Of course, if you like everything the way it has been, then there’s no need to change anything. But if you’re looking around your home and thinking that you’re ready for a new look, then you’ve come to the right place. We have the tips you need to refresh your space for the new year and the new you!

Clear Out the Clutter

Clutter on floor

This might seem like a gimme, but it’s true — clutter can make your space look (and feel) smaller. Living in a cluttered space can also clutter your mind and keep you from being the best you want to be. So, your first step will be throwing out all the old stuff you don’t use or haven’t used in a long time. Easier said than done, right? But the benefits of freeing up your space will make it well worth the trouble. And remember the Marie Kondo way: if it doesn’t bring you joy, throw it out!

The next step is to organize everything for the things you can’t bear to part with. Try optimizing your living room with the current storage pieces you have, but if you find that you don’t have enough space, then you’ll need to explore new furniture options. Consider organizing your keepsakes, books, and other knickknacks in a bookcase or two. If you get matching bookcases, you can create a stellar look for your living space and keep your organization optimized. Other furniture options you should consider are coffee tables and end tables with storage or accent cabinets.

Once you have everything in the right spot, keeping the clutter away throughout the year will be that much easier!

Give Some TLC to Your Existing Furniture

Person refinishing wood furniture

If you’re not quite ready to go out and buy a brand-new living room set, then you can refresh your space by making your old furniture look just like new! That’s right. You can get the refresh you’re looking for to start the year off right and still have the same old comforts of your favorite furniture pieces. You’ll also be more sustainable, too.

For wood furniture, the key is in refinishing. A new coat of color can do wonders for your furniture and your style. Are you tempted to go bold with a bright color that matches the new you? Go for it! Just make sure that the color really works for the piece before you start. And if you’re not a DIY person, you can always consult a professional!

Upgrading your fabric furniture comes down to reupholstering, which requires a little bit more thought into the design. But once you’ve picked a pattern or color that you love, you’ll be amazed at how vibrant the room looks. And if reupholstering sounds like too much work, you can always revamp your style with a stylish throw blanket or other textile pieces. You can even add new throw pillows for an entirely different vibe!

Create A Focal Point

Bright living room furniture

We know that DIY projects are not for everyone, and that’s more than okay. So, if you’ve done all your de-cluttering and are ready to revamp your space, try creating a stylish focal point. Having a focal point in your living space will draw the eye and make your living space feel entirely new!

A focal point can be anything: a new painting, a vintage piece of furniture, a large plant, or a wallpaper accent. The sky is the limit! You can also focus on your home décor and other accent furniture or mix and match. Just be aware of your color palette and keep your preferred style in mind.

Time for an Upgrade

Sometimes, all the TLC you can think of isn’t enough to refresh old furniture. It’s okay. They’ve done their job well. But it might just be the blessing you need. You’ll have the opportunity to find the style that suits your taste and create an entirely different living room!

Before choosing any new furniture seating, make sure to measure your space multiple times. Then you’ll be able to figure out which type of seating will fit in your layout. If you have a compact space, a simple sofa and chair upgrade will suit your needs. But if you have a larger room or want to add more seating for entertaining, consider a sectional or a living room set. And if you love an extra dose of comfort, look for seating that reclines.

If you’re ready to throw out your old coffee table, consider upgrading to a living room table set (also known as an occasional table set). Most sets consist of a coffee table and two end tables, but others might have a coffee table, end table, and sofa table. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll find a coordinating look and save big with a bundle price.

And if you’re ready to overhaul your entire living room, don’t forget to upgrade your entertainment furniture or living room storage, too!

Regular Furniture Cleaning

Man vacuuming couch

After you’ve successfully upgraded your living room, there’s only one thing left to do: keep it that way! The best way to do that is with regular maintenance. And unlike other household items, when it comes to furniture, all you have to do is set up a consistent cleaning schedule. We know, you already have enough stuff to clean. But by cleaning your furniture on a more regular basis (other than twice a year), you’re preventing damage from building up over time. The added chore on your list will keep your home looking pristine!

Contact Us Today

No doubt refreshing your home is just one of the many things you want to do this year, and you can’t wait to get to the rest of it. But there’s no denying that you’ve been due a living room upgrade for a while. You won’t believe what a difference refreshing your space will make!

Need help upgrading your furniture? Our dedicated team at Van's Home Center is happy to help whenever you need it. Contact us today!