In general, I love bare simplicity, but about this time every year bare always seems to equal cold and uninviting. This season we're trying these simple cozy-ups to beat the post-holiday chill:
• 1., 2.Introduce texture with throws and pillows. Nubby knit blankets, sheepskin throws, and velvet pillows can add instant warmth to any room. If you don't have these things on hand, look around your home for alternatives. This year, I'm using a scarf/shawl to warm up our dark leather chair.
• 3., 4. Force bulbs indoors. Paper Whites and Amaryllis are generally thought of as Christmas blooms, but they can make great indoor accents throughout the winter. This year, I forced Paper Whites for the first time, and I loved watching the growing process so much that I've decided to force some more. Check out a how to here. Remember: they are the easiest plants to care for if you remember to never let the actual bulb touch water. If the bulb sits in water, it will rot. Fill water just below the bulb, and the roots will sprout and find it. If you're one of the people that can't stand the smell of paperwhites, try tulips or amaryllis instead.
• 5. Group potted plants. During the Christmas season, we grew used to the cozy look of side tables, coffee tables, mantel ledges sprinkled with holiday decor, but now we're digging the simple natural beauty of indoor plants, grouped for impact.
• 6., 7. Use lots of candles. After a month of basking in the glow little white Christmas lights, our home looks a little dark now that we've packed them up. Grouping candles makes for a lovely year-round alternative.
• 8., 9.Rearrange accent pieces. It's easy to get bored with your home when you're used to looking at the same thing in the same pace month after month. January is the perfect time to go shopping from within your home to add a little interest to a spot that's lost its luster. I like to switch mirrors and paintings from different rooms. The capiz shell mirror from Target (pic 9) has been on every wall of our living room, but it always looks fresh whenever it's paired with different accent pieces.
• 10. Introduce a new accent color. Sometimes switching out the pillow covers and blankets is enough to completely change the look of the room. I love the rich green and velvety textures in the room above.
What other tips do you have for warming up your post-holiday decor?
(Images: 1: Bridget Kelly via Kids Today Online, 2: More Ways to Waste Time, 3, 4, 9: Leah Moss, 5: Tom Scheerer, 6: skona hem, 7: Sunset, 8: Thomas O'Brien, 10: Nuevo Estilo)
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I keep some simple ornaments, usually silver and mercury glass spheres, scattered around for a bit of sparkle until it is less dreary outside. I also have pine cones from fall until spring.
I got new bedding to spruce up my room, and a new paper star shaped lantern.
i love all the colorful, ethnic accessories against the white furniture... very eclectic & wordly.
I like to change the lighting up. Since winters in Michigan can be kinda gloomy, I always make sure there's something exciting about lighting.
New bulbs with the natural white light, getting tinted bulbs (even fun colored ones), moving lamps around, thrifting for some change-up lamps, etc. can really help keep things bright and fun. Plus, it's a relatively inexpensive way to change the look of a room.
Love the candle idea; those are perfect for winter!
I think if you put up enough Christmas decorations then when you take them down the place doesn't feel bare it feels clean and fresh. I took mine down this weekend and it really works.
Packing up the holidays this weekend, and planning to shift some furniture around as well as launder all of the window treatments- it's amazing what clean, crisp widow treatments will do to spruce up a place. Also planning on a dining room redo in the next month or so.
Can't wait to get my hands dirty! This is the best time for home deco projects, with all of the white sales, and before I start planning my garden in March!
As usual AT you have the visual senses covered. But don't forget scents add warmth, too ( scented candles, incense, the smell of logs on the fire or cookies baking in the oven), and add MUSIC to the mix...all are chi-ful mood lifters. :)
I took down my Xmas garland but am leaving the little white lights on my fireplace through January. It changes the look, but I still get the sparkle. Candles are a good idea also.
We took down our Christmas decorations last Sunday and spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning, rearranging, etc. I have since been excited to come home and relax with candles and a cup of tea.
I appreciate how low-cost all these ideas, after all the expense of the holidays. Great post.
It's a great time to rearrange accessories. I still have our copper painted snowman on the door and a couple snowy topiaries for the month of January. I cut the flowers off the white poinsettias and placed them in vases of water.