After the Christmas decorations have come down and the world goes back to normal, life can feel a bit bleak and bare. It is possible to brighten and freshen up your home while maintaining warmth and comfort. Here, interior designer, Ann Marie Cousins, owner of AMC Design, shares her top tips on how to brighten up your home after the Christmas decorations come down.
Declutter and simplify
Post-Christmas is the perfect time for a bit of decluttering. Now that all the gift wrapping, tree and decorations are packed away, take a moment to clear out any unnecessary items. Tidy spaces feel calmer, brighter, and more organised. Consider donating unused or unwanted items and get rid of broken items that can’t be fixed. This helps to create a cleaner, more intentional space for the year ahead.
Shop your home
Once you’ve given thought to the things that no longer serve you. Look at the pieces you already have—furniture, artwork, accessories, and even textiles like throw pillows or blankets—and think about how they might work in different rooms or configurations. For example, switching out cushions, throws and rugs from the bedrooms to the sitting room, or bringing a chair from the corner of your bedroom into the sitting room are great ways to enliven the space.
I’m about to switch the ornaments and art from our sitting room and place them in the bedroom and to complete the look I’ll then add in a few different cushions.
You can also mix and match colours, patterns, or textures you haven’t tried before to give your space a fresh look. One other option is to reupholster an old chair with fabric you already own or update a lampshade with some new trim. Adding new zest to a room can not only leave you feeling energised but it can also help you understand what other bigger interior design changes may need to be made.
Embrace natural light
After the long winter nights and shorter days, getting as much natural light as possible is essential for brightening up your home. Clean your windows and open your blinds to harness as much light as possible. If your space feels too dark, consider placing mirrors strategically across rooms to reflect light and create the illusion of a brighter, more spacious area.
While the evenings remain dark and the Christmas lights are long gone, you can achieve a similar glow with a few well-placed lamps or light fixtures with warm-toned bulbs. Lighting with a soft, golden hue mimics the warmth of the festive season in a transitional way, without it feeling too harsh.
Add greenery to beat the blues
While your Christmas tree may have come down, you don’t have to say goodbye to greenery altogether. Treat yourself to some low-maintenance houseplants to brighten your home and give it a burst of life. Plants such as the peace lily, snake plant, or pothos thrive in winter and help to purify the air your breath. These can be placed anywhere — from coffee tables to bookshelves. A small indoor garden or succulent arrangement also provides the perfect antidote to the post-Christmas blues and can make your home feel fresh and welcoming.
Introduce soft, cosy textiles
As the wintry weather lingers, cosy up your space with soft, tactile elements. Throw blankets, plush cushions, and area rugs are perfect for adding layers of warmth and colour to your home. Opt for fabrics like velvet, wool, and faux fur to keep things feeling inviting and luxurious. You can also choose colours that evoke comfort, such as warm oranges and glistening golds or intense greens and berries.
Refresh your walls
Following the removal of garlands, wreaths and decorations, your walls might feel a bit bare. Consider adding interest and vibrancy here — think botanical prints, abstract artwork, or photographs that evoke a sense of nostalgia or spark happy memories.
Another option is to introduce a new feature wall with luxurious wallpaper. Designs which are rich in pattern and colour can really lift a room. One trend which we are going to see more of in 2025 is metallic walls. Papers with luxe, metallic finishes offer a striking reflective statement wall throughout the day and a golden glow in the evening.
Incorporate light, refreshing scents
After all the cinnamon, pine, and spices of the festive season, it’s time for a scent refresh. Consider diffusing lighter, fresh fragrances like citrus, lavender, or eucalyptus. A few strategically placed scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or room sprays can fill your home with a welcoming aroma that can help to lift your mood. Growing your own herbs is also a great idea to break the January slump. Rosemary, oregano, and thyme can help to enliven the senses but also encourage you to cook using fresh ingredients.
Make your entryway inviting
Your entrance porch or hallway sets the tone for your entire home, so make sure it’s just as warm and welcoming after the Christmas period ends. Add a fresh doormat, a decorative bowl for keys or look to create a real statement with a brand-new light fitting.
Keep the walkways clear from clutter and think about how you can keep things organised to make your life easier. These solutions could range from simple touches such as adding new coat hooks to commissioning a joiner to install some custom storage. This is the one area of the home that is often overlooked but can make the most difference. You can check out our recent Guernsey project here to gain some entryway inspiration.
With a few simple updates and thoughtful touches, you can create a warm, inviting home environment that lifts your spirits through the seasons. By embracing natural light, freshening up your textiles and scents, and adding small bursts of colour and greenery, you’ll not only brighten up your space but also enhance your overall sense of well-being. You can find some of Ann Marie’s top tips over on the i paper too. Give it a read here.