Post-Holiday Winter Blues Got You Feeling Down?
The holidays may be over, but winter certainly is not.
Do you feel sad after all the holiday decor is stored away? I know I do. I miss the ambiance in my home from all of the Christmas tree twinkling lights and our special mementos that I decorate with. My home looks a bit dull and lacking once everything is put away. Did you know that the post-holiday winter blues are a real thing? You might be experiencing it if you feel a bit down after your Christmas decorations go into storage.
With winter in full swing, it's too early to decorate for spring and it may feel like holiday decor is the only option to decorate with right now. Have no fear, post-holiday winter decor is the perfect way to add an extra dose of coziness to your home!
I’m not talking about Christmas holiday decorations either, I’m referring to making updates that go beyond the holiday season and will maintain a sense of coziness.
Have you heard of Hygge decor? Pronounced hue-gah, this decor style is a Danish concept that focuses on embracing life’s simple pleasures and comfort. Introducing this concept into your home will help take you through to the next season.
Read on to see how you can embrace the awkward season between the holidays and spring!
1. Edit Your Home
The New Year is a great time to go through your home and edit (aka declutter). Take a day or a weekend tackling one space at a time and reflect on what is useful in your home and what is not. By hitting the ‘reset’ button on your home, you’ll be able to cleanse your space… and your mind. Visual clutter can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Donate those items that no longer bring you joy or serve a meaningful purpose. Make room for what is important to you and your family!
2. Bring the Outdoors In
This rings true for any season… but especially in winter when we can’t frequent the outdoors as often as we can in warmer months and also because most of the plant life is dormant. By bringing in greenery, you will add life and warmth to your home. Eucalyptus and Boxwood are types of greenery that feel especially wintery. Both last a long time and are beautiful even when they dry out. I love eucalyptus the most because of its calming effect and soothing scent!
Did you know that different types of greenery go best with certain design styles?
Mid-century Modern, Minimal, Eclectic styles = eucalyptus
Traditional styles = redwood, pine, blue spruce
Farmhouse styles = juniper, cedar, and magnolia
Boho styles = seeded eucalyptus
HOT TIP: Living plants not really your thing? Faux greenery will give you the same feeling of warmth and life without the guilt of a dying house plant. Ikea is a great source for inexpensive faux plants and planters.
3. Incorporate Textures
Without texture, design is flat, two-dimensional, and boring. Rooms need varying textures for visual and physical interest. You could incorporate textures throughout a room by layering pillows, soft throw blankets, area rugs, and other cozy textures. I like to layer in textures such as boucle, sheepskin, tweeds, faux fur, mohair, and velvet. Chunky knit throws and natural elements would take your space to the next level! If you can splurge, consider a cashmere throw blanket. The extra soft texture is sure to be an indulgence.
HOT TIP: Create balance in your room by layering textures evenly throughout so that no one piece of furniture or area in the room feels lonely or without the cozy factor. I like to keep things simple with just 1-3 pillows on sofas and larger chairs paired with a cozy throw blanket.
4. Add a Plush Rug
One easy way to help your home feel cozier is by adding in a plush rug. Real or Faux Sheepskin rugs can be layered with your existing area rug to create a comfy corner in your space. You could also add one to the side of the bed so that the first thing you place your feet onto in the morning, is a plush warm furry rug!
5. Use Accent Lighting
Accent lights are the perfect way to create a warm glow and brighten up your home in the darker winter season. In an entryway, you could consider layering a table lamp in addition to the overhead lighting you already have. Smaller decorative table lamps sprinkled throughout your home will add additional light and style.
HOT TIP: Candles have a way of adding light, warmth, and an ambient mood to any space. Layer in candles anywhere that you want a comforting glow. There are so many wonderful winter scented candles, try to stick with 1-2 scents throughout. Flameless battery-operated candles are a great alternative for kid-friendly spaces!
6. Embrace the Winter Blue Hues
Blue is and will always be a timeless color no matter the time of year, plus the color blue has the added bonus of seamlessly transitioning into the spring! Breathe new life into your home with a fresh cheery color palette.
The color blue could be incorporated into almost any room. For a winter color refresh, consider crisp blues paired with cheerful yellows to keep your space feeling bright. Swapping out throw pillow covers is an inexpensive way to instantly add shades of blue. Introducing pillow covers with interesting patterns has a way of making your space feel renewed and fresh.
7. Time to Update Your Bedding
The winter months can bring in a much colder climate depending on where you live, so it might be a good idea to update your bedding. Flannel is a go-to choice for sheets. You may want to also switch to a heavier down option for your duvet comforter. After you establish the bedding basics, layer the bed with a cozy quilt or throw blanket. Weighted blankets are trending for optimum relaxation and coziness.
8. New Artwork
Support your post-holiday winter color palette by incorporating artwork into your home. You could swap out for any art that inspires you and makes you feel at peace during the winter. Swapping out art can be small and simple or large and impactful. Winter scenes make for great art - think snowy mountains, snow-covered architecture, or impressionist wintery landscapes.
Are you the DIY type? Framed pressed winter flowers or greenery would make for great winter art.
HOT TIP: Canvas art is lightweight, easily stored, and inexpensive!
I hope that you are able to combat those Winter Blues. How will you refresh your home for the winter months?
