The New Year brings a fresh start and chance to adhere to your resolutions, both in your personal life and in your home. If you live in a cold climate like Milwaukee, the start of January can also be a bit drab, so spice up your home decor to keep warm all winter long. Take a look at some essential tips for a happy and healthy home this season:

• Cozy up: Although the weather outside is frightful, your home can still be delightful. Once you take down your Christmas decorations, your house may feel bare. Banish the winter blues by adding cozy items, such as throw pillows, blankets and an array of candles to your living room. Add some color to the mix to truly take your home from drab to fab.
• Get organized: Adhere to your New Year's resolutions this season by staying organized. Sort through your Christmas lights and ornaments to make next year's holiday go off without a hitch. Try wrapping each strand around a piece of cardboard or similar material to prevent tangling. Secure your fragile ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap. You're going to thank yourself later!
• Prevent the spread of germs: "Cold and flu season is fully upon us. Do what you can to keep illness at bay by regularly sanitizing often-handled surfaces," writes Houzz.com contributor Laura Gaskill. "Tables and counters are obvious spots, but don't miss sneakier areas like doorknobs, faucets, phones and tech devices."

To adhere to all of your design goals in 2014, be sure to stop by Bazaar Home Decorating Center for custom curtains and drapes.