This Is the Easiest Designer Trick to Refresh Your Home in January (No Painting Required)

Painting, adding wall molding, or installing peel-and-stick wallpaper are all relatively easy DIY ways to transform a space, but they’re still projects that require clearing your calendar and clearing out space to actually work in your living room or bedroom or somesuch — not always appealing right after the holidays.

Still, if you’re looking to give your space a boost at the top of the year, we asked an interior designer for the simplest, best trick to transform a room—something you can do in about 30 minutes without having to clear your calendar for a bona fide project.

This quick, low-cost, high-impact hack will make your home feel instantly warmer, brighter, and more stylish without any hassle or mess.

This Simple Trick Can Transform Your Space

According to Baker Speight, one of the easiest and most effective room refreshes you can make is upgrading your lighting. Specifically, she recommends changing your light bulb temperatures and swapping out your lampshades to breathe new life into a room.

All the upgrade involves is a quick shopping trip for bulbs and shades and a few minutes for installation (or the click of a remote if you already have adjustable bulbs).

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!

Why This Refresh Works

Lighting shapes the entire mood of your room. Here’s why changing light bulb temperature and lampshades works so well.

Bulbs Can Make Your Space Feel Warmer

“A lot of people don’t get bulb temperatures right, so they end up with really stark lights that are too bright,” Baker Speight explains. “Changing over to a softer, more incandescent light can really warm up your space and make it feel more cozy and personal.”

Baker Speight says homeowners often select bulb temperatures between 4,000 and 5,000 Kelvin. While 4K bulbs can provide a crisp, cool shade ideal for task lighting, they can sometimes be too harsh for ambient lighting. She jokingly refers to 5K bulbs as a tanning bed or mosquito trapper light. 

“I would say it’s almost like the similar caliber of a fluorescent light with more of a commercial feel when you go too bright and blue like that,” she says. 

When your home has lots of white walls or natural lighting, Baker Speight says opting for a warm white or soft white bulb from 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin makes the space instantly more inviting. 

“If you have a lot of natural light, you could rock the 2,700 easily, because something that’s a little warmer would tone that natural light down in a good way.”

Bulbs Can Lighten a Dark Space

For rooms with dark walls or limited daylight, a slightly cooler bulb can lift and expand the space.  This adds clarity without creating the commercial, cold, blue atmosphere of the higher Kelvin daylight bulbs.

“If your wall color is a little darker and you’re looking for something to feel a little bit lighter and brighter, I would definitely go more in that 3000 to 4000 range,” Baker Speight recommends.

Lampshade Material Can Alter the Light

According to Baker Speight, the right type of lampshade is also key. Different textures soften, sharpen, or warm light. They can completely shift a room’s character.

She says that linen lampshades can soften the light from a bulb beautifully, especially when you are using one in the 3K to 4K range.

“Paper shades are beautiful, but they’re definitely more warm and yellow,” Baker Speight says. “If you’re trying to do something crisp and clean and a little bit more modern, I wouldn’t suggest this material.”

Burlap is ideal for creating a warm, textured, and cozy ambience in rustic, cottage-inspired rooms.  Or you could try a silk shade, which Baker Speight says is ideal for creating a “more sophisticated, elegant atmosphere.”

Lampshade Diffusers Alter the Direction of the Light

Lampshade diffusers can also fine-tune the feel of the space. 

“They control the light temperature and direction beautifully,” Baker Speight says.

So, if your lighting feels too direct or creates harsh shadows, a diffuser—at the top, the bottom, or both—can smooth everything out, creating a more gentle glow.

Patterned Lampshades Can Add a Pop of Personality

“What’s really popular right now is pattern fabrics on lampshades,” Baker Speight says, noting that even design houses like Schumacher are releasing specialty lines.

Swapping a plain shade for a pretty floral or geometric print is a quick way to add character and personality to a room without overwhelming it.

However, if your space already has a bold feel, a simple, solid lampshade might work better.

The Size of the Lampshade Can Also Make a Statement

As well as material and pattern, don’t overlook the scale of your lampshade.

“I love oversized floor lamps in a room,” Baker Speight says. “I think they make a bold statement.”

A baby lamp on a kitchen counter can also add a bit of personality — and it’s functional because it lights your prep surface better and can be used as a nighttime wayfinder.