Image via Kinfolk

The kind of closure that the Gregorian calendar provides is practically unparalleled in other aspects of life. Many of us have grown fond of wrapping up each year neatly and starting anew with the next. Whether you choose to make a resolution or not, now seems as good a time as any to re-approach and reinvent your home decor. Without rocket science or voodoo, we share 5 tried and tested tips for 2016. 

Use more colour
The important thing to remember in this instance is that colour doesn't need to be bright to make an impact. Navy blue, yellow ochre and muted khaki all count. Of course, if you're brave enough to opt for chartreuse, emerald green or hot pink, then we salute your boldness. Areas of impermanence can be a good place to start. Think quilt covers, scatter cushions and bath towels. Once you've gained some courage, go full throttle with an oversized rug, a statement shade of paint or even eye-catching kitchen cupboards.

Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott

De-clutter
Clean up your act by combatting problem areas in stages. Pick a zone to sort through once a week (alright, once a month). Your linen cupboard, pantry, wardrobe or office space could all benefit from a cleanse. Donate unwanted dust-gatherers and create order with considered shelving systems, colour coding and storage containers. Woven and wooden boxes and baskets, old suitcases and recycled glass jars will all come in handy. The bonus? By making a space you're proud of you'll be less likely to clog it up.

Image via MCM house

Go green
There are a number of little changes you can make around the home that will help the environment. Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products, using food containers and storage made of glass jars or ceramic, and getting a reusable BPA-free water bottle are all good places to start. Materials also make a difference. Look out for those produced naturally, such as linen, organic cotton, wool and silk, as well as man-made eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo.

Photo by William Waldron, via ELLE decor

Plan
Planning is two fold. Firstly, you might like to write a schedule. Start with three simple things you want to achieve that month. Then consider three projects you would like to achieve within the year. If a redesign of your dining room is on the cards, then here's where the second aspect of planning manifests. What height will the new table need to be to accommodate your chairs?  How will the frames for your gallery hang sit together (more on this here)? Ask these questions before you buy to avoid disappointment.

Image via Jardan

Buy local
We don't mind saying that Australian designers, manufacturers, creatives and retailers - both big and small - are doing some pretty brilliant things. Take Melbourne-based furniture makers, Jardan (Lionel chair pictured above), as one such example. They've been providing jobs, growing the industry, and realising people's dreams since the 80s. Meanwhile at Temple and Webster, we do our best to support homegrown talent, with initiatives like the Emerging Designer Award showcasing some of the nation's best up and comers.

For more inspiration throughout the year, check us out on Pinterest.