It’s a new year, and with it comes a fresh start! If you’re here reading this, I think it’s safe to say you’re ready to get off the sidelines and finally start making progress on your home. But maybe you’re not sure what to do or where to start. That’s exactly what this post is here to help you with. Let’s dive in!
A Fresh Start for Your Home in 2025
It’s the first post of 2025, and to say I’m excited is an understatement. I have so many ideas and things I want to share with you this year, and I cannot wait to get started. January is the perfect time to jumpstart your home’s design and decor projects so you can start feeling fantastic in this new year.
We all know the new year is about fresh starts—whether it’s health, wellness, or personal goals. But what about your home? Your home has the power to change how you feel and show up in your life every single day. That’s why I want you here, week after week, to transform your space into one you truly love.
Start with My Free Design Starter Kit
To help you kick off 2025, I’ve just updated my free Design Starter Kit. This powerful resource is designed to guide you through the very first decisions and steps you need to take when updating your home. It’s the same process I use with my high-end 1:1 clients and students in my Room Design Essentials program.
Now, this isn’t a quick fix or a fun shopping spree. It’s about laying the groundwork for success—just like training before running a marathon. If you’re serious about transforming your home, this guide is for you. Download it at nestorations.com/starterkit and get started today!
Listen to the Design Your Home Podcast
Let’s dive into the five steps to help you kick off 2025 with a bang in your home. These steps will set you up for success and help you create a space you’ll love.
Step #1: Make Your Design Wish List
Start by making a specific list of the spaces or rooms you want to work on. This isn’t about creating a dreamy, unrealistic list—it’s about identifying the specific areas that bother you the most.
Ask yourself: What spaces in your home do you complain about the most? What areas bug you every day? Set realistic goals and start small. For example, tackling a cluttered foyer is much more manageable than gutting your entire kitchen. Pick one space to focus on first. Trust me, it’s so much easier to work on one area at a time, especially if you’re just starting out.
Step #2: Answer Guiding Questions
Once you’ve chosen a space, ask yourself the five important questions below to get clarity and direction. These are just some of the questions that my students and high-end design clients answer.
- What specifically bothers you about the space? Get specific here—don’t just say, “I hate it.” For example, if it’s too dark, write that down, or if the floor drives you crazy, be specific about what you don’t like about it.
- What do you actually like about the space? There’s always something! Maybe it’s the natural light or the flooring.
- What colors do you love and want to include?
- What colors do you dislike and want to avoid?
- What mood or feeling do you want to feel in the room or home? Think cozy, inviting, elegant, cheerful, or calm. Knowing this will guide your design choices.
Step #3: Get Clear on Your Likes and Dislikes
If you don’t know where you’re going, you won’t know where you’ll end up. To get clarity, find three photos or images of rooms you love. These could be from Pinterest, magazines, or even furniture stores. Look for patterns in the images—do they all feature white cabinetry? Dark hardware? Jewel tones? These clues will help you define your style and direction.
Step #4: Take Inventory of What you Have
Before you start buying new things, take a look at what you already have. Ask yourself:
What pieces do you love and want to keep?
What pieces could be repurposed or updated?
What items no longer serve you and can be donated or sold?
For example, you might love the size of a dining room server but not the finish. Consider repainting or refinishing it to give it a new look. This approach is more eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and helps you make the most of what you already own.
Step #5: Declutter and Organize
Cluttered spaces make us feel heavy and stressed. To set yourself up for success, take the time to declutter and organize your home. Create a system to help you stay on top of it. For example, in my garage, I have a simple bench with two storage bins underneath. Anytime my family outgrows something or no longer needs it, it goes straight into the bin. Every quarter, we donate the items, keeping our home light and clutter-free.
Final Thoughts...
Designing your home is a process, and it’s okay to take your time. Work through these five steps over the next week or two, and don’t forget to download my Free Design Starter Kit at nestorations.com/starterkit. This guide will help you take the first steps toward creating a home you love.
Remember, today is the first step. The possibilities for your home in 2025 are endless. Let’s do this together!
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