“Commission or revenue may be earned by Hearst Magazines and Yahoo through the links provided. As we approach January 1, there is a sense of anticipatory energy building up, ready to embrace a fresh start. The days leading up to the New Year are filled with motivation and aspirations as we all make promises to ourselves. As we step into 2025, one of your resolutions might be to reduce screen time, commit to working out at least twice a week, and finally declutter that office/pantry/hall closet. The desire to declutter is a common one; our happiness is often connected to our surroundings, which is why home improvement projects frequently find a place on our New Year’s resolutions list. This urge to revamp our living spaces isn’t limited to those new to design. Even interior designers, who spend their days beautifying other people’s homes, have their own projects waiting to be tackled. These designers’ plans for home improvement can offer inspiration for our own endeavors. To kickstart our design to-do list and create a more serene home environment, we reached out to six interior designers to discover what they have in store for 2025. Spoiler alert: Decluttering and reimagining the post-pandemic home office are at the top of their agendas.
Get Rid of the Clutter
San Francisco-based designer Jon de la Cruz of DLCID is determined to declutter his cabinets in the New Year. He aims to focus on items that truly bring him joy and are essential, as a departure from the habit of accumulating possessions during and after the pandemic. Starting with his kitchen and pantry, de la Cruz plans to streamline his collection of china, glassware, and serving pieces, as well as clear out old spices and unused ingredients from abandoned recipes.
Transitioning a Kid’s Room to a Tween Room
When children reach milestone ages, like 10 or 13, it’s a good time to transform their rooms into spaces that cater to their evolving needs. Atlanta-based designer Jessica Davis, founder of Atelier Davis, plans to update her children’s rooms to make them more suitable for hanging out with friends and studying. She intends to replace childish wallpaper with vibrant paint colors, introduce new furniture pieces like desks and dressers, and create functional yet stylish spaces that reflect her children’s personalities.
Organize the Home Office
The shift to remote work during the pandemic has reshaped how we use our home offices. While some are transitioning back to traditional office settings, many are rethinking their home workspaces. Nicole Papier of Papier’s Craft Room emphasizes the importance of organizing and optimizing the home office for maximum productivity and comfort. Whether it’s creating designated work zones, upgrading tech equipment, or enhancing the overall aesthetic, a well-organized home office can contribute to a more efficient work environment.
By following these designers’ lead and focusing on decluttering, revamping living spaces, and optimizing work areas, you can embark on a transformative journey
Some people have repurposed their home workspaces for other uses, while others have transitioned to permanent remote work. For those individuals, it’s essential to enhance their home office setup. During the pandemic, Charlotte-based designer Natalie Papier had to convert her kids’ craft room into her spouse’s office. She realized that the current decor did not match the professional atmosphere needed, especially during video calls. Papier, an art enthusiast and author of Start with the Art, believes that changing the paint color can quickly transform the room’s ambiance. Planning to remove the wallpaper and repaint the walls in a moody cognac brown shade, she also intends to add new lighting for varying brightness levels throughout the day. Additionally, she aims to relocate the taxidermy marlin that currently hangs near the desk.
Meanwhile, designer de la Cruz has focused on creating a functional and visually appealing work-from-home space in his living area in recent years. Now that he will be returning to the office regularly, he is turning his attention to revamping his bedroom. His wishlist includes a new mattress set, a customized bed frame with integrated nightstands, and luxurious sheets. De la Cruz emphasizes the importance of a nightstand with storage options, integrated charging capabilities, and a pullout tray for convenience in a narrow bedroom. He plans to maximize space by wall-mounting the fully upholstered headboard panel. For bedding, he is eyeing Linen Society’s Vintage Percale for its cool and crisp feel.
Another designer, Sondra Ganz, aims to improve the bluetooth sound system in her San Francisco home for a more seamless music experience. She is looking to consolidate various bluetooth speakers and old-school ones for a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing setup. Additionally, Ganz plans to upgrade the electrical and storage facilities in the garage to accommodate the family’s hybrid vehicle and bicycles.
Ganz also highlights the importance of finding the perfect dining chairs after a decade-long search. She advises investing in temporary furniture to test different styles before committing to a significant purchase. Artwork is another element that can transform living spaces but requires time to curate the perfect pieces. San Francisco designer Regan Baker is determined to invest in art for multiple walls in her home, including the stairwell, to elevate the space’s aesthetic appeal. By focusing on these home improvement projects, individuals can create a more functional and visually pleasing environment for their daily lives.
15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate
For those who enjoy crafting cocktails at home, finding the perfect gift can be a delightful challenge. From elegant glassware to innovative tools, there are countless options to enhance any home bar setup. Whether you’re shopping for a friend or looking to treat yourself, these 15 home bar gifts are sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast.
32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home
Bringing a touch of nature into your home is not only aesthetically pleasing but can also have a positive impact on your well-being. However, not all indoor plants thrive in low light conditions. If you’re looking to brighten up the darkest corners of your living space with some greenery, consider these 32 low light indoor plants that can survive and even thrive in minimal sunlight.
These Are the 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room
Choosing the perfect paint color for your living room can be a daunting task. With endless options available, finding the right shade that complements your decor and creates the desired atmosphere can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate this decision, we’ve curated a list of the 50 best paint colors for your living room. Whether you prefer bold and dramatic hues or soft and serene tones, there’s a color on this list to suit every style and preference.
