A Fresh Start Begins at Home: 10 New Year Upgrades to Inspire You in 2025

As the calendar flips to a brand-new year, you might be thinking about your goals and resolutions for self-improvement. About one-third of people make one or more resolutions when preparing to start a new year. Common resolutions include getting in shape, reading more books, and organizing. But what about the place where all your goals are nurtured—your home?

A fresh start isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about creating a space that inspires and supports you. That's why making a few reasonably simple New Year resolution for your home can help you feel more motivated and empowered as you work toward your goals.

With a few artsy and/or smart upgrades, you can turn your home into a haven that sets the tone for success. Let’s explore ten easy and impactful ways to refresh your space and make it a haven for the year ahead.

We're so excited about 2025 and hope these ideas make you feel inspired and excited to refresh your home in the new year, too!

1. Add a Splash of Color

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into your home. Try a trending color for 2025, like soft sage green or warm terracotta, to bring a modern yet inviting vibe. Better Homes & Gardens has released a list of go-to paint colors of the year for 2025, and it's full of natural earth tones and deep, earthy hues like blues and browns from every paint company.

Who knows? Perhaps adding violet to your decor will be just the refresh your space needs, or maybe just the right shade of brown (hint hint: Mocha Mousse) to switch things up.

If painting a room feels overwhelming, start small with an accent wall. This budget-friendly upgrade makes a significant impact without much effort–you could even try wallpaper, like those pictured above.

Or, there are other ways to add color to your existing spaces: bold artwork, fresh throw pillows, interesting lamps, and colorful book stacks are just a few ways to add a pop of color to your space for 2025!

2. Update Your Throw Pillows and Blankets

Swap out old, tired textiles for new ones that reflect the season or your evolving style. For example, think of cozy knits for winter or bold patterns to make your space pop. This quick change can instantly refresh your living room or bedroom without breaking the bank.

Update your throw pillows by choosing one of these interesting styles:

• Velvet throw pillows in bold or neutral colors add a hint of luxury, especially in the winter months.
• Pillows with geometric patterns complement mid-century or contemporary decor, and you can find them in neutral or colorful styles.
• Textured and hand-woven pillows for a cozy, inviting touch in modern interiors.
• Nature-inspired prints create a sense of balance and work well with the bold neutral colors that are coming back in style for 2025.

Throw pillows are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your home’s style, especially for the New Year. They allow you the opportunity to experiment with new or trendy colors without committing to a crazy-colored couch or wall. Pillows also add texture and dimension and can help you express your personal style without overhauling the entire room.

Of course, as you are deciding which direction to take your home's New Year upgrades, don't forget to double-check throw pillow prices on Spoken to make sure you're getting the best deals!

3. Bring Nature Indoors

Houseplants are not just beautiful; they’re also great for air quality and mental health. Start with low-maintenance options like snake plants or pothos if you’re new to greenery. Arrange them in stylish planters to complement your decor, and watch as your space comes alive. This can be a fun challenge if you have wanted to try to grow houseplants and you're looking for a way to elevate your home's style.

In addition to bringing in a houseplant or tw0, you might also consider incorporating natural textiles, more nature-inspired colors, or bringing in natural wood elements. If you really want to go crazy, consider adding water features, such as a small indoor fountain or tabletop vase with floating candles. Start the new year on a positive note with fresh and calming nature-inspired decor.

4. Declutter and Organize

This is a big one! The New Year is the perfect time to tackle clutter, and usually that after-Christmas clutter naturally inspires people to clean some things out to make room for the new. (Hi, it's me!)

If you aren't sure where to start, one well-known decluttering tip is to follow the one-year rule: if you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to donate or discard it. If you are cleaning things out annually, you are less likely to end up with a completely overwhelming situation on your hands, especially if you have children and toys up to your eyeballs. Also me.

Invest in functional storage solutions like woven baskets or modular shelving to keep everything tidy while adding aesthetic appeal. Bonus: an organized home reduces stress and boosts productivity.

5. Optimize Your Closet

A clean, organized closet can make your mornings much smoother. Here are a few tips to organize your closet for the new year. Even if you have limited closet space, you can try one of these organization solutions to help preserve your space (and sanity) in 2025–win-win!

• Install a shoe rack, or use clear bins for seasonal items.
• Make the most of vertical space by installing shelves for shoes, bags, or folded items. Maybe 2025 will be the year you say goodbye to the pile on your closet floor–only you can make it happen!
• Consider hiring a professional organizer if your closet feels to overwhelming, or dive into DIY hacks to make the most of your storage.
• Add a colorful wallpaper, coat of paint, or peel-and-stick tiles. One of these closet upgrades can make your closet feel like your own stylish boutique.

6. Create a Command Center

Whether it’s a corner in the kitchen or an entryway nook, a command center helps keep your family organized. Add a chalkboard or whiteboard for reminders, hooks for keys, and a small tray for mail. A little effort here can save you a lot of time and headaches, especially if you spend extra time looking for these items every day.

7. Invest in Cozy Upgrades

Home should feel like your sanctuary. Treat yourself to new bedding, an ultra-soft area rug, or blackout curtains for better sleep. Focus on comfort-forward upgrades that improve your day-to-day life while enhancing your home’s aesthetic.

And start with something that's been on your list for several years–that plush headboard, new comforter, softer throw pillows. Maybe it's something bigger like a new, more comfortable sofa. So, you'll have to save for a few months, but it'll be so worth it to give yourself that gift in the new year by figuring out how to fit it into your budget.

Prioritizing something that you really want is just as important as prioritizing the necessities sometimes because it makes you feel happy in your space and your life! You're the main character of your life and home, and enjoying even just one of the cozy little things that you've always wanted is a way to elevate your mood and feel inspired every day by your own life and space.

8. Upgrade Your Lighting

Lighting sets the mood in your home. Consider replacing outdated fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options. Add dimmer switches or smart bulbs to customize the ambiance in each room. Layered lighting—a mix of task, accent, and ambient lights—creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

9. Embrace Smart Home Technology

Bring your home into the future with gadgets that make life easier. Smart thermostats save energy, while voice-activated assistants control everything from lights to music. Smart plugs and switches are also affordable ways to modernize your home without a full overhaul.

Think of how smart home technology can help you live your life and achieve your goals more efficiently. Smart robot vacuums can save you time that you would normally spend cleaning, Smart notebooks can help you sync your notes across devices and reduce paper clutter. Smart lights can help you set your lights on timers to keep you on track with your daily routine.

And these are just a few of the many ways that new technology can help you be the best version of yourself in coming year!

10. Go Green with Energy Efficiency

Reduce your carbon footprint (and your utility bills) with energy-efficient upgrades. Install weather stripping, switch to LED bulbs, or invest in a water-saving showerhead. When it's time for replacements, consider solar panels or energy-efficient appliances for a bigger impact.

Conclusion: Make Your Home Resolutions Stick

Your home is more than just a place to live; it reflects your goals and lifestyle. By making thoughtful upgrades, you can set the stage for a year full of growth, comfort, and success. Start small or dream big—either way, every change you make brings you closer to a home (and a life!) you love.

What’s your home resolution for the New Year? Share your ideas and inspirations with us by tagging us on Instagram. We want to see what's inspiring you and what you're currently working on in your home.

And, of course, if you find yourself looking for inspiration, Spoken's Explore page is where it's at. Let’s make 2025 a year of transformation, one room at a time–and, in true Spoken fashion, never overpaying for furniture online. 🙌