Homeowners

New Year, New Goals: How Your Home Can Help You Stick to Your 2026 Resolutions

For many, the new year comes with a long list of goals to achieve in 2026. But many people don’t realize that their home may help them achieve resolutions like getting fit, being more creative, and spending more time with friends and family.

You may want to create a home gym in your space to help achieve your fitness goals, create a home office or workspace nook where you can craft or finally finish that novel, or bring in additional seating to accommodate more guests.

For homeowners, making strategic updates doesn’t necessarily require dipping into savings. They may be able to tap into their home equity to fund the projects.

A home equity loan, Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance can be used to fund renovations and improvements that support both lifestyle goals and long-term home value.

HELOCs work similarly to credit cards, with a limit of how much money you can borrow. Cash-out refinances allow you to replace your existing mortgage with a larger one. You can then pocket the difference.

Financial planner Cynthia Meyer encourages homeowners to think about whether their goals require a renovation or a redecoration.

“[Redecoration isn’t] super expensive, but can make a big difference in how somebody uses their home,” said Gladstone, N.J.-based Meyer of Real Life Planning.

Here are a few ways homeowners can rethink their space to support their goals for 2026.

Making room to move with a home gym

Even if you don’t have room for a full home gym, carving out a dedicated exercise area can help you get healthier in 2026. A cleared-out spare bedroom, a section of the basement, or a corner of the living room can become a go-to workout area.

This can include low-cost options like dumbbells and resistance bands or pricier exercise equipment.

Good lighting, mirrors, and easy-to-clean flooring can make the space feel intentional rather than improvised. Some homeowners also invest in built-in storage or minor renovations to keep equipment organized and out of sight when not in use.

Creating a home office that works

A home office may help you be more productive in the year ahead or tackle a creative project you’ve been dreaming about.

Dedicated workspaces became a hit during the pandemic. But today, remote work (even if it’s only once or twice a week), side projects, and other creative hobbies may benefit from having a separate workspace. This can help to foster boundaries and focus on the task at hand.

That could mean converting a guest room into an office, finishing part of a basement, or building a desk into an underused nook. “Cloffices,” which are closets that have been turned into offices, are also popular options if you don’t have a lot of spare square footage.

Comfortable seating, proper lighting, and enough storage to avoid clutter can make a noticeable difference in both aesthetics and productivity.

For homeowners planning more substantial upgrades, like adding walls or custom cabinetry, home equity financing may help cover the cost while improving the home’s functionality.

Prioritizing wellbeing with a quiet space in your home

Not every New Year’s goal is about doing more. Many homeowners are also looking for ways to slow down and protect their mental health. A quiet space for reading, meditation, or reflection doesn’t need to be large: a comfortable chair, soft lighting, and neutral colors can go a long way.

Even small changes, like reclaiming a corner near a window, adding candles, or reducing clutter, can create a sense of calm.

Designing living spaces for connection with family and friends

For those hoping to spend more quality time with friends and family this year, the layout of a home can make a big difference. Adequate seating, multi-use furniture, and spaces that allow people to gather comfortably make hosting easier. They also make your home more inviting.

Indoor-outdoor improvements are especially popular. This can be anything from upgrading patios and decks to adding a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen or dining area.

These changes can also enhance a home’s curb appeal and potential resale value. That’s another reason homeowners often turn to HELOCs or cash-out refinances to fund them.

“If somebody isn’t going to live in their house forever and always, then ideally they should make renovation decisions based on what will improve the value of the house over time,” Meyer said.

Upgrading the aesthetics of your home

Not all updates require construction. Improving lighting, adding plants, or decluttering can have an outsized impact on your mood and daily routines. Maximizing natural light, whether through new window coverings or simply rearranging furniture, can make your space more energizing.

Organization matters, too. Cleaning out a pantry or reworking storage so you’re not constantly buying duplicates, or staring at the snacks you’re trying to avoid, can support healthier habits and help you spend less on things you already own.

So, make your home an active partner in reaching your goals in the year ahead.