At this time of the year I always enjoy making New Year’s resolutions, even if it’s sometimes hard to stick to them! The New Year is a good time for reflection and looking forward so, inspired by a quote I read recently from writer Sophie Dahl – “home is a place that makes me feel at peace” – I have been thinking about some key themes for our homes for 2020. Here are my thoughts.

Mindfulness

A wellness and mindfulness approach to life can be applied to our homes too. Take a fresh look at your living space and make it a calm and relaxing place to be. Having enough storage is key, but first make sure to declutter – the post-Christmas period is always a good time for this.

Edit your wardrobe, sort out your books, only keep toys your children play with, take unwanted toys, clothes, books, etc. to the charity shop or sell them on e-Bay.

If it feels too daunting, there is plenty of advice out there to help you. I have a friend who is a wardrobe editor and it’s amazing how neat and orderly your wardrobe looks after a session with her. My resolution is to sort out those piles of papers and magazines in my office – I’ve been planning to do it for the last three years!

Back to nature

Create a connection with nature – a great antidote to our fast-paced, social media led lives. Think soothing textiles, touch-me surfaces, earthy neutral palettes, botanicals and natural woods. With the current trend for all things natural, you can find lots of beautiful seagrass and natural-fibre baskets that really don’t cost too much.

I was lucky enough to see the launch of fashion brand French Connection’s S/S 2020 home collection recently. It had such a lovely relaxed, natural vibe – I was particularly taken with the buttery leather sling-back chairs and soft colour-washed velvet cushions.

Original and authentic

A yearning for the simple life is permeating current interiors trends too. Look out for original craftsmanship, hand-printed natural fabrics, ethnic inspired rugs and handcrafted ceramics.

Use natural materials where you can – I always think they last longer, and they age better. A friend of mine made the top for his dining table from an original piece of old oak – it not only looks beautiful, but it makes a real statement too.

A very personal space

Your home should be a thoughtful collection of all the things you love. Surround yourself only with the things that make you happy. Invest in some open shelving for displaying your most loved possessions. Be inspired by travel, art and nature. Find your own personal style, redecorate using colours that make you feel calm and peaceful.

You too can create your own space where you really want to be. Now it’s time to hunker down under that soft wool throw you found in the sales, and delve into the Christmas book you can’t wait to start reading. Happy New Year!