Your January Home Reset: Paint, Decor, or Renovation — What Should You Do First?
- Lenore LDI
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Why January Is the Best Time to Reset Your Home
Every January, I hear the same question from homeowners:
“I want to update my home… but I don’t know where to start.”
Should you repaint?
Buy new furniture?
Finally plan that renovation you’ve been talking about for years?
The truth is, there is a right place to start your January Home Reset— but it depends on what’s not working in your home right now. Let’s break it down so you can move forward with confidence instead of second-guessing every decision.
When Paint Is the Right Starting Point
Start With Paint If…
Paint is hands-down the fastest way to refresh your home — when it’s used strategically.
Paint is your best starting point if:
the space functions well, but feels dated or tired
your furniture layout works, but the room lacks warmth or cohesion
you want noticeable change without a major investment
you’re craving a fresh start after the holidays
A thoughtfully chosen paint colour can:
improve how natural light feels in the space
make existing furniture feel intentional again
modernize a room instantly
Designer tip:
Paint should support your furnishings and finishes — not fight them. Choosing colour without considering what already exists is where homeowners get stuck (and repaint twice).
When Decorating Makes More Sense. Start With Decorating If…
Decorating isn’t about filling a room with more things — it’s about making what you have work better.
Start with decorating if:
your walls are fine, but the room feels unfinished
the layout doesn’t flow or feels awkward
the space lacks personality or warmth
you’ve impulse-purchased decor but nothing quite works together
Often, the real issue is:
scale (furniture too big or too small)
poor layout
missing layers (lighting, rugs, art, textiles)
This is where a few intentional updates — not a full overhaul — can completely shift how a space feels.
Designer tip:
If you’re planning to renovate eventually, decorating strategically now can help you avoid wasting money on pieces that won’t work later.
When Renovation Planning Is the Smart Move. Start With Renovation Planning If…
If you’re frustrated every day by how a space functions, paint and decor won’t fix the problem — they’ll just dress it up.
Start with renovation planning if:
the layout doesn’t work for your lifestyle
storage is a constant issue
the kitchen or bathroom feels inefficient
you’re asking “Should we just gut this?”
Here’s the key part most homeowners miss: Planning is the first step — not demolition.
January is an ideal time to:
explore layout options
establish a realistic budget
prioritize what matters most
create a phased plan if you’re not ready to start immediately
Even if your renovation is months (or a year) away, early planning saves time, money, and stress.
How to Make Your Home Resolution Stick This Year.
January Home Reset. What If You’re Still Not Sure?
That’s completely normal — and very common.
Many homes need a combination:
paint to refresh
decorating to improve flow
renovation planning for the future
The mistake is doing these out of order.
A clear plan helps you:
avoid redoing work
make confident decisions
invest where it actually matters
This is where professional guidance makes a real difference — not to push you into a big project, but to help you start smart.
Your January Reset Doesn’t Need to Be Everything
You don’t need to tackle your entire home this year.
You just need to choose the right starting point.
Whether that’s:
a fresh paint palette
a more intentional layout
or a renovation plan you can finally feel good about
Momentum comes from clarity — not pressure.
Q: What is a January home reset?
A January home reset focuses on refreshing your space through paint, decorating, or planning updates to start the year feeling organized and intentional.
Q: Should I paint or renovate first?
It depends on whether your space has functional issues or simply needs a visual refresh. Paint works best when layout already functions well.
Q: How do I update my home without renovating?
Strategic decorating, layout changes, lighting updates, and paint can dramatically improve a space without major construction.
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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