From eating healthily to drinking less and exercising regularly, we’re full of good intentions in January, but most fail miserably by the middle of the month (if not before).
So why not ring the changes this New Year with interior design resolutions that are worth keeping? From investing in quality design with enduring pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation, to being more instinctive and creative in how you decorate, the smallest updates can make the biggest difference.
Here are a handful of ideas to get 2024 off to a beautiful start.
1 Upgrade your bedding
They say you should invest in two things: a good bed and good shoes, because if you’re not in one, you’re in the other. So, it makes sense to invest in quality bed linen to ensure quality sleep throughout the year. Casual but chic, our washed linen is carefully woven in Portugal using a sustainable process that requires fewer dyes and less water than cotton, while the weighty fabric keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. It’s irresistibly soft and tactile, too. But don’t stop there: layer with one of our luxurious velvet quilts – made from 100% cotton velvet for noticeable plushness – in cool midnight blue or rich emerald green. It’ll be like bedding down in a boutique hotel 365 days a year.
2 Collect quality crockery
Gone are the days when one set of crockery suits all gatherings and seasons. Start a collection so you have just the right style to hand at your next soirée. The Nordic Sea set by Broste Copenhagen is perfect for cosy winter get-togethers, with a hand-glazed finish and a grey-blue tone, while our Heal’s + L.F. Markey set features vibrant colours that make it spot-on for summer entertaining. Meanwhile, the Pearl White collection from Costa Nova – comprising everything from bowls to plates – serves up timeless style for formal entertaining. Top tip: why not invest in a stylish sideboard to house your new collection? The Lars, Verona or Amira combine form and function to spectacular effect.
3 Start an art collection
Have you been staring at a blank space in the hallway since last year? Curate a gallery wall for something to admire the moment you step through the door. It might sound obvious, but start by collecting what you love, whether that’s the artist, theme or medium. Visit galleries to develop your knowledge and browse online to discover your taste. Heal’s is home to an exclusive collection of modern art, from Paper Collective to King & McGaw, that offers plenty of food for thought. Giving your collection a focus is always a good idea – perhaps a specific subject? – to bring separate pieces together. Above all, have fun – it’s a pleasure, not a chore.
4 Style more sustainably
Is there a better feeling than buying something you know has been ethically made from superior materials? We certainly don’t think so, which is why we’re committed to a sustainable approach to design, whether it’s crafting products that last – our solid wood sofa frames come with a lifetime guarantee – or focusing on natural or recycled materials (we grow a proportion of the organic cotton used in our towels, bed linen and mattresses, and use only natural fibres to fill our Soil Association-certified Organic mattress). Surround yourself with beautiful things that don’t just make you feel good, but do good.
You can read more about our commitments for change – and how we continue to assess and improve how we operate within the four key areas of materials, craft, environment and community – as part of Heal’s Cares.
5 Prioritise ‘you time’
In an increasingly busy world, ‘you time’ has been deprioritised in favour of work and social commitments, but carving out space to unwind is essential for our mental health and physical wellbeing. Think about what you do to relax – whether it’s a spot of yoga, curling up with a good book or simply indulging in your favourite hobby – and create the space to accommodate the activity. Our Heal’s + L.F. Markey hand-tufted rug – featuring block colours and abstract patterns – can quickly and easily zone a corner for meditation; with a classic Mid-Century shape, the Eames lounge chair creates an indulgent spot for catching-up on the latest bestseller; and our Henley Desk provides a platform for writing, drawing or crafting.
