Key Points
- Take advantage of seasonal sales to refresh your bedding.
- Give your bedroom a makeover with paint.
- Try simple upgrades like a new headboard in a plush fabric.
Make the best of winter downtime in January to refresh your home. We asked designers for their thoughts on the one room they’d recommend refreshing in January—even if it’s the only thing you plan on renovating this year.
Meet the Expert
- Jessica Davis is an interior designer and the founder of Atelier Davis with offices in Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles.
- Jessica Nelson is an interior designer and owner of Seattle-based Jessica Nelson Design.
- Erin Williamson is an interior designer and founder of Erin Williamson Design in Austin.
Primary Bedroom
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All of the designers we spoke to agreed that January is the ideal time for a bedroom makeover.
“Bedroom refreshes are perfect for the new year,” says interior designer Jessica Davis. “With the world feeling off-kilter already in 2026, having a space that feels like a nest or cocoon is so soothing.”
Interior designer Erin Williamson says that renovating this space creates a grounded feel to start off the new year.
“I like to refresh bedrooms by adding a sense of comfort and respite,” she says.
Create a cozy retreat filled with soft textures, flattering lighting, and fresh bedding to “help regulate our nervous systems and equip us to better handle the often daunting January to-do lists.”
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Focus on Textiles
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Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki Photography
Something as simple as changing your bedding is an easy place to start.
“Bedding, pillows, and textiles are a great way to refresh for the new year,” says interior designer Jessica Nelson. “This is an easy thing to tackle that makes the whole room feel completely different, and gives you a great fresh start.”
Take advantage of January white sales for deals on bedding to make your bedroom makeover more affordable.
Davis suggests hanging new bedroom curtains or add pattern to your decor scheme with a bold rug.
Source Furniture and Decor
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Williamson points out that late January brings new product rollouts from many manufacturers who want to get an early jump on spring collections. Look for closeout deals on lingering inventory at this time of year to save on sourcing new furniture, she advises.
Davis suggests adding a new headboard upholstered in a warm velvet fabric for an instant upgrade. Add a storage bench at the foot of the bed or outfit an empty corner with an armchair to set up a cozy reading nook.
Add Color With Paint
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Nothing can transform a bedroom like a fresh coat of paint. Whether you favor light and bright neutrals or moody shades is up to you.
Davis suggests blanketing the bedroom in “cozy, warm” paint colors. Try earth tone shades such as sandy beige, terracotta, or chocolate brown.
She likes to color-drench the walls in a uniform tone for an immersive feel, or to paint the ceiling trim a similar or complementary color to the walls for a cohesive modern look.
Perfect Your Lighting Scheme
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Layer bedroom lighting to create a relaxing feel. Mix general ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting for a balanced approach.
Never rely on a single overhead fixture for general lighting. Include task lighting, such as reading lights at bedside. Install accent lighting, such as sconces or decorative light sculptures, to provide atmosphere.
Use a variety of fixtures such as wall-mounted sconces, bedside table lamps, ceiling lights, and floor lamps, adding dimmers whenever possible to allow you to adjust lighting depending on the time of day and help you wind down at night before bed.
Make It Smell Good
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Nelson suggests using scent to give your bedroom an added dimension.
“Scents make a difference in how your home feels,” she says.
The designer likes to switch out scents seasonally. Layer scent with a room spray, candles, or a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers at the bedside.
Incorporate elements such as scented hand soaps or fragrant eucalyptus branches in an en suite bathroom to give your primary suite a spa-like feel.