New Year’s Resolutions: easy to make, difficult to keep. We’ve all done it — life gets in the way and suddenly our all-or-none resolution is out the window and we’ve moved on. This year, we’re committing to six interior design resolutions that are easy to attain, are made to break us out of our style shells and help us achieve our greater goals.

1. Exercise patience.

It’s safe to say, some of our most regrettable interior design choices come from impulse purchases.

Our first resolution for the year is to exercise patience when making choices about what to bring into our home. Each decision should be a thoughtful one. It can be difficult to be mindful when you’re caught up in the moment — like the generic art piece you’re sure is the missing piece to your living room puzzle — but chances are you will have the opportunity to revisit and determine if it’s the right item for you. The best thing you can do to make sure you are adhering to this resolution is to come prepared. If you know you are looking for art, take a picture of where you want it to go. Consider different color options and measure your space so you fill it adequately (read more on that here). And if the item of the moment isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, then wait! Like they say, the right one will come along.

2. Remember: less is more.

To the same point as above, it’s easy to make a quick decision when something costs less. But those purchases will add up quickly, both financially and spatially. Most of the time, one quality investment will take your space to the next level, versus multiple items of lesser quality. And remember, you only have so much space to give — don’t let the thrill of the low price blind you from your design vision. Chances are, you will be unhappy with these on-the-whim purchases, and will eventually invest in your one quality piece in the end. Stay on your design target, and you will save your space from inevitable clutter. 

3. Focus on one specific space a month.

Whether it’s a room, a closet, a nook or even a drawer, pick 12 of your most-loved spaces in your home and give each your undivided attention. During those four weeks, declutter, organize, rearrange or even overhaul the space. Is there a project you’ve been meaning to do, like hanging new shelves in the garage? Finally clean out your junk drawers? Tackle organizing your pantry? Assign that “space” to a month, and make that project your priority.

By committing yourself to one specific area under a deadline, you are going to be more likely to achieve your goal. And by the end of the year, you can proudly put twelve projects behind you — and that’s more than most can say!

Note: if organizing is not your thing, check out The Home Edit. They have great tips and tricks for arranging your items while keeping a beautiful aesthetic — and how to keep it that way.

4. Be bold.

“Do one thing that scares you,” is a mantra you wouldn’t normally associate with interior design. But it’s okay to step out of your comfort zone and consider some design options that may be beyond your typical style.

The key here is to think outside the box, but not go too overboard. Start with a striking piece of furniture or build a small vignette featuring a new piece of art. Choose a bold paint color for an accent wall, or go big and cover a whole room.

To pull this off, we suggest letting Pinterest be your guide. Begin saving photos of daring designs you like. The more you save, the more you will be able to find commonalities between them. Do they each focus on a certain hue of blue? Glossy furniture? Statement patterns? Use the underlying similarity to direct your decision.

5. Introduce a new color.

This one is rather self-explanatory and a great option for anyone looking to make a change in 2018. From subtle pigments to brave hues, updating color will breathe new life into any room.

There are endless ways to introduce new color into your space. Throw on different pillows, roll out a new rug, hang bold curtains or paint an existing piece of furniture! Most options are both easy and seamless. As you begin any color shift, it’s helpful to consult color-pairing options. Read HGTV’s Color Theory 101 for great tips on how to embrace the power of the color palette.

6. Practice sleek safety.

Technology has made its way into our homes, and we are all more secure because of it. From video doorbells to smart smoke detectors, there are countless ways to protect your home. And not only do these electronics do their job, they look good while doing it. Many go virtually unnoticed in your space, but you can rest more easily knowing you’re safe from harm.

What about this list excites you as we enter 2018? Will you be making any design resolutions for 2018? Share with us by commenting below!