January usually arrives full of good intentions — new routines, fresh starts, maybe even a resolution or two. But by now? The gym bag is back in the cupboard, the packed lunches are already repetitive, and that “new year, new me” energy has quietly slipped away.

Thankfully, a nursery reset doesn’t need grand promises or perfection. Sometimes the most meaningful reset is a simple one creating a calm, playful space that works better for everyday life.

A New Year nursery reset isn’t about starting from scratch or redesigning the entire room. It’s about gently resetting the space with intention. Creating a nursery or playroom that feels calm, inviting, and functional for the months ahead  without pressure, perfection, or overwhelm.

Whether you’re refreshing a baby’s nursery, a toddler’s playroom, or a space that’s slowly growing with your child, these simple ideas will help you welcome the new year with clarity, comfort, and play at the heart of everything.

There’s something about January that naturally lends itself to resetting our spaces. The decorations come down, routines begin to settle again, and suddenly we can see the room with fresh eyes.

For children, their nursery or play space plays a huge role in how they feel day to day.

A cluttered, overstimulating environment can feel overwhelming — especially after Christmas when toys seem to multiply overnight.

A gentle reset can:

• Help children feel calmer and more settled

• Encourage deeper, more focused play

• Make daily routines (bedtime, playtime, tidying up) feel easier

• Allow parents to reconnect with the space and how it’s being used

The goal isn’t minimalism for the sake of it — it’s creating a space that supports your child’s development while still feeling warm, playful, and lived-in.

The first step in any nursery reset is decluttering — but done thoughtfully and without guilt.

Start by taking everything out of toy baskets, shelves, and storage units. Seeing it all together makes it easier to make decisions.

• Is this still age-appropriate?

• Does my child actually play with this?

• Does it encourage open-ended or imaginative play?

• Is it broken, incomplete, or overwhelming in quantity?

Once you’ve decluttered, take a moment to look at how the space is used. Rather than one large, busy play area, children often thrive when play is broken into gentle “zones.”

• Imaginative play corner: A dollhouse, small-world toys, or play figures

• Creative zone: Art supplies, stacking toys, or building sets

• Quiet corner: Soft toys, books, and a cosy rug or cushion

A Playfaire Original dollhouse, for example, can become the heart of imaginative play — inviting storytelling, role play, and creativity that grows with your child. Pair it with a small selection of figures or furniture rather than everything at once to keep the play meaningful.

Rotating toys between zones every few weeks keeps things feeling new without adding clutter.

A nursery reset doesn’t require a full makeover. Often, a few thoughtful changes can completely shift the feel of the room.

Swapping bedding is one of the easiest ways to refresh a nursery. Soft, timeless designs like Dear April bedding bring a sense of calm and quiet luxury while still feeling cosy and child-friendly. Neutral tones also allow toys and books to shine without visual overload.

Thoughtful storage plays a big role in keeping a space feeling calm and considered over time. Dear April’s fabric storage pieces sit beautifully in nurseries and playrooms, offering an easy, flexible way to keep everyday essentials organised without disrupting the look and feel of the room. 

With charming new designs like Blueberries and Little Love, storage becomes something to enjoy rather than hide away — helping tidying feel like a natural part of the day, not a constant battle.

Adding or changing a bed snake, beanbag, play mattress, or other soft accessories instantly warms a space. Look for gentle textures and natural materials that invite floor play, lounging, and quiet moments..

After Christmas, it’s tempting to keep everything out — but more toys don’t always mean better play.

Children often engage more deeply when they have fewer options. This is where timeless, open-ended toys really shine.

Brands like Little Dutch, Le Toy Van, Kid’s Concept, and cuddle+kind create toys that encourage imagination, creativity, and storytelling rather than one fixed outcome. These are the pieces worth keeping within reach.

A nursery reset is just as much about feeling as it is about function.

Soft lighting, neutral colours, and natural materials all help create a sense of calm. Dimming harsh lights, adding a warm lamp, or simplifying wall décor can make a surprising difference.

For younger children especially, their nursery is often where they wind down at the end of the day. A space that feels calm and predictable helps signal rest, comfort, and security.

If you’re short on time, save this checklist and work through it slowly — there’s no rush.

Even ticking off one or two of these can make the space feel lighter and more considered.

The beauty of a New Year nursery reset is that it sets the tone for the year ahead. Rather than chasing trends or constant updates, focusing on quality, longevity, and thoughtful design creates a space that grows alongside your child.

By choosing timeless furniture, meaningful toys, and calm surroundings, you’re creating more than just a beautiful nursery — you’re creating a place for imagination, comfort, and connection.

And sometimes, that fresh start is just as much for parents as it is for little ones.