The Uplift is a monthly series in which our Style & Trends Editor Charlotte Olby uncovers the best decor to bring joy to your home. She consults our editors and picks through thousands of pieces from the biggest designers and retailers to bring you the very best.
January is all about newness. Whether you're on the 'new year new me' hype or if you're just simply craving a little change and refresh, now is the perfect time to hit the reset button.
I don't know about you, but after the decorations come down post-Christmas, I instantly crave a cleaner, less cluttered, and more intentional living space that sets the tone for the year ahead. Whether it's crisp new bed sheets or some fresh new scents, there's something rather empowering about starting the year in a home that feels renewed and inspiring.
The good news is, that a home refresh doesn't require a total overhaul. The key to a successful New Year’s reset is focusing on what makes your home more livable and enjoyable – sometimes the smallest new addition can create the biggest impact.
18 January Buys We've Shopping For a New Year Refresh
Here, I've asked the H&G editors to set their intentions for a January reset to help me curate a wish list of items we're shopping to start the year on the right foot.
'A really easy and affordable way I update my home for the new year is by switching out my prints,' says Head of Interiors Hebe Hatton. 'The Hand & Hearth with Magnolia collection at Target is my go-to for affordable updates, and this print caught my eye. I think it looks so much more expensive than $20, the frame looks like the vintage ones I have already actually!'
Our resident color expert Emily Moorman has had her eye on this Soho Home pillow for a while. 'January feels like the right time to embrace a refresh for my living room sofa,' she says. 'I love the muted green color that would pair so well with plenty of other colors, from neutrals to richer tones. Plus, green is my favorite color, so this a purchase I know I’d never tire of.'
'In a week I'll be moving into my first home that I can finally make my own and I'll be instantly brightening up my bedroom with my favorite warm white paint - Swiss Coffee from Benjamin Moore,' says Anna Aylward, H&G's Social Media Editor. 'It's warm enough to add a softness to the room but not so warm it risks looking too yellow or cream.'
'In the spirit of introducing a cozier feel to my kitchen, one of the first things I'm buying this year is a kitchen rug,' says Kitchen & Bathroom Editor Molly Malsom. 'I have a galley kitchen, so a long runner like this one is the perfect addition. I'm really drawn to the neutral palette of this design and the subtle pattern – it has that vintage look to it that I just adore.'
'An easy way to refresh your home for the new year (and throughout the year) is to swap around your pillow covers,' says Managing Editor Zara Stacey. 'I’ve currently got my eye on these block-printed cushion covers for my bedroom, I love the more muted color palette of this design, and the green undertones will perfectly complement my painted green bedroom. You can then use your older cushion covers in a different room or put them away to use later on in the year.'
'As the Head of Celebrity Style, it’s my job to keep track of the collaborations that are actually worth your investment – one that stands out the most is Goop’s partnership with CB2,' says H&G's Megan Slack. 'Gwyneth Paltrow describes the pieces as ‘heirlooms’ to treasure, ‘inspired by modern Parisian apartments and mid-century Italian modernist furniture’ – and I can think of no more elegant aesthetic to bring into 2025. This vase is one of the most affordable pieces from the collection, perfect for a sideboard in your entryway – for a Paltrow-approved first impression.'
'I always look to bedding when I’m in need of a refresh. You instantly feel better with fresh sheets,' says Eleanor Richardson, Interior Design News Editor. 'Getting a high-quality sleep is always important as you want to wake up feeling well-rested and ready to tackle the day. Good quality duvet sets will do just that, like this embroidered one from Anthropologie that’s both stylish and comfy.'
'One of my New Year's resolutions is to be a better hostess,' says Sleep Editor Emilia Hitching. 'I love cooking for friends and family, but I want to get better at my presentation. I'm eyeing up this Radicchio Serving Platter from Minnie-Mae Stott Studio. It's just the right size for plating greens or serving canapes. This plant-shaped platter has plenty of personality and would make a great conversation starter at your next drinks do or dinner party.'
'I had something really similar to this that I brought back from a vacation in France and I, unfortunately, smashed it over the holidays,' adds Hebe. 'It was a vintage find, but this Anthro pick has a really similar shape and color so for me it's the second-best thing. I actually used my old one a lot when I was hosting to wash grapes for my cheeseboards, but I also just love how this looks on my kitchen countertops when it's not in use.'
'My book collection has really grown over the last year as I've gotten back into reading, so it's time I invest in some luxurious bookends to keep them in place,' says Molly. 'As soon as I saw this heavily-veined marble design, no others measured up. It's a style that's really come back into style in kitchens, but why not bring it into other rooms, too?'
'January is the month I plan on investing in new bedding, and this linen set from CULTIVER ticks all the boxes,' says Emily. 'I love the natural texture of the fabric and this ‘Bluestone’ color is the perfect step away from lighter neutrals while still feeling timeless and not at all trend-led.'
This Jan me and my husband are focusing on cooking more at home. I'll keep you posted on how that actually pans out (pardon the pun), but I'm sure that with the new Titanium version of the beloved Our Place pan we'll at least get some of way towards our new goal. Reviews from friends tell me a joy to cook on, plus its super chic, and boasts the first-ever nonstick tech made without "Forever Chemicals" which are known to be pretty bad for you.
'I'm over Christmas scents in my home now so I've picked up the fresh, but still cozy, Wood Sage & Sea Salt candle from Jo Malone to burn all January long,' adds Anna. 'It'll work as a lovely moving gift from me to me, too.'
'As the long, cold nights draw in, I'm snuggling under my Cozy Earth Cuddle Blanket. Better known for their breathable bamboo bedding, Cozy Earth also offers a range of ultra-plush faux fur blankets to drape over the arm of your sofa or spread over the end of your bed,' Emilia explains. 'You'd be surprised how much difference a blanket can make to the look and feel of your bed: the Cuddle Blanket is the crowning glory of my bedspread.'
'For me, January is all about slowing down, staying cozy, and appreciating the smaller, simpler moments,' says Zara. 'One of the highlights of my day is my first cup of tea in the morning (yes, I really do love tea that much), so I wanted to treat myself to a lovely new mug, and I found just the one at Anthropologie. I love the unique shape and colorful, whimsical design of this mug. I opted for the Blue finish, but I might just have to purchase the White one too...as a pair they'll sit beautifully on my kitchen shelves (any excuse to buy more mugs for my collection!)'
'Lighting can instantly improve the mood of a space. I’m personally not a fan of harsh overhead lighting so tend to opt for warmer pockets of light that I’ll scatter around a room,' adds Eleanor. 'Joanna Gaines’ recent collaboration with Target is filled with inspiring pieces but I love the table lamp the most. The plaid shade is very on-trend for 2025 and its handy pull chain makes it the perfect piece to place in a reading nook.'
'Another celeb-approved buy is the classic Eucalyptus candle from Diptyque,' adds Megan. 'I’ve long been a fan of Diptyque candles – they are powerful enough to fragrance my entire apartment without feeling too overwhelming. Kate Hudson is famously an admirer of the Eucalyptus scent, so when it came to my New Year candle refresh, I decided to follow her example – and I’m not disappointed.'
I've realized that during the holidays my tablescaping game goes hard, but once that's all put away I'm left with some pretty bland options for hosting this time of year. I'm looking to bring an early sign of spring to my table with this linen runner made by the British label By Hope, which I first discovered while working BTS at the heritage London department store Liberty London. I love the combo of soft blue stripes and dancing daffodils.
I certainly hope these Homes & Gardens editor-approved shopping finds inspire you to refresh your space and embrace the clean slate that January offers.
Remember, the best home updates are the ones that bring a sense of calm, joy, and renewed energy to your everyday life – like the simple pleasure of a new mug or cozy throw.
