The Most Common New Year Home Resolutions
- Lenore LDI
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
(And How to Actually Stick With Them This Year)
Every January, homeowners set the same intentions:
“I want my home to feel better.”“I want it finished.”“I want to stop putting this off.”
And yet — by spring — many of those plans quietly fade.
Not because people don’t care…but because they don’t have a clear plan.
Let’s talk about the most common New Year home resolutions I hear — and how to make sure this is the year they actually happen.
New Year's Home Resolution #1:
“This Is the Year We Finally Finish the Room”
Unfinished rooms are incredibly common — and surprisingly draining.
Often it’s not a lack of effort, but:
too many small decisions left undone
fear of making the wrong choice
buying pieces one at a time without a plan
How to stick with it:
Start with a clear vision for the entire room — even if you complete it in phases. When you know where you’re going, every decision gets easier.
Designer perspective: finishing a room isn’t about buying more — it’s about choosing better.
New Year's Home Resolution #2:
“I’m Done With Impulse Buying”
January often comes after a year of:
quick decor purchases
rugs that don’t quite fit
furniture that looked good online but not at home
Impulse buying usually happens when there’s no overall plan.
How to stick with it:
Pause before purchasing and ask:
Where does this fit long-term?
Does it support the room as a whole?
Will it still work if I repaint or renovate later?
A simple layout and colour direction can prevent hundreds (or thousands) in wasted purchases.
New Year's Home Resolution #3:
“We’ll Pick a Paint Colour and Commit”
Paint feels like an easy win — until it isn’t.
Many homeowners stall because:
colours look different in every light
samples feel overwhelming
nothing looks like it did online
How to stick with it:
Choose paint after considering furnishings, flooring, and light — not before. Paint should support the space, not be the decision everything else bends around.
One confident choice beats five test patches and no progress.
New Year's Home Resolution #4:
“We’re Finally Going to Plan the Renovation”
This is a big one.
Many homeowners say they’re “not ready yet,” when what they really mean is:
they don’t know where to start
they’re unsure about cost
they’re afraid of making mistakes
How to stick with it:
Shift the goal from starting construction to starting the plan.
Planning includes:
understanding layout options
defining priorities
setting a realistic timeline
knowing what can be phased
Once there’s a plan, momentum follows — even if the renovation happens later.
New Year's Home Resolution #5:
“We’ll Get Help Sooner This Time”
This is the resolution I love the most — because it changes everything.
Waiting until you’re stuck often leads to:
redoing work
overspending
frustration and decision fatigue
How to stick with it:
Bring in guidance early — even for small decisions. A consultation can provide clarity, direction, and reassurance before you invest time or money.
Good design isn’t about pressure — it’s about confidence.
The Real Reason Home Resolutions Fail
(And How Yours Won’t)
Most home resolutions don’t fail because of budget or time.
They fail because there’s no clear path forward.
This year, instead of trying to do everything, focus on:
one space
one clear goal
one smart starting point
Progress builds confidence — and confidence keeps momentum going.
Q: What are common New Year’s home resolutions?
Common resolutions include finishing rooms, redecorating, choosing new paint colours, planning renovations, and improving overall function.
Q: Why do home resolutions fail?
Most fail due to lack of planning, unclear priorities, and decision fatigue — not lack of motivation.
Q: How can I stick to home improvement goals?
Start with one space, create a clear plan, and seek professional guidance early to avoid costly mistakes.
If making your home feel better is on your list this year, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Sometimes the best resolution is simply deciding to start — with clarity.
If you’re feeling motivated but overwhelmed, a little professional guidance can make all the difference. A consultation helps you prioritize, avoid costly mistakes, and move forward with confidence.
PS - I’ve put together a free Top Paint Colours for 2026 guide featuring my favourite Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams picks — plus practical tips on where to use them, how light affects each shade, and common painting mistakes to avoid.
Thanks for reading!
Lenore 🤍
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