Winter gives us a different perspective on our homes. We spend more time indoors and suddenly those not-so-great features — or the little things that have always bothered us — are harder to ignore.
As a designer, my goal is to help you work with your home, not against it. I know emotions can run high during this process. You may feel critical of your space or frustrated with your furniture. And the biggest question I hear is always the same: Where do I begin?
In this article, I’m sharing practical, approachable tips and my favourite trends for 2026 to help you create a home you truly love — without feeling overwhelmed during the process.
Tip #1: Paint is your best friend
The easiest and most cost-effective way to update your home — or a dated piece of furniture — is with paint.
If painting feels daunting, start small. Try a side table or a small accent piece. I promise that once you finish, you’ll be walking around with your paintbrush in hand, wondering what you can tackle next — and feeling way more confident.
These dated end tables needed a little love. By painting them a bright white, the detailing and hardware finally shine. What a transformation!
This once-boring bookshelf was also given new life with a pop of colour — and now it’s a standout feature in the room. Check out the curved feature on this bookshelf — it’s a big trend for 2026.
Tip #2: Track your paint colours (you’ll thank yourself later)
Here’s a simple but brilliant idea: Keep a record of your paint colours right in the room. Write the colour name, brand and finish on the inside of the light switch cover. It’s practical, smart and makes touch-ups or future updates so much easier.
Tip #3: Add a custom touch to your doorways
Want to elevate your home without a major renovation? Add an extra piece of trim to the top of your doorways. This small detail extends the look of your existing moulding and — once painted — easily creates a more custom, finished feel.
2026 design trends
It’s that time of year when design trends are released and homeowners try to figure out how they can incorporate them into their own home. Sometimes that’s not an easy task, but it’s one I am here to help you with.
Here are my three favourite design trends for 2026:
#1: Warm wood tones
Using warm, darker tones of wood in your home brings a sense of calmness and grounding. You also see more of the graining of the wood, giving a sense of bringing the outside in.
#2: Richer earth hues
Benjamin Moore’s 2026 colour palette takes us away from the greys and whites that have dominated for years and moves into a deeper, cosier collection of colours. These colours can be brought into your space by painting your walls, through your artwork and through your selection of cushions and a rug.
#3: Curves
Curves are adding movement, creating warmer more inviting spaces in different ways:
- Arched doorways
- Rounded furniture such as sofas and tables
- Circular rugs
- Curved detailing on shelving
Small changes really can make a big impact. Start with one project, one idea and build your confidence. Remember, you don’t need a perfect home — just one that feels right for you.
I hope I’ve inspired you to get started.
