3 ways to transform your house in the new year

As we welcome 2017, many of us are looking at ways of improving or bettering ourselves. But with our minds so focused on both returning to work and setting often-unrealistic personal goals, perhaps this year we should make a different kind of resolution: one for our homes.

But does a home resolution have to become a total renovation? Not at all! That's why we've taken the best tips of the new year to get you into the swing of things at home, helping trim away that excess furniture and clutter and give your home the new year look it deserves.

Wipe the slate clean with green

Saying farewell to December brings a fresh start for the coming year, something Pantone know plenty about. Every year since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute reveals its colour of the year - a reflection of cultural climates and influenced by all areas of design - with 2017 being no different.

This year, the environment is the muse responsible for the choice, with Pantone announcing that 2017 is the year of 'greenery'. Signifying new beginnings and a fresh start, a rejuvenating green also represents the desire for change.

"This shade of green is different from what we've ever done as colour of the year before," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

"We love that feeling of newness, of realigning yourself and revitalising yourself. A really important aspect is that the colour has vibrancy and a little bit of brightness."

Used as a colour for paint, dark green creates a scenery fit for tan leather, subtle brass accents and neutral, natural linen. When incorporated into furniture, such as a featured cushion or decor item, the colour adds depth and draws in the natural beauty of the outdoors.

Take the edge off home renovations

Is your home filled with boxy furniture and sharp, rigid lines? 2017 could be the year to ditch the corners and take a more rounded approach to home decor. According to Patti Carpenter, global trend ambassador and founder of carpenter + company, returning to circular furniture is all about achieving a sense of peace.

"It's all about finding a place of calm and comfort in this constant chaos and information that we constantly have coming at us," she said, according to Elle Decor.

Escape to your own private hideaway

On the subject of information overload, escapism continues the theme of returning to nature and embracing all that is soft, warm and comforting. Open-plan living is taking a backseat, as home decor returns to a time of solace against our increasingly tech-filled lives.

"With an ever-increasing amount of time spent in front of a computer or smartphone screen during the day, there will be a greater desire to create spaces in our lives devoid of digital distraction," homewares experts Nathan + Jac told Domain.

This, the team says, doesn't mean ditching every smart device in your house to live in a custom-built tree hut, but that the home in 2017 will be a haven of tranquility, a place where we can escape. Expect this to entail deep, comfy sofas and over-sized day beds, chunky knitted rugs and signature floor cushions.

The tone for the year is definitely one of natural comfort and peace, and these are just three ways that you can breathe new life back into your home. So say goodbye to 2016, and welcome in the new year; with rejuvenated space that's free from clutter and outside stress.

Of course, it's not just always home decor that can bring about times of stress. If you're stressed about your mortgage repayments in 2017, the greatest resolution is found by contacting the mortgage advice experts here at Squirrel.

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