It’s February and how many of you are dreaming of sunshine and warm beaches? It’s no surprise many of us are over winter and ready for the warmth only summer can bring. Isn’t it funny how many of us think winter should be done by now when in reality it’s only halfway through the season? While we wait, the best way to bring sunshine into your home is to refresh some spaces. So, we rounded up 10 ways sure to beat the winter doldrums in your home.
Beating the winter doldrums isn’t exclusive to home design. The lack of Vitamin D can do a number on your mental state and give you the winter blues. Our suggestions cover both eliminating the blues mentally and adding some color (even blues) into your home decor. While you may not be able to change the weather or amount of daylight during the winter, you can practice good self-care to help you feel better and you can bring some sunshine into your home through your home decor.
Anyone can refresh a space without spending a ton of money. Small touches with soft goods and decorative items can really make a huge impact and lift your spirits around the house. This is the perfect time to do a little retail therapy as retail stores stock their shelves with their spring merchandise. When I really think about a store that brightens my spirits as soon as I walk in the door - Anthropologie is top on the list. From the vivid colors to the eclectic array of merchandise, it is window shopping heaven. The bright colors and patterns used on particular home goods just brings a smile to my face.
Let’s get to the good stuff, shall we? Here’s 10 ways you can bring a refresh into your life and your home this winter. Along with that we have found some awesome items to keep you smiling till summer arrives.
Warm up your spirits
This adorable retro bar cabinet is so incredibly fun. The bright turquoise color just makes you want to smile, doesn’t it?! Velvet makes it glamorous and will sure be the center of attention with your guests. Pair it with some fun cocktail books and you’ll be able to warm up your insides while the snow and cold temperatures lingers outside.
2. Games with style
Winter is all about indoor family time. Game night is a great way to beat the winter doldrums whether it be with the kids or with neighbors/friends. Spending time with other people helps your mood regardless the weather. Anthropologie has taken some classic games and brought in some bright spring designs to each one. So, while you’re playing the game and enjoying the company of others, you can also dream of the flowers spring will bring in the coming months.
3. Brighten up the Kitchen
The room I spend the most time in, besides my bedroom sleeping, is the kitchen. This is my workspace, the heart of the home, cooking and cleaning all the meals. And let’s not forget the bake-fest that occurs every winter! The best way to bring sunshine into my home is through kitchen accessories. These cheery items are sure to hit the spot and lift your spirits the rest of this winter while doing the mundane chores such as cleaning up dinner.
4. did someone say pie?
Ahhhh….pie. It warms the heart AND brings on the thoughts of summer potlucks and bar-b-ques. What better time to up your pie game than winter when you have more indoor time to bake? These items will bring happiness while you work and your reward will bring happiness to your stomach. And how cute are these pie plates from Anthropologie?! They will bring thoughts about summer travels and maybe even spark a few ideas for new adventures!
5. Focus on gratititude
So often we let the winter blues allow a little depression to kick in during the winter months. This gratitude journal will certainly help you with those winter blahs. Focusing on your blessings in life and what to be thankful for each day brings a wealth of joy to the soul. Winter doldrums will take a back seat and this may be the only refresh your home needs - refreshing your soul.
6. Cover up and get cozy
One thing that is inevitable during with winter months is cozying up on the couch with a good book and a blanket. Why not beat the winter doldrums by bringing in colorful throws to cover up with while finding new design ideas for a new project. I love the bright colors on these blankets! And this design book would also support a local fav around here - Lauren Liess. Her design work screams cozy!
7. reflect the sun
“Here comes the sun”….One thing we need more of in the winter is SUNSHINE. Consider adding some mirrors to your walls to reflect the rays into your home. It’s amazing how your spirits are lifted with a little Vitamin D. Mirrors will take out the dark and dreary in your home and create light and bright spaces to increase your productivity!
8. Pull up a chair
Obviously, most of us can’t do a “do-over” and refresh all of our furniture - that would cost a fortune. However, adding just an accent chair can change the perspective of a room with a fraction of the cost of most furniture pieces. If you work from home, consider a new, bright and cheery, accent chair for your home office. Seeing it will lift your spirits, put a little hop in your step and maybe even spark a little creativity.
9. Pillows, Pillows, Pillows Oh My!
Hands down the simplest, most inexpensive way to refresh your home is through pillows! Changing the pillows can dramatically change the space. It can transform an old, tired sofa and make it look new again. It can bring color into a space without overwhelming or committing to it. I think that is why it is my favorite decor item. There’s no commitment involved - I can love a look or a color for a while and then simply change it out.
10. Add some color to your walls
Another way you can add some spring-time vibes to your home is simply by adding a new piece of art. The vibrant colors will take away those winter doldrums and add a punch of color to any space. Texture, through baskets or macrame can change the feel of a space. Art is so versatile and always a penny well spent. Aside from pillows, it’s the easiest way to change the look of your home. What’s in? Right now, we are seeing lots of color but just in more neutral earth tones.
So what are you waiting for? Take the winter doldrums out of your home and bring some sunshine in. We’ve given you plenty of ideas to get started. However, if you need a little assistance in the refresh of your home, we’d be happy to help. Just click here to schedule a redesign consultation. We can transform your space using items you already own and adding a few pieces in to give your room a new look for spring.
Let us shine a spotlight on your home!
