Top Home Improvement Ideas for the New Year in Park Slope

As frigid weather and snowstorms roll into Brooklyn, winter is an ideal time to stay cozy indoors and kick off the new year with a few light home improvement projects.

From repainting and upgrading lighting to adding built-in storage and improving energy efficiency, these updates make day-to-day living a little easier and, if you ever decide to move in the future, they can strengthen your home’s market appeal.

Put on your favorite NYC holiday movie or crank up the NYC holiday playlist, slip into your warmest leisurewear and settle in for a little productive nesting.

Refresh your entryway

First impressions matter and stepping into a tidy updated entryway can instantly feel welcoming.
If you live in a Park Slope brownstone or have a larger foyer, consider creating or refreshing a mudroom nook. Small lighting upgrades on or near your stoop can make an impact too.

Even in smaller living spaces, you can try:

• Boot and shoe trays or shelves to corral footwear
• A compact bench for putting on and removing shoes
• Seasonal storage and hooks for scarves and coats
• A plant or fresh flowers for a quick lift
• Updated vestibule lighting

Repaint high-traffic rooms

Interior painting is a great cold-weather project, and if you’re planning to stay put, trending hues can be a fun way to refresh your space.

If you’re preparing to sell your Brooklyn home, we typically recommend painting walls a clean, cohesive white to brighten rooms, maximize light and give buyers a neutral backdrop. Top staging-friendly whites include:

• Benjamin Moore — White Dove (OC-17): Soft and warm, ideal for living areas and kitchens
• Benjamin Moore — Chantilly Lace (OC-65): Crisp and clean, great for trim, ceilings or modern spaces
• Benjamin Moore — Decorator White (OC-149): Balanced neutral that works in nearly any room
• Benjamin Moore — Cloud White (OC-130): Soft and inviting, pairs beautifully with wood tones

For homeowners looking for inspiration (and not preparing to sell right away), the latest trends include:

• 2026 colors of the year like Behr’s Hidden Gem (smoky jade), Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette (espresso), Sherwin Williams’ Universal Khaki or Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus (muted green)
• As reported by Elle Décor, go for warmer, richer neutrals, dusty jewel tones and interesting color pairings
• Dusty hues, color drenching (painting walls, trim and sometimes ceiling the same color), bold colors for niches and nooks, and warm rather than bright whites according to Martha Stewart

Upgrade your lighting for winter

If you haven’t already, switch to warm LEDs and smart bulbs. Beyond that, layered lighting can add depth and flexibility, especially during winter months. Plug-in sconces are a great option if you can’t hard wire yourself or don’t want to bring in an electrician. They’re especially helpful in garden-level units where natural light is limited, and they give you the freedom to move fixtures to different rooms later if you choose.

Organize and maximize small kitchens

Outside of newer construction, many Brooklyn kitchens have older footprints. Winter is a perfect time to add a few modern conveniences like vertical shelving, a fresh backsplash, magnetic storage strips or under-sink organizers. You might also consider pull-out pantry inserts, floating spice racks or new cabinet hardware to make everyday cooking feel easier.

Give your bathroom a mini makeover

A bathroom update doesn’t have to mean a full renovation. Small updates like regrouting, swapping hardware, adding art, or replacing your medicine cabinet, toilet seat or floor saddle can breathe new life into your space. If you’re renting, peel-and-stick tile is an easy way to experiment without a long-term commitment.

Add built-in storage

Storage is always in demand by Brooklyn homebuyers and thoughtful built-ins benefit both your daily life and your home’s future value. Consider floating shelves, window seats with storage beneath or custom closet systems. These upgrades make older layouts and crowded rooms feel far more functional.

Improve energy efficiency for winter

Boosting your home’s energy efficiency can help lower your utility bills and increase your resale value by appealing to eco-friendly home features Brooklyn buyers want.

Winter is a natural time to address simple fixes like:

• Installing door sweeps
• Adding window film
• Using radiator covers
• Switching to smart thermostats

Update hardware and fixtures

As with the bathroom, updating hardware and fixtures throughout your home can freshen up the look without major expense. Think cabinet pulls, faucets, door handles and switch plates. Just a handful of coordinated changes can give older rooms an updated look.

Declutter and donate

Have a closet full of items collecting dust? Feeling like you want to swap out some gently used furniture? The holiday season is a thoughtful time to declutter and donate.

Local organizations that accept donations include:

• Housing Works in Park Slope
• Big Reuse in Gowanus
• Out of the Closet in Boerum Hill
• Ruth’s Refuge in Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Start planning your spring outdoor projects

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, terrace or roof deck, now can be a good time to start thinking ahead. Planning your garden, containers, seating or privacy screens now means you’ll be ready to enjoy your outdoor space as soon as spring arrives.

Whether you’re setting in for another year in your Brooklyn home or preparing for a move, small winter projects like these can make your home feel more comfortable and functional. Just a few thoughtful updates now can set the tone for a fresh start in the new year.

For more ways to spruce up your home, read our posts on getting your home ready to sell, bathroom design tips and how to maximize light.