Special Edition: 2026 Design Resolutions from the Editors

Here’s a myth about design. Contrary to what home-makeover shows might have you believe, there’s no ta-da moment when a space is “done.” Rather, we like designer Cassandra Ellis’s idea that a home is “a long and rambling poem revealing someone’s life,” ever shifting, changing, and adapting to suit the needs of its inhabitants and reflect what they love. Ditto a garden.

How do you want to live in your space this year? As for our editors, we’re aiming for boldness, making room for joy, culling what’s extra, and finally getting around to some long-put-off garden tasks. Read on.

Eschew trends.

“My resolution? Stick to tried-and-true basics and ignore the trends. We recently moved back to our house in Mill Valley, California, and it’s still as fresh and easy as it was two decades ago. If you start with classics—some might even say ‘boring’ choices—you won’t have to look back with regret. And you won’t waste money on of-the-moment trends—hello, wildly patterned marble backsplashes, white boucle covered midcentury furniture, and brass fixtures and fittings everywhere.” – Julie

Be bold.

“I’m not color-averse, just color-shy, but this is the year I’d like to be more playful with my palette. Our home is dominated by neutral-hued floor coverings and furniture, with spots of color courtesy of artwork and pillows. I’m ready to turn up the color: perhaps a botanical wallpaper for the bedroom? Or a patterned Moroccan rug in lieu of our current ivory shag rug that I’ve come to loathe? Or maybe a new red armchair to replace the minimalist gray one that, if I’m honest, kinda gives American Psycho vibes? There will always be a place for neutrals in my home (I’m a New Yorker at heart), but I think what 2026 calls for is a little more boldness and bravery.” – Fan

Move past white.

“The time has come to move past the white couch. Our sofa is comfy and serves us well—and is plenty wide enough when my partner or I need to sleep on it with our senior rescue dog. But I must admit that the nothing-color of the upholstery is doing, well, nothing for the room. Time to learn to sew a slipcover?” – Annie

Cut back on secondhand buys.

“Most New Year’s resolution lists probably say something like ‘buy more secondhand,’ and yes—always shop gently used and pre-loved before buying new. However, I feel ready to admit that my consumption at both my local Goodwill and the excellent nearby swap shop has started to get away from me. Just because it’s there, or a good deal, does not mean I need more glassware or fabric or baskets. There. I said it. I’ll still shop these places before buying new, but it’ll be a more judicious hunt for something specific rather than a I’m-just-passing-by browse.” – Annie

Tame the toys.

“My eight-month-old daughter’s play mat, books, and toys have already taken over my small Brooklyn apartment—we sold our coffee table to make room for it all—but I’d like to at least keep it organized and as visually-appealing as possible, so I ordered a bunch of HAY Recycled Colour Crates and a big yellow woven basket as an attempt to tame the mess. Baby proofing is also on the docket…Wish me luck.”  – Morgan

Repaint.

“On the home front, I have a new motto of ‘no more chipped paint’: This applies to both the surfaces of my apartment and some furnishings. In the garden, I want to boost biodiversity. I have a goal plant a greater variety of native plants at my weekend house—including at least one tree.” – Laura

Cull collections.

“I resolve to do a lot of indoor weeding—not of plants but of the many possessions I’ve accumulated, from a closetful of vases to a sky-high stack of dish towels. And that ever so barely begins to cover it.” – Margot

Cook for others.

“This month I started contributing to a community fridge, after a friend posted about doing the same. I make a big batch of what I have been calling Thursday Chile (it is delivered on a Thursday), enough for ten meals and featuring as many calories and nutrition as I can stuff into one pot. As I arrived yesterday, the fridge’s customers were two elderly men and a grandmother with two small kids in tow. The fridge was empty then, and the containers went straight into their hands. It is humbling. I am very uncomfortable about the virtue-signaling aspect of this, but I know I am doing it because someone else’s actions inspired me to do a little local research. It may inspire someone else. The need is great.” – Marie

Tend to the garden’s edges.

“My goal: replanting borders. This is a huge job, which is why I’ve put it off, but after a few summers of letting my out-of-control borders slide, it’s time to bite the bullet. I’ve allowed thugs and self-seeders to gain the upper hand, so it very much feels like it’s now or never. Last year I saw some really pretty planting at Luciano Giubbilei’s new garden at Raby Castle, and this has given me extra incentive to replant with a new palette, but also more drought-tolerant plants.” – Clare 

Upgrade the potter’s shed.

Grow more.

Be present.

“This year, my resolution is to spend less time looking at the garden as a task list and more time being fully present in it—really listening to the different sounds of birdsong, insect chatter, and leaves rustling, really seeing the way petals unfurl and how colors of plants come together, and really breathing in deeply the scents of the land, from earthy compost to spicy summersweet.” – Melissa

Do you have home resolutions for the new year? Let us know in the comments.