With its colder days and quieter evenings, January is a good time to reset routines, take stock, and ease into the year ahead. Whether that means spending more time at home, planning something to look forward to, or making a few thoughtful updates to your space, here’s what we’re enjoying right now.
Do: Reset and recharge
The start of the year is a great excuse to focus on wellbeing. Instead of overhauling everything, think small, grounding habits that fit into everyday life. Online classes are a good place to start, from meditation and breathwork, to gentle yoga and stretching. They’re easy to try at home, require very little space, and help create moments of calm. A dedicated area at home can make these routines easier to stick to. Our lightweight, folding Tatami Mat brings a sense of grounding and balance, whether you’re stretching, meditating or simply slowing things down – why not give one a try?
See: Winter events
January is the time to get out and about without the crowds. For those who are close to London, the Canary Wharf Winter Lights has returned for its 10th edition. Running until Sunday 31st January, the festival is showcasing 16 spectacular light installations by acclaimed artists from around the world. The newly opened V&A East Storehouse is another great place where you can explore design and creativity. Keeping things local can feel comforting in winter, even a quiet walk or coffee stop with friends is enough to keep us upbeat during the colder months.
Eat: Comforting cooking
Seasonal eating really comes into its own in winter. Root vegetables, warming grains, and slow-cooked dishes are ideal for this time of year. January is also a great excuse to stay in and make an evening of it. Cooking something hearty and comforting, setting the table properly, and using well-made crockery turns an ordinary meal into something more special. We’re loving the look of this chicken and kale stew with butter bean mash from the BBC’s Foods to help you feel better collection – providing you with lots of nutrients to combat winter germs.
Watch & Read: Slower evenings
January evenings suit TV and books that you can settle into. The Night Manager has returned to BBC iPlayer, bringing slow-burn drama, while the new Agatha Christie adaptation, Seven Dials on Netflix offers something familiar and uplifting. To round out a quiet night in, you can also catch up on the latest series of The Traitors on BBC iPlayer before its finale tonight (Friday 23rd January).
If reading feels more appealing, a thoughtful book can be a great companion to slower evenings. ‘What’s Your Dream?’ by Simon Squibb, the Sunday Times bestselling guide to finding your passion, enjoying your work and building a richer life, is a great read that fits perfectly with the gentle reset of the new year.
Visit: Edinburgh
If you’re planning a winter city break, Edinburgh is a great choice in January. The city feels especially atmospheric at this time of year, with Burns Night celebrations taking place this weekend. It’s also an ideal moment to visit us in-store while you’re there, whether you’re gathering ideas or thinking about a new year refresh. You’ll find new pieces including our Santiago sofa bed that works perfectly for small spaces and taps into the current trend for green. Pairing a city break with a relaxed store visit makes for an easy, low-key getaway and plenty of inspiration to take home.
We hope this has given you a few ideas to kick off the year. With January nearly behind us and the days slowly getting longer, it’s a good time to look ahead and welcome a little more light into your home. If you’re feeling inspired to refresh your space, you can visit us in store, on our app or online.
