The Real Chic Life

Happy New Year! I love that New Year’s day has a festive but reflective energy to it that transitions us out of the holiday season. After the celebrations are over there’s a natural pause before life picks up again. It can be the perfect time to start transitioning into a post-holiday reset at home. I typically take my holiday decor down the first weekend of January, but I know many people do it earlier or later. No matter when you choose to get started, after weeks of decorations, gatherings, and a full calendar, it can feel deeply satisfying to refresh your home. Especially if you’re not rushed or overwhelmed, but do it gently, intentionally, and at your own pace.

Refreshing your space isn’t about starting from scratch. It’s about creating a home that feels lighter, calmer, and ready for a new season. Here’s how to reset your home after the holidays in a way that feels both practical and chic.

Take Down Holiday Decor Slowly and Thoughtfully

There’s no rule that says all holiday decor needs to come down in one day. Give yourself permission to take it down gradually. As you pack things away, edit as you go. If something no longer feels like “you,” consider donating or letting it go. Store items neatly and label boxes so next year feels easier and more organized. This process alone can instantly make your home feel refreshed.

Declutter One Area at a Time

Instead of tackling the entire house, focus on one space — a console table, entryway, coffee table, or kitchen counter. Remove anything that doesn’t need to live there and reset the space with intention. Clearing visual clutter creates a sense of calm and helps your home feel more open and breathable. And small wins make a big difference.

Swap Heavy Textures for Lighter Layers

The holidays often bring in heavier textures like thick throws, deep colors, and layered decor. Once the season passes, consider lightening things up.

Think:

• Neutral throws or softer knits
• Lighter pillow covers
• Simple ceramic or glass accents
• Lighter tablecloths or linens

These subtle changes help transition your home into a fresh, winter-to-spring mindset without feeling bare.

Refresh Your Scents

Scent plays a powerful role in how your home feels. After the holidays, swap spiced or pine-heavy candles for something cleaner and more calming — soft florals, citrus, linen, or light wood notes. Even opening windows briefly (weather permitting) can help reset the air and energy of your space. A fresh scent instantly signals a new chapter.

Deep Clean the Areas That Matter Most

You don’t need to deep clean every inch of your home. Focus on the spaces that impact your daily life the most:

• Kitchen surfaces
• Bathrooms
• Entryways
• Floors

A clean foundation makes your home feel renewed and ready for the year ahead.

Create Small “Reset Moments” Around Your Home

Refreshing your home doesn’t have to be dramatic. Small styling moments can make a big impact.

Try:

• A simple coffee table vignette
• A fresh arrangement of books or trays
• A bowl for keys or everyday essentials
• A cozy chair with a throw and a candle nearby

These details bring warmth and intention back into your space.

Let Go of the Pressure for Perfection

A refreshed home doesn’t mean a perfect one.

Life still happens — especially in homes filled with family, routines, and real living. Focus on how your space makes you feel rather than how it looks online. Comfort, calm, and functionality matter most.

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Refreshing your home after the holidays is less about decorating and more about creating a sense of ease.

When your space feels lighter, calmer, and more intentional, it supports you as you move into the new year.

Xo, Courtney