Redefining a space with existing decor is essentially about looking at what is already there with fresh eyes. This starts by clearing every small accessory off the surfaces to see the room’s layout clearly. One effective way to create a high-impact look is to gather objects from around the house that share similar colours like grouping all the white ceramics or dark wood pieces and placing them together in one spot. Simply moving a rug from one room to another or turning a sofa toward a window rather than a television can shift the entire mood of the space.
When it comes to the dos, the best approach is to focus on balance and height. Mixing items of different sizes like a tall vase, a medium plant, and a flat stack of books, creates a much more interesting look than having everything at the same level. For the “Don’ts,” the biggest mistake is spreading small items out too thinly across every shelf and table, which usually ends up looking like clutter rather than design.
In areas like the living room, practicality is maintained by selecting durable textures and smart storage solutions that hide the mess of daily life. Rugs and fabrics should be chosen for their ability to handle wear, pairing high-end aesthetics with materials that are easy to clean. By grounding the design in these functional choices, the home feels organized and sophisticated rather than fragile or cluttered.
Another way to bridge the gap is using “performance materials” that offer a high-end look with low-maintenance reality. In a busy household, this means opting for textiles that are stain-resistant or slipcovered, allowing the space to look refined while remaining entirely “liveable.” Practicality also comes from the strategic placement of furniture to create “zones of activity.” A well-placed console table behind a sofa, for example, serves as a beautiful anchor for a room’s design while simultaneously providing a necessary surface for lamps, drinks, or books. This creates a space that feels curated and expansive, yet functions perfectly for hosting or relaxing.
A New Year home refresh, however, needn’t be driven by novelty or excess. Our practice approaches homes as live environments not styled objects. And design is understood through movement, light, and daily rituals – not through visual impact alone. The following interventions offer ways to renew one’s home for the New Year using thoughtful, architectural logic rather than consumption.
Tips
- Before introducing anything new, it is important to first reclaim what already exists.
- Rather than dramatic visual changes, subtle material shifts can have lasting impact.
- Introduce colour through soft furnishings such as cushions, rugs, or curtains.
- Opt for earthy, muted palettes that respond well to tropical light.
- Use natural textures that age gracefully rather than trend-driven finishes.
- Retain neutral backdrops to allow flexibility over time.
- Maintain clear circulation and ease of movement.
- Integrate storage seamlessly rather than treating it as an afterthought.
- Choose materials that are durable, low-maintenance, and honest in expression.
- Overcrowding spaces with decorative elements
- Restore and repurpose existing furniture instead of replacing it.
- Engage local craftsmen and materials that bring cultural continuity.
- Avoid disposable décor intended only for short-term celebration.
Read the full story that first appeared in Our Bangalore dated Dec 20-26, 2025 here:
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