A Fresh Start:
Creating a Home That Inspires You in 2026
The holiday decorations are being tucked away, the calendar page is turning, and there is a distinct, quiet magic in the air. At Emiejames we believe the New Year isn't just about "resolutions" - it's about refining your sanctuary. Your home is the backdrop of your life. After the whirlwind of December, January offers a rare opportunity to reset your space, clear the mental clutter, and surround yourself with objects that bring you genuine joy.
Here's how we are embracing a fresh start this season...
1. The Art of the "Clean Slate". Before adding anything new, take a moment to breathe. We love the "one-in, one-out" rule for the new year. Clear your surfaces, donate what no longer serves you, and let your rooms breathe.
- Pro Tip: Swap out heavy holiday scents for something crisp. Think notes of eucalyptus, sea salt, or white tea to make your home feel instantly lighter.
2. Rituals Over Resolutions. Instead of daunting goals, focus on small, beautiful rituals.
- The Morning Brew: Upgrade your daily beverage with a hand-thrown ceramic mug that feels heavy and warm in your hands.
- The Evening Wind-down Replace mindless scrolling with ten minutes of journaling or reading while burning a warm scented candle. This signals to your brain it is time to rest.
3. The Power of "The Tray". If you have a surface that always seems to collect stuff -keys, mail, skincare- the simplest fix is a decorative tray. There is a psychological shift that happens when items are placed on a tray; suddenly, a pile of clutter becomes a vignetter. Use a marble tray in the bathroom for your daily serums, or a hand-carved wooden tray on the entry console. It defines the boundaries of where "stuff" is allowed to live, turning chaos into a curated display.
3. the "Living" Reset: Cozy Greenery. Bringing the outside in is a classic New Year reset, but in January it's all about Winter Greenery. Instead of bright summer blooms, focus on textures that feel lush and comforting.
- Layered Mosses: Use a shallow wooden bowl to create a moss garden for your coffee table. It's stays vibrant with almost no effort and adds a deep, earthy green to the room.
- Potted velvet: Think of plants with fuzzy leaves, like a Kalanchoe or a Staghorn Fern mounted on wood, to add a cozy, tactile dimension to your walls.
4. Create a Hygge Corner. In the spirit of the Danish concept of Hygge (creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life), designate one area of your home as a "No-Clutter Zone."
- The Ingredients: A single comfortable chair, a high-quality wool throw and a small side table.
- The Rule: This spot is for "analog" joy only. No laptops, no mail, and no "to-do" lists. Keep a beautiful stone candle holder and your current book here.
- The Result: by intentionally organizing a space for rest, you remind yourself that your home is a place to live, not just a place to manage.
"Home is where the soul find its rest. Organize for the life you want to live, not just the stuff you want to hide."
We've curated a selection of pieces that bridge the gap between tidy and cozy. From hand-carved wooden trays to thick-knit throws and artisan planters. Come find the pieces that will help you start 2026 with a sense of calm!