Chasing Away the Winter Blues!

Happy New Year!

Now that the Christmas decorations have been taken down and stored away, what can be done to continue with a warm décor during the long and cold winter months? Hmmmm!

The New Year generally prompts us to make resolutions that will change our lives for the better. We clear out the old to make room for the new. If one of your new year’s resolutions is to make changes to your home, my advice is to set goals that are reasonable and attainable. Let’s start with de-cluttering the room you spend a lot of time in; namely the family room. In addition to de-cluttering, do some deep cleaning by dusting behind the furniture and opening the blinds to allow the sun to shine in. While you are at it, why not rearrange the furniture; place a comfortable club or wing-back chair close to the fireplace? Make it a cozy reading spot by placing a floor lamp close to the chair; add an end table to hold a hot cup of coffee or a mug of hot chocolate; don’t forget to include a recent family photo. To complete the setting, include a magazine rack and a favorite fleece throw. Now that the family room is clean and de-cluttered, tackle the rest of the house one room at the time.

The winter has a way of making some people feel Closter phobic and depressed because they can’t get out to work in the yard or take long walks. De-cluttering is one way of chasing away the winter blues, but sometimes more is required. To blast away more of the winter blues, make the interior as cheerful as possible. Add warm colors in pillows, throws, rugs, and other accessories. If the sofa’s décor leans too far in the direction of spring or summer, warm it up with a slip cover in a rich dark color or a neutral hue. For an elegant wintertime arrangement on a sofa table, a hall chest, a dining room server, or an end table, use vases and bowls in rich colorful hues; group them in odd numbers, but don’t go over 5 as it will start to look and feel like clutter again. Create a bright and interesting focal point by filling glass apothecary jars or vases with lemons, limes, apples (green or red), or oranges.

Using live plants is a great way to liven up the interior. If you don’t have a ‘green thumb’ or you fear you will forget to water the plants, select low maintenance plants such as Swedish Ivy or Schefflera. They require good sun light, but not a lot of water, and they add tremendous appeal to the aesthetics of any decor.

To really set the tone for a warm and cozy atmosphere, light candles on a mirrored cocktail table. Turn on all the lamps to create a glowing and romantic feel, and for that extra sensation, use cinnamon and apple plug-ins or potpourri. The aroma from the plug-ins will have visitors asking ‘what is that wonderful fragrance’. Trust me; they will want to use it in their home.

These are just a few suggestions in chasing away the wintertime blues, and they will help create memories of a lifetime. Hopefully, you will be inspired to use a few of these tips as you nestle in for a long and cozy winter.

Sandra King, IDS Associate
Sandra King Interiors
919-724-8830
sandra@sandrakinginteriors.com