Help Your Home Beat the Winter Blahs
The short, dark days of winter are upon us… and for a lot of us, that means feeling a little down in the dumps. Yes, it’s the holidays, but this festive, exciting season will soon be coming to an end. The distractions of gifts, cookies, and visits with family and friends only last so long. Once you’ve had a week or so to recover, what are you going to do to give your spirits a little boost?
We have some great ideas for sprucing up your home and lifting your mood at the same time. Check out the ideas below and choose your favorites!
Add Some Cozy Touches
After-Christmas sales and January white sales are perfect for stocking up on blankets, throws, and bedding. Look for snuggly, warm items in bright colors or fun patterns. New throws in your living room, den, and bedrooms are not only great for keeping you toasty while you binge-watch your favorite shows, they also act as quick décor updates.
Skip the “over the back of the couch” toss and display throws in wicker baskets next to the sofa or under a coffee table. Flannel sheets offer an instant “aaahhh” when you crawl into bed at night, and pair beautifully with a new bedspread or duvet cover. Don’t overlook the impact of thick, absorbent bath sheets in a bold color—these can double as a pop of color in your bathroom décor.
Lighten Up
Shorter, darker days can dim your mood, so add extra light around your home for the winter. If you’ve hung white twinkle lights for the holidays, consider leaving them up a little longer—the soft sparkle creates a cozy, winter-lodge feel. (Multicolored lights, though, tend to shout “Christmas!” so those can be packed away.)
Soft candlelight is both romantic and comforting, and scented candles can add a welcoming fragrance, too. Always monitor them carefully for safety. If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, a crackling fire behind a sturdy screen provides light, warmth, and a mesmerizing focal point. Pour a glass of wine, put on some soft music, and enjoy the glow.
You can also simply increase the wattage of a few lamps or add a floor lamp in darker corners. A brighter space often feels instantly more cheerful.
Your Nose Knows
Boil a few cinnamon sticks in a pot of water on the stove and add cloves, orange peel, or apple slices for a natural winter “potpourri.” The spicy, fruity fragrance gives your home a lift and smells amazing.
Simmering soups also fill the house with delicious aromas and double as comfort food. A vase of fresh flowers brightens any room, no matter the season. Ask your local florist which blooms are most readily available in winter and which last the longest. Potted green plants are another great option—not only do they add color, some varieties can help improve indoor air quality and add a bit of moisture back into dry winter air.
Paint the Town Red (And Your Walls Green and Yellow!)
Studies show that colors like red, green, and yellow can lift your mood and remind you of sunny days ahead. Refresh a room by painting an accent wall, adding a border, or giving the space a full color makeover.
If painting feels like too much of a commitment, consider slipcovers for your furniture. A new print or solid color can “paint” your sofa or chairs in minutes—no mess required. For more inspiration on personalizing your space, explore our Ernest Homes Design Studio.
The Housekeeping Cure
As much as we hate to admit it, a little cleaning can be a powerful cure for the winter blahs. There’s something about completing a task and seeing a freshly tidied room that gives you a natural boost.
Put a little “spring” in your winter by taking a few hours to declutter and clean a space that’s been bothering you. Turn on some music, set a timer, and tackle one room at a time. You’ll be surprised how quickly the rest of the season passes when you use a few simple tricks to make every day feel a bit brighter—no matter how dark and cold it is outside.
Looking for more ideas to love where you live all year long? Visit the Ernest Homes blog for more home and lifestyle tips.
