How I Refresh My Home (And the Simple Tweaks That Can Refresh Yours, Too)

Interior designer Ashley Montgomery is one of Homes & Gardens' new Editors-At-Large for By Design, sharing her thoughts on decor. See the rest of her articles here.

I’ve always felt that January carries a quiet optimism, and this past month embodied that feeling for me. The rush of the holidays faded, the house exhaled, and suddenly we were offered a rare gift: a clean slate. Not the loud, trend-driven kind – no demolition, dust masks, or emergency takeout – but something more personal and intuitive. It’s been a season for considering how I might refresh my home, and how you might refresh yours, too (I firmly believe design resolutions can begin in February).

For me, a fresh perspective doesn’t require a full renovation or a cart filled with whatever color happens to be crowned of the moment. The most meaningful reset often comes from creating a home that feels calm, layered, and unmistakably your own.

Skip the Trends. Trust Your Instincts

Interior design trends move fast. Your home doesn’t need to keep up – this isn’t a relay race, and to be honest, I’ve never been much of a runner.

Instead of chasing what’s new, I always encourage clients (and myself) to lean into what actually feels good to live with. A fresh start is less about reinvention and more about refinement: editing what no longer serves you and doubling down on the colors, textures, and patterns that bring a sense of ease. If something stresses you out just by looking at it, it’s probably not a keeper.

Think of your home like a well-loved wardrobe. The pieces that last aren’t the flashy ones; they’re the ones that feel comfortable, familiar, and quietly confident. Interiors should be no different. For me, that’s an oversized oatmeal-colored knit sweater – not trying too hard, works with everything, and the moment I put it on, I feel instantly at home. That’s exactly the energy I want in my spaces: supportive, unfussy, and forgiving at the end of a long day.

Layering with Color and Soft Pattern

One of the easiest ways to refresh a space is through thoughtful layering. Soft patterns – subtle stripes, small-scale florals, and gentle geometrics – add interest without overwhelming a room. They’re supporting characters, not scene-stealers. When paired with a calm palette, they create depth rather than noise (an important distinction, especially if your life already has plenty of the latter).

Lately, I’ve been drawn to a softer spectrum: muted yellows, washed blues, gentle greens, and warm taupes. These hues feel optimistic without demanding attention. They invite in light, reference nature, and move effortlessly through the seasons. The key is using them together, allowing the palette to do the work collectively rather than asking one color to carry the entire room.

I love grounding these schemes with old-world pottery – pieces with slightly imperfect forms and richly layered glazes. Whether styled alone on a shelf or holding loose, sculptural stems, they bring an immediate sense of soul. And happily, they don’t mind if you forget to water anything.

Welcoming Spring (Yes, Even Early) with Faux Florals

I’m a firm believer that spring can arrive indoors long before it shows up outside. I also live in Canada, where winter tends to linger – and the fifty shades of grey outdoors can start to feel oddly personal. Faux florals have come a long way, and when chosen thoughtfully, they’re one of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a space. Bonus points: no green thumb required.

Look for stems with variation in color and shape – nothing too perfect. Soft greens, delicate blossoms, and slightly irregular forms feel fresh and organic. Place them in an entryway, on a bedside table, or along the kitchen counter to subtly signal renewal (and gently trick yourself into believing warmer days are imminent).

And this part matters: fluff them. It’s non-negotiable. Bend the stems, adjust the leaves, open the petals. They need to be worked. Perfection isn’t the goal – if anything, the less perfect they look, the more convincing they become.

Edit the Clutter, Invite the Calm

A fresh start also means letting go. Even the most beautiful homes slowly collect visual clutter – it happens to all of us (myself included). One minute it’s a single candle; the next, it’s a full vignette you’re suddenly afraid to touch. The new year is the perfect moment to reassess what you actually need versus what you’ve simply grown accustomed to seeing.

One easy trick? Edit gallery walls or tabletop photo collections by converting images to black and white. The memories remain just as meaningful, while the visual noise softens. A bit of uniformity can feel incredibly calming – and surprisingly chic.

Clearing surfaces, paring back accessories, and creating breathing room allows the pieces that remain to truly shine. Calm doesn’t come from emptiness; it comes from intention (and occasionally from tucking a few things into a drawer).

The Power of New Bedding

If there’s one change that delivers instant impact, it’s bedding. Swapping out sheets, duvets, or pillow covers can completely transform how a bedroom feels – and how you feel in it. It’s the design equivalent of a really good night’s sleep.

Crisp cottons, relaxed linens, or soft patterns in those same soothing hues can instantly make a space feel lighter and more inviting. And here’s a small, unapologetic indulgence: ironed sheets. My mom always did it, and she still does when we visit. There may be no better feeling than slipping into a freshly laundered, perfectly crisp bed. Once you experience it, there’s no going back. And yes, it’s absolutely worth the extra wrinkle-fighting effort.

It’s a simple update with an outsized emotional return. After all, this is where we begin and end each day – why not let it feel like a fresh start?

A Home That Resets with You

A new year doesn’t ask us to start over; it simply invites us to begin again – gently. By layering your home with soft color, thoughtful pattern, and a sense of calm, you create a space that supports you, season after season.

Forget the rules. Tune out the noise. Design a home that feels like a deep breath. That, to me, is the very best kind of fresh start.