Instant Refresh
5 Simple Changes that Can Make Your Home Feel New in 2026
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL
Once we pack up the holiday decor and the last few ornaments are put away our homes start itching for a refresh. With after-Christmas sales and furniture closeouts it’s easy to assume a large purchase is the most effective way to do that, even if it’s not the most attainable. A fresh look starts with small changes. No need to tear down walls or take on a full-scale remodel to breathe new life into your home. With these thoughtful updates you can create a space that feels renewed and reflective of your personality and style.
Swap out textiles for a seasonal change
Throw pillows, area rugs and blankets are some of the easiest and most impactful ways to refresh your space. If decorating for the warmer months choose breezy fabrics and lighter hues. In the cooler, winter months try layering cozy rich textured materials like velvet, faux fur or chunky knits. Mixing up your textiles seasonally can make your space feel fresh all year long.
PRO TIP:
Stick to a complementary color palette so your updates feel pulled together and are easily interchangeable.
Update your lighting
Lighting can take any home from bland and dull to sophisticated and charming. Lighting, both overhead and accent, plays a major role in the general feel and vibe of your home. Swapping outdated light fixtures for more updated modern styles or simply changing the placement of floor and table lamps can dramatically change the room’s mood. If you’re looking for ambiance in your space consider adding dimmers on your light switches or buying new lamps with a 3-way lightbulb feature. In the main living areas of your house it’s helpful to have 3 forms of lighting to create a functional layered design, ambient (general overall light), task (focused lighting for activities like reading) and accent light (highlighting features like art or textures).
PRO TIP:
Statement lighting over a kitchen island or dining table can move your home from builder grade to custom in an afternoon. As you purchase pendants or flush-mount lighting, always remember to consider the scale of your room, you don’t want a fixture too large or too small for your space.
Create an accent wall
A bold accent wall can instantly make a space feel more cohesive and intentional. Opt for a fresh coat of paint, peel-and-stick wallpaper or even a custom wood accent wall to add architectural interest. An accent wall can add dimension and a focal point to your room with minimal construction or commitment.
PRO TIP:
The trending colors for 2026 are warm earth tones like sage, olive green, or even terracotta. Wallpaper with rich hues such as burgundy and deep blue create a sophisticated atmosphere that feels natural and lived-in.
Restyle open shelving and surfaces
Clutter in our homes is inevitable after the holiday season. New devices, toys and nicknacks can cloud our ascetic. This clutter can make any home feel void of purpose and style. Take a fresh approach by restyling your shelves, coffee tables, or built-ins. Mixing textures and colors creates dimension in otherwise flat areas. Some ideas to consider decorating with are books, candlesticks, plants, and other personal items that reflect your style.
PRO TIP:
Use the “rule of three” to keep things balanced. Try grouping items in odd numbers for a curated look.
Bring in some green
Few things revitalize a room quite like plants. Place a tall floor plant in the corner of your room, display cut blooms in a tall vase on your counter or scatter small succulent plants around for a low-maintenance option on shelves or end tables. If you aren’t ready for the commitment and upkeep of plants try finding faux plants that can give you the same look with less upkeep.
PRO TIP:
Snake plants, Pothos and ZZ plants are easy to style and hardy for those of us with the opposite of a green thumb.
Need some help with home updates?
Reach out to Hollingsworth Homes at
hollingsworthhomeinteriors@gmail.com or 616.821.0463
Check out some favorite local spots to freshen up your home, including:
Scout & Tag
The Curated Collective
Home Essentials
The Lighting Hut
VF Furniture
Junely
Vintage Warehouse