The time between Christmas and Spring / Easter is always the most difficult for me. Living in the NE, winters are long, cold and dark and I find myself getting cabin fever because it’s not always easy to do things outside and the pandemic has made it difficult to get out of the house too. It’s also what often feels like the long lull without much to look forward to.
While I enjoy all the fuss (and even clutter) over the holidays, B and I generally don’t waste any time clearing it all way for a more fresh feel. The downside to this is always the empty, bare and sometimes cold way the house feels and it can easily cause some winter blues.
That’s what brings me here today. I want to share with you a few simple ways to decorate your home for winter and make it feel cozy and warm even if it’s cold outside.
Keep out your Holiday Greenery
When I look outside, even just in my own back yard, I see green pine trees. They are the one thing with color outside these days so why not bring some of that natural warmth into your home. Instead of packing all your faux holiday greenery away, consider keeping some if out, just remove all the red berries or holiday accents for a more natural look.
Bring in some Natural Textures
If keeping out the greenery isn’t your thing, consider decorating with some natural materials or wood decor. The warm colors of wood will add some warmth to your home regardless of the colors in your home. Even in my home, full of cool blues and grays, adding in natural wood elements goes a long way toward making it feel more cozy.
Here I put a plain green Christmas tree in a vintage Longaberger basket. This one simple thing adds warmth and texture to my family room that felt pretty empty when all the Christmas decorations were taking away.
Layer Up on Textures
From velvet pillow covers to tweed-like throws, even if all your elements are the same color, laying different textures can add a warm and cozy feel to any room in your home this time of year.
I love layering textures any time of year to add interest to a space but this tip goes a very long way this time of year maybe more so than any other time.
Light a Fire
Ok, I know that not everyone has a fireplace, but even if you don’t, try lighting some candles. Not sure about an actual flame? Add a soft warm glow to your room with faux candles. They won’t have heat but they can add some warm light to your space which feels so cozy.
Add More Light
If lighting a fire or candle isn’t an option for you, try adding more light around your room. Add some new table lamps in corners that tend to be darker. I promise this simple trick will help brighten your home during these long winter months.
I did this in my home. We have lamps in our family room near the places we typically sit but it leaves a very dark area at the front end of the room at night. During the day I open the curtains to allow the natural light to flood in but at night it gets very dark.
I added a small, traditional table lamp to the dresser at that end of the room and now it’s one of my favorite lamps to turn on in the evening because it adds light where there usually isn’t any.
Decorate with Reflective Finishes
The winter months are so dark so my final tip is about reflecting light. I love decorating with mirrors or mercury glass that add warmth by reflecting light without feeling like cold metallic.
Hopefully these simple tips inspire you to add some coziness and warmth to your winter home after all the holiday decorations are put away.
Have other tips? Leave a comment below and let me know.
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