As we step into a fresh new year, many of us feel that urge to reset—not just our routines, but our homes. Decluttering is one of the most powerful ways to refresh your space, and when paired with thoughtful interior design, it becomes more than a clean-out… it becomes a transformation.
One of our favorite approaches? The Marie Kondo Method. It’s simple, intentional, and incredibly effective for interiors, décor, and the small trinkets that tend to quietly multiply throughout the year.
Below is a designer-approved guide to help you start the year with clarity, calm, and a home that truly supports your lifestyle.
Step 1: Visualize Your Ideal Space
Before touching a single drawer, take a moment to imagine how you want your home to feel in the coming year.
Light? Minimal? Warm? More functional?
This vision becomes the filter for every decision you make—what stays, what goes, and what needs rethinking.
Step 2: Declutter by Category, Not by Room
Marie Kondo’s golden rule is to sort by category, which prevents simply moving clutter around.
For a home design–focused refresh, try categories like:
- Décor pieces (vases, frames, candles, seasonal items)
- Shelving + surfaces (coffee tables, built-ins, consoles)
- Textiles (throw pillows, blankets, bedding)
- Kitchenware
- Sentimental items (trinkets, travel finds, inherited pieces)
This approach helps you see what you truly love vs. what’s filling space.
Step 3: The “Spark Joy” Test for Designers
As you pick up each item, ask not only Does it spark joy? but also:
- Does it support the overall aesthetic I’m working toward?
- Does it have a purpose—functional or beautiful?
- Is it something I would choose today, or does it belong to an old version of my style?
- Does it contribute to visual harmony, or does it add noise?
Sometimes pieces lose their magic—and that’s okay. Send them onward with gratitude.
Step 4: Curate Your Decor Intentionally
Once you’ve edited your items, it’s time to style with purpose. A few designer tips:
- Group décor in odd numbers for balance
- Vary heights and textures to create visual interest
- Leave negative space—your eye (and mind) needs breathing room
- Rotate seasonal pieces, don’t display everything all at once
- Keep surfaces functional, not overloaded
Decluttering doesn’t mean stripping your home of personality—it’s about making your favorite pieces shine.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering is one of the simplest ways to step into the New Year feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected to your home. When your space reflects who you are—and who you’re becoming—it supports you in ways you may not even notice day-to-day.
Here’s to a fresh start, a calm home, and a year filled with intention.
