Despite my love of heady, maximalist Christmas décor, which many of us embrace from as early as November, as the festive period draws to a close, I am guilty and indeed, impulsive at space clearing. I have the urge to reset myself and my home to welcome in the new year. Do you feel the same?
Over the years, I’ve helped to create many timeless and elegant interiors through the execution of simple and affordable design choices. And what a great way to start 2026. There is no better time than after the end-of-year celebrations and visual overloads. As I’m packing away the decorations, I can’t help but notice I instinctively give windowsills, corners and furniture, space to breathe and balance. That moment is a reminder of the importance of our home and surroundings. This is the time of year when you should rebalance your space and realign your rooms and home. And often, less is more.
January declutter
As we move through January, do not underestimate the power and mind-boosting benefits of decluttered rooms. They promote a quiet and beneficial pace, helping you to focus on the task at hand or, simply, to relax and unwind. I frequently sit and scan a room, contemplating the small changes that can transform my family’s wellbeing and mine, of course.
Let there be light
As an interior designer, my focus is on timeless and affordable makeovers and creating an environment that draws you in. A good place to start is with the lighting, as we need to overcome those dark nights. Feeling comfortable and uplifted during the remaining winter weeks is essential. I love and use layered lighting; mixing various types of light to creatively transform the room so it is balanced and inviting. There is ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. As a threesome, they are powerful during the winter months. Remember, this design combination is suitable for all rooms and spaces. You can also use a variety of rechargeable lamps. They are easy to charge, cost-effective and eco-friendly. Without the requirement of a power supply, I place mine anywhere and everywhere. This should be fun too, so don’t be afraid to experiment because with these design tips, it is as much about time and experimenting as it is about budget.
Design combos and connecting to nature
I also love design combos, and I’ll be sharing some of my favourites over the next few months. They are one of many ingredients which make an interior bespoke and perfect for you. January calls for warmth, and that means I tend to avoid minimalism in a new year refresh project. So, why not layer velvets, fake-fur throws, cashmere, wool, mixed with a little dose of linen? Neutral tones are inviting and with this beautiful blend, you are creating thoughtful and inviting textures. They create character, warmth, and depth without clutter. Substitute rich and festive cushions with neutral linen cushions. This is an easy way to trick the brain. Linen is light and breathable. It connects you to nature and makes your mind feel lighter during the winter months.
A little bit of zen
Another trick for lightening your mental overload and infusing you with a sense of zen, is the use of scents. Candles can lift our mood and create soothing vibes. I love ceremoniously putting away the cinnamon, vanilla and Christmas cloves until next winter. Now is the time to treat yourself to a citrusy candle or a peppermint diffuser. I recently met a talented chandler (Kathryn) who is behind the luxurious, reasonably priced brand, Ruby and Webb. It was fascinating listening to Kathryn as she described how she creates candles to elevate the everyday. For me and indeed for many of us, scents can bring back childhood memories, enable us to drift into a peaceful space and boost our mood.
The power of colours
A great starting point can be to bring a hint of yellow into the room. It’s a colour with a rainbow palette of shades and yellow works beautifully in January and can help banish the winter blues. Why not add a yellow, velvet cushion to contrast and complement the airy neutral linen cushion? Bring the outdoors in! Choose a bunch of daffodils or yellow tulips to add to this light embrace. These flowers can help encourage optimism and are perfect for January. It’s this ‘biophilic’ approach to design, combining daffodils, tulips, linen, velvet, and natural candles, that makes you want to curl up and absorb your surroundings, bathed in gentle light with the outdoors inspiring your space. Add in some succulents and lush big-leafed plants purchased at your local supermarket or garden centre, and you start to get a real wow factor.
Takeaway message?
I have intentionally talked about small and inexpensive tweaks and design hacks. In the world of interiors, January is regarded as a time of calm, reset and fresh starts. I so look forward to taking you on another journey in my next column, where I will be sharing different ways to elevate your interiors as we enter longer days with a dash of romance for ‘Valentine’s Day.’
About Carole
Carole of Carole Coleman Design is a French interior designer based in the UK, West Sussex, dedicated to making beautiful, liveable spaces, with a fresh and elegant approach, accessible to everyone, no matter their budget. With a passion for creativity that she has cultivated over the years, Carole believes great ideas for design should not be a luxury. She completed a City and Guilds in Interior Design and Decorative Techniques in the 1990s, keen to learn about the history of design and various eras. Carole’s approach combines budget-conscious solutions with a strong sense of style, helping clients create home spaces that truly reflect who they are. Whether it is upcycling furniture or working with limited resources, Carole proves that great design can be both inspiring and accessible.
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