Design Tips: Decorating for the Winter

In past years, it would break my heart to see all the Christmas decorations coming down, making it feel so empty in the house for the first few days. But this year, I had such a different mentality. Maybe it was because we had such a huge goal to declutter this January (see that post here) but it felt so fresh, clean and uplifting to clear it all away. I was talking to my friend Diana about ringing in the New Year in the manner you envision your year going. She envisioned a peaceful night in with her man, willing the year to be just the same – 12 months full of a balance, tranquility and being with the ones who matter most. I loved this and it made me think that your home can be a major reflection of your life too. So for me, a year rid of the unnecessary clutter and open for new is EXACTLY what I want to channel. So in saying that, I want to share a few tips to help with decorating for the winter – keeping it minimalist and clutter free, while still being warm and inviting.

1. Instead of clearing ALL the Christmas – keep a couple of items here or there. A pom pom garland like the one I made here, a few pine cones maybe nestled inside a cloche, or one pillow that has a winter theme can still live on the couch. I’m still leaving my ‘Let it Snow’ print from Justine Ma up for at least one more month because I love it so much. It’s more than ok to slowly transition your decor through the winter months rather than all at once! I love that Holly from In the Fun Lane decided to keep her tree in the bedroom for the time being, until she can plant it in the spring!
2. It’s winter and dark – so think about lighting, especially after losing a beautifully lit Christmas tree and exterior lights that were brightening everything up! You can definitely add warmth to your spaces with the right lightbulbs, positioning task lighting appropriately and using beautifully scented candles. It’s all about creating ambiance! 
3. Textures are a big plus. Keep those really warm, fuzzy blankets close by until the spring months start to creep up. Add a faux sheepskin throw to your couch or a couple of texturized pillows to add even more softness. A little DIY to try? Cover your holiday inspired pillows with another cover instead of buying new. 
4. Add some fresh plants into your decor. Whether it’s a simple succulent, a fiddle leaf fig tree or a fresh batch of flowers, having a little greenery can really freshen up your space without pulling away from the winter vibes. Just keep it simple and if you do grab flowers, stick with whites and pale colours. 

How do you transition your home after the holidays? Do you have any tips for decorating for the winter that you love? I would love to hear!! xo

Original Images: Domino | SF Girl by Bay | My Scandinavian Home | Pinterest