We are still under winter’s chill around here yet everywhere I look lately, I see spring décor. Spring doesn’t really show up consistently here until April so my winter home hasn’t started making the transition to warmer seasons.
Whether it’s winter, or feeling more like spring for you these days (lucky you), truth be told, your décor doesn’t have to change that much between the seasons. Your décor for either season can coexist or even stay mostly the same. Here’s the thing, there is no rule that says you have to decorate with snowy whites and pine branches from January to February and then change to pastels for spring.
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Growing up, my Mom had kind of a decorating baseline that existed all year round. She’d then add in elements to reflect the current season or an upcoming holiday until going all out for Christmas. That’s more the cycle I’m moving toward these days rather than feeling like I constantly have to redecorate or buy new pieces to keep up with the trends of each new season.
Today, I think that all the decorating blogs, Pinterest and the million and one other sources for inspiration make it so easy to think that we have to constantly be redecorating or go all out every time the weather changes or a new season takes over the stores.
We all love a little refresh every once and a while and just like regular updates to your wardrobe, there is nothing wrong with seasonal updates in your home decor as well. The point to remember is that you should do what makes you happy and not feel like you have to constantly be refreshing just because the stores make you feel that way.
Winter Family Room
Nothing about our family room screams winter at the moment. I’d call it mostly neutral as far as seasonal decor goes but there are a few elements that I’ve intentionally incorporated because it’s winter.
The first is additional lighting. It’s dark a lot longer in the winter here in the northeast and coupled with the cold weather, can really bring on the seasonal depression. One of my favorite things to fight this is bring in more light. Adding more light through table lamps helps create a brighter space that still feels cozy and warm because it’s not direct overhead lighting that can sometimes feel harsh or like a spotlight is on you. This year, I have added two additional lamps in two dark corners of our family room and it’s made a huge difference.
Another addition (minus the cute, cuddly dog) is layers of texture through throw blankets and pillows. Old, draft houses can feel especially cold when the temperatures drop, so layering throw blankets to all the places we sit, gives us the ability to snuggle up under a blanket when we wind down to watch our favorite TV shows or read a book.
You may notice that the pillow is from my spring living room last year. Proof that decor you love can transition from season to season.
Winter Bedroom
Our winter bedroom didn’t change that much from the holidays. In fact, it was really only a matter of swapping out some pillow covers. The same will be true for spring. This look can easily transition from these recent cold months into spring without any effort at all.
Winter Dining Room
Our dining room was part of our nearly two year long renovation a few years back. It never quite felt right so it’s not been a space I’ve wanted to share. I’ve done some holiday and seasonal tablescapes but not spent a lot of time sharing the overall space. Do you have a space in your home that feels a bit off?
After taking down all the holiday decor and clearing off the table, the room felt bare but it finally gave me a chance to see the room for what it is and for winter, I’ve kept things pretty simple.
Last year I started collecting vintage Pfaltzgraff Heritage dinnerware but packed it away for the holidays so that I could display some more decorating vintage china. With all that cleared away, the soft offwhite color and simple elegance make it the perfect look for winter.
For added warmth, I’ve let my white oak dining room table take center stage. I’ve added a simple, table throw that blends perfectly with the table and my dishes. I also love that the throw, which has a linen like texture, adds an additional layer of texture.
The centerpiece of the table is a simple vignette made up of my Pfaltzgraff Tea Pot, some mugs, saucers and salad plates in a basket tray. On either side, I’ve added pewter candlesticks for a touch of traditional elegance.
I’m on the hunt for a hutch for the back wall but for now, I’ve had to make due with this old dresser and to fill up the large blank wall, I added this vintage mirror that I’ve had for over ten years, a lovely Lenox serving platter and this framed art both picked up on a recent thrift store trip.
The end wall of built-in cabinets houses most of my china and milk glass collections. I’ve simplified the buffet area by featuring this original canvas painting in an ornate frame found at a thrift store recently.
Changing out or removing the table throw and adding in some colorful spring flowers is all I need to do to take this look from winter to spring. So easy!
My Favorite Winter Decorating Tips with Resources
Winter isn’t over so if you are still looking for some ways to decorate your home until spring, I’ve got a few of my favorite tips to share with you. Let’s get to it.
Add more Lighting
We have less daylight hours through the winter so our homes can often feel dark. Just like I did in my family room, adding more lighting, especially in dark corners can really help your space feel lighter, brighter and happier even when it’s cold and dark outside.
While I’m not in love with the scalloped shade, my decorative lamp also adds some interest and pattern to an otherwise blank spot above my piano. (Find a similar one here). Even if my lamp isn’t your thing, find something that fits your style that adds character to your space.
Layer Textures
One of the most effective ways to add warmth and interest to your home through the winter is by layering textures. From throw blankets to pillows to adding more natural baskets to create lots of varying textures in a space.
I’m currently really loving the idea of adding in some velvet pillows to my sofa. Velvet just screams soft and warm and feels a little fancy without being too fussy.
Affordable Velvet Pillow Covers | lined cable knit throw for extra warmth
Add a warm glow with Fire
Ok. I don’t mean you should light your place on fire and if you are fortunate enough to have a fireplace, light it up. If not, or if you are decorating a room in your home that doesn’t have a fireplace, consider adding candles. The real thing scare you? Why not go faux?
While a real fire can add warmth, literally. The soft glow of fake candles can also visually help warm up a space. I have this “Warm and Cozy” candle in my shopping cart for my new office space.
I’m also really loving these fake candles that come with a remote control and have a timer. These are great because you don’t have to worry about dogs or kids bumping into them.
Add life to a space with plants
Nothing adds life to a space like plants and even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still get the look by going fake. I’ve got both throughout my home and I cannot say enough about how much even one simple plant can add to a space.
I currently have my eye on this tree for our family room.
Today’s Takeaway
If you take one thing from this article, I hope it’s that you don’t need to go crazy with overly themed winter décor. Instead, focus on adding warmth and interest to cold, dark spaces with texture, fire and plants. These items will transition with you throughout the seasons which gives you more time to simply live and enjoy your home rather than feel the need to redecorate every couple of months.
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