What's Happening
The rhythms of life here at Solstice are a thing to behold, and here’s where you can keep pace with them.
The rhythms of life here at Solstice are a thing to behold, and here’s where you can keep pace with them.
January is that sweet spot after the holidays where the house is finally quiet again, but you’re still craving a little reset. Not a full renovation. Not a new year overhaul. Just a few small projects to make your Solstice™ home feel fresher, lighter, and easier to live in. Here are a handful of low-lift ideas you can knock out in a weekend — or even an afternoon — that make a difference.
1. Clean up your kitchen counters (without hiding everything).
You do not need empty countertops to feel reset, but it helps when the things you use every day look intentional. A few small tweaks can make cooking and cleanup feel calmer right away. Think of it as giving your counters a purpose instead of a pile.
Quick projects:
Group everyday items into one spot, like coffee, tea, or breakfast.
Put small appliances you rarely use back into the cabinets or pantry.
Add a catch-all container for items that don’t have a designated spot, and empty it weekly.
2. Give your living room a five-minute layout tune-up.
If the room feels a little off lately, it might just need a small adjustment, rather than new furniture. A few inches here and there can make the space feel more open and put-together. It is the easiest kind of upgrade because you can feel it immediately.
Quick projects:
Pull the sofa or chairs a few inches off the wall.
Re-center the rug so the front legs sit on it.
Move one side table or lamp to balance the room.
3. Swap a light fixture or refresh the room with better bulbs.
Lighting changes a room faster than almost anything else, and it certainly doesn’t have to be a whole-house project. Even one update can make the space feel newer at night in addition to during the day. Aim for warm, consistent light that feels comfortable instead of harsh.
Quick projects:
Replace dated bulbs with warm LEDs in a consistent color temperature.
Add a dimmer switch in a main living area, if you’re comfortable with a simple install.
Update one pendant or dining light fixture for a fresh focal point.
4. Reset the front-door drop zone.
If your entryway has turned into the landing strip for keys, bags, mail, and whatever else followed you in, this is the month to take it back. The goal is simple: Walk in, set things down once, and move on. A few dedicated spots make the whole house feel more organized.
Quick projects:
Add a tray or bowl for keys and sunglasses.
Hang two to three sturdy hooks for everyday coats and backpacks.
Swap in a small basket for gloves, dog leashes, or hats.
5. Refresh your primary bedroom like a hotel.
January is a great month to make the bedroom feel more restful without buying all new everything. Start with clean bedding, a cleared nightstand, and a warm, dimmable glow at night. These small changes make the room feel cleaner and easier to settle into.
Quick projects:
Wash pillows and duvet covers, and rotate the mattress if needed.
Clear your nightstand down to the essentials.
Add one soft light source, like a lamp or warm bulb.
6. Tackle one problem cabinet and stop there.
You know the one: The closet where hangers tangle, shoes drift, and the floor slowly disappears. Pick one closet, give it a clean reset, and call it done. It is a small win you’ll notice every single morning.
Quick projects:
Pull everything out and wipe the shelves or floor.
Toss anything that no longer fits your life, then group what stays by type.
Add one simple helper, like a shelf divider, a basket, or a second hanging rod.
7. Make your outdoor space winter-friendly.
Even in January, Solstice™ views and fresh air still hit. You just need a setup that makes stepping outside feel worth it for ten minutes, not a whole afternoon. Focus on warmth, comfort, and a little glow so the patio feels inviting after sunset.
Quick projects:
Add a simple outdoor mat and a waterproof bin for blankets.
Set up a small spot for hot drinks with a tray, mugs, and a thermos.
Bring the New Year Reset Home
The best part about these projects is how manageable they are. Pick one that solves a real everyday annoyance, knock it out, and let the momentum carry you into the rest of the month. In a Solstice™ home, even small updates feel bigger, because you’re already starting with spaces designed to live well.