Refresh your home: Creative tips to lighten up after the holidays

With the holidays over, your home may be left feeling a little sparse or bleak. The tree is taken down, the decorations get packed up, out-of-town guests head home, and everything is a bit quieter. But a few thoughtful changes can make your home feel renewed after those holiday decorations are gone.

Whether you’re cleaning dust from corners or planning a major home makeover, it’s beneficial to have a strategy and begin with small tasks.

Wipe down your surfaces

After you’ve cleared out all the extra stuff from your space, it’s time to start cleaning. The best approach is to check each surface for dust and wipe everything down. Use a non-toxic cleaner made from a mix of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Start with the walls and countertops, then move on to door frames and other hard-to-reach areas. Clean surfaces make a significant difference—more than any new purchase—and will help your home feel fresh.

Add some natural elements

Once you’ve cleared the clutter, resist the urge to immediately fill empty spaces. What feels bare at first is often just your eye adjusting to less visual noise. If you feel an area needs something, opt for natural elements that add life without contributing to clutter. Small, colourful touches like fresh flowers, branches that help to brighten up a table or countertop.

Get some fresh air

As summer continues in the country, it’s a great time to freshen up your space with some fresh air. To quickly revitalise a room, open the windows for just a few minutes to allow air to circulate. Even a brief airing out can help shift the energy in a stagnant room, making everyone feel more awake and alert.