Design experts swear by these four easy changes to lift your home’s mood and inspire you in the year ahead.
As winter gradually fades and spring approaches, it can still be a challenge to keep your home feeling light, vibrant, and motivating during this transitional time of year. If you’re craving a change, remember you don’t need a full renovation. There are plenty of simple and effective ways to make your home feel uplifting and joyful without a big investment. Transforming your space into a cheerful retreat doesn’t always mean painting walls in bright hues or buying new furniture—it’s about creating environments that hold personal meaning and warmth.
We spoke to several interior designers to gather a list of quick, impactful tweaks you can make right now to bring more joy into your home. These adjustments are affordable, easy to implement, and guaranteed to make a difference.
1. Bring in Florals and Greenery
When it comes to brightening up a home, flowers are a classic go-to. A fresh bouquet has the power to inject life into a space, not only with its vibrant color but also with its fragrance. Many designers recommend introducing natural elements to elevate the atmosphere.
Christine Gachot, Co-Founder of GACHOT, says flowers are “non-negotiable” for creating a cheerful home. “Fresh blooms breathe life into a space, and a candle instantly makes everything feel warm and welcoming,” she explains.
Austin DePree, Co-founder of Northworks, agrees, noting that “choosing natural wood elements and florals will help brighten the environment.” Adding a large vase of greenery or a collection of small stem vases can instantly liven up any room. Whether you go for a striking single arrangement or scatter smaller vases on shelves, fresh foliage is a simple yet effective way to inject energy into your space.
2. Maximize Natural Light
It may seem obvious, but nothing uplifts a room like natural light. Sunlight can transform even the dullest spaces, making them feel brighter and more inviting.
To optimize natural light, try rearranging your furniture to allow more sunlight to flow into the room. Move any obstructions from windows or doors and create a seating area that faces toward the light. This small layout tweak can have a big impact in brightening up your space.
Designers Stephania and Abigail always prioritize sunlight in their projects. They explain, “Many of our designs feature nature prominently. There’s nothing like a space flooded with natural light to inspire and cheer.” They suggest configuring your space to let in more light while integrating plants to further enhance the natural atmosphere inside.
3. Add Sentimental Touches
No space feels complete without elements that hold personal significance, whether it’s family photos, meaningful artwork, or handwritten notes. These personal items not only make your home feel warmer but also help remind you of the good memories attached to them.
Christine Gachot suggests keeping sentimental notes, like cards or letters, within easy reach. “A handwritten message, a doodle, a card—these small moments of connection make a space personal, filled with love and good energy.” In one of her designs, an office features a pinboard full of personal photographs and images meant to inspire and uplift the space.
For Stephania and Abigail, integrating meaningful possessions into the design is key. They recommend, “Let the items that truly matter to you, such as artworks or sentimental objects, have space to be visible.” If you find yourself overlooking certain objects over time, try rotating them. “When you rotate items, you give them new life every time they reappear,” they explain, offering a refreshing way to keep your cherished items feeling special.
4. Embrace Warm, Inviting Colors
While natural light and personal touches are essential, the color scheme of a room also plays a big role in its overall mood. Soft, warm tones like beige, light terracotta, or even pastel hues create a calm, welcoming vibe that can brighten up your home.
“Colors that evoke warmth and serenity can make a space feel more relaxed and inviting,” says Gachot. You don’t need to repaint entire walls—consider adding touches of color with throw pillows, curtains, or a colorful rug. These small additions can make a big difference without requiring a major design overhaul.
By implementing these simple strategies, you can refresh your home and create a space that feels lighter, brighter, and more inspiring in no time.