Picture this… it’s the first full week of January, you’re back to work, kids are back to school, it’s absolutely freezing (and gray) outside, all the holiday decorations are down, and with that all of your shelves, mantle, walls, just feel…empty. It’s time to Refreshing Your Space in the New Year.

Where holiday villages, trees, garlands, lights, and TONS of sparkly trinkets once sat and took up space and brought so much joy, now there’s just blank space.. 

I think we all feel this rush & need to pull out our “normal” decor and fill the bookshelves, walls, and mantle with our usuals. This year I’m here to encourage you to EMBRACE that emptiness, and embrace the BLANK.

We all know that for the past 6-7 weeks we’ve gone nonstop between shopping, parties, eating, drinking & overindulging. And now, we’re all craving a return to a familiar rhythm & consistency. Our nervous systems have been working overtime and now it’s time to let them regulate. 

Instead of rushing to fill the void, let’s allow it to breathe. 

January, with its crisp, clean-slate energy, is the perfect time to pause and embrace the beauty of blankness. Here’s why this approach can be a calming presence for your nervous system & a powerful catalyst for your creativity. 

1. The Power of Negative Space
   Negative space—the empty areas in a room—isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about balance. By leaving walls, shelves, or tabletops empty, you create a sense of calm and openness. This space gives your eyes a place to rest and your mind room to wander. After the visual stimulation of holiday decor, this simplicity can feel like a much-needed exhale.
2. Calming the Nervous System

Clutter and overstimulation can increase stress levels, making it harder to relax at home. Empty spaces, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect. They allow your nervous system to settle, offering a quiet, peaceful environment where you can recharge. Think of these spaces as a visual representation of mindfulness—a pause in the busyness of life.

1. A Catalyst for Creativity 

Embracing blankness doesn’t mean your space will stay that way forever. Instead, it’s an invitation to decorate with intention. Allow the emptiness to spark ideas. What kind of artwork truly resonates with you? What objects tell a story or bring joy? By waiting until inspiration strikes, you can fill your home with pieces that are meaningful rather than simply decorative.

1. Decorate Slowly, with Intention

Resist the urge to rush. Start by observing your space. How does it feel to live with a blank wall or an uncluttered shelf? Over time, you’ll naturally discover what’s missing. Maybe it’s a favorite photograph, a piece of pottery, or a plant. Decorating slowly ensures that each addition has purpose and significance.

1. The Beauty of Impermanence

Remember that your home’s decor is not static. It evolves as you do. By embracing blankness now, you’re creating room for future inspiration. This fluid approach allows your space to reflect your current needs and tastes, rather than clinging to past choices.

 

As you step into the new year, consider giving yourself the gift of blankness. It’s not a void to be filled, but a canvas waiting for your most intentional and inspired strokes.

Here’s to a peaceful, creative, and meaningful start to the year. Cheers!

See you at the next blog,

Xo, Sarah

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