Happy Wednesday, Friends! For most of us, winter means more time indoors. The drop in temperatures, less sunlight and seasonal allergies can be a challenge. Today I'm sharing some thrifty tips to create a warm and cozy home to beat those winter blues...
Display Greenery
Surround Yourself with Inspiration
What inspires you? Notice the little things that make you smile and scatter them around your home. Here, I've paired my love of florals with a favorite scripture to create an inspirational chalkboard garden. Stay tuned--I'll be sharing a tutorial for this look soon!
For more inspiration and a touch of comfort, gather items that have sentimental value and arrange them on a tray. You'll notice natural elements like the pinecones and herbs on my tray but my favorites are gifts from Dear Firstborn and Youngest Daughter: the handmade candle and the whimsical mug created by Ginger Grand. Ever since he was a little guy, I signed my cards and gifts to him with a heart and my name. Later, at his request, I started adding "smile faces" and GG created the stick figure heart "that's ready for a hug." Everytime I walk by the tray, I'm fondly reminded of my Colorado kids--aren't handmade gifts the best?
Create a Cozy Focal Point
Shop your home to create cozy focal points that add instant charm and warmth to the room. Think fluffy pillows, comfy throws and even layered linens like these featured in my winter white mantel...
....and Snow Queen inspired dress form.
Lack Motivation? Start Small!
I don't know about you, but I find myself most motivated to create or even clean when sunlight is streaming through the windows. If you're like me, and lack motivation for bigger projects during the winter months, try mini projects instead. Recently, I repainted this vintage kiddie chair I repurposed as a wall shelf. It was a quickie project and instantly refreshed the space. Start small--you might be surprised what can be accomplished in 15-30 minutes. If you're not up to reorganizing your whole kitchen, start by decluttering a drawer or two.
Add Fragrance
There's a reason realtors often bake a tray of cookies before showing a house. A fragrant home is cozy and welcoming. I tend to bake more during the winter months and I love the way the aroma lingers. If you live in a climate where herbs are hardy during the winter, by all means bring some inside to dry and enjoy the heavenly natural scent!
During the winter, I use my essential oil diffuser daily. I also keep DIY mini oil diffusers in different rooms of the house.
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How do you keep things cozy during the winter months? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, please!
Loving all the inspiration. The herb holder is so cute! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteThanx for the great ideas. Love the linens and the milk glass holding the pine cones; probably 1890-ish? I love that old stuff! I have been SLOWLY decluttering my kitchen table (also my crafting space) by picking up one thing at a time and dealing with it. OK, so I just moved it to another place, generally, but at least there will be enough space on the table for 2 dinner plates. Slow snow here today; good to be in where it is warm. My big winter/ Valentine vignette is a HL cast resin swan sleigh-white and silver (49.99, 90% off!) with white marabou feather boas in the hollow filled with red and pink glitter styrofoam hearts. Moved a white grapevine wreathe to another door with a Peace sign hanging from it. Pretty! I just read you mini diffuser blog and think I will do some peppermint ones; I need all the "uppers" this time of year I can find; even mild seasonal affective disorder is the pits. Colors, favorite fragrances, + experiences, full spectrum lights, and meds pretty much keep it at bay, but it still there!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, Cecilia--I love the greenery you have woven in and around your chandelier especially and your new chalkboard looks fantastic :)
ReplyDeleteAll great ideas! I'm still dealing with all the emptiness after Christmas and a renovated living room that does not have one thing on the walls. Not. One. Thing. I am always afraid of nail regret (is that a thing?)! Love your dress form in winter white! xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
ReplyDeleteWonderful tips for this time of year. It adds warmth and coziness.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips Cecilia. I'm finding myself in the same boat as you...not much motivation when it's cold out. Just want to stay warm & cozy in my nest. Thinking about doing a revamp of our Great Room though, where we spend most of our time. Like your idea of starting small.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty, pinning those herbs! Thanks for sharing at TFT this week!
ReplyDeleteThe greenery in your chandelier is so nice. I like to diffuse essential oils to create a nice home atmosphere in the winter months. I found your blog through the Snickerdoodle Link Party.
ReplyDeleteI followed you on Pinterest and Facebook and would love for you to follow me!
Pinterest… https://www.pinterest.com/mintsandacherry/boards/
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Thank you these are great ideas and I love the hanging herbs. I be they smell wonderful. I hope you join us again next week at Celebrate Story.
ReplyDeleteI love all that greenery in the house after Christmas. I kept a bunch of wreaths up on purpose this year just to give some color to the house. Love what you did with the chandelier too.
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