How to Decorate After the Holiday Season to Skip the Winter Blues
The holiday season brings a warm, festive atmosphere to our homes, but once the decorations come down, it’s easy to feel like the sparkle has faded. As the days remain chilly and gray, your space might feel a little empty without the twinkling lights and holiday cheer. But with a few simple design changes, you can keep your home feeling fresh and cozy throughout the winter. Here’s how to decorate after the holiday season to beat those winter blues and maintain a warm, welcoming vibe in your space.
Embrace Warm, Cozy Textiles
One of the best ways to add comfort and warmth to your home during the winter months is by introducing cozy textiles. Think soft blankets, chunky knit throws, and plush pillows. These elements can make any space feel more inviting, helping to create a sense of warmth even on the coldest days.
Ideas to Try:
Swap out holiday-themed blankets for neutral or deep-toned throws like charcoal gray, forest green, or rich burgundy.
Add extra cushions to your sofa or reading nook in soft fabrics like velvet, faux fur, or wool.
Layer an area rug over hardwood floors to add warmth underfoot.
Pro Tip: Mixing different textures like knits, velvets, and faux furs will create depth and visual interest in your space, making it feel cozy and layered.
Incorporate Nature-Inspired Decor
After the holidays, your home may feel a little bare without the tree and garlands, but you can replace those with nature-inspired decor to maintain a sense of life indoors. Think about adding dried flowers, preserved branches, or simple evergreen sprigs that don’t scream “holidays” but still bring a touch of nature to your home.
Ideas to Try:
Arrange dried flower bouquets or eucalyptus in vases for a touch of greenery that lasts through winter.
Use pinecones, birch logs, or twigs as rustic decor pieces in a bowl or arranged on a tray.
Bring in indoor plants like succulents, snake plants, or peace lilies to add a bit of greenery to your home and improve air quality.
Pro Tip: You can keep some of your holiday wreaths if they’re neutral, or swap out holiday ribbons for simple twine to keep them feeling fresh and suitable for winter.
Brighten Up with Soft Lighting
Lighting is key when it comes to lifting your mood during the winter months. With the days still short, adding layers of soft lighting throughout your home can make a world of difference in how your space feels.
Ideas to Try:
Replace holiday string lights with warm white fairy lights for a subtle glow.
Use candles and lanterns on mantels, shelves, or coffee tables to create a warm ambiance.
Add a table lamp or two with a soft, warm glow to brighten up darker corners of your home.
Pro Tip: Consider using battery-operated candles with timers for a flickering glow that’s safe and easy to manage.
Switch to Winter-Themed Decor
Transitioning from holiday-specific decorations to winter-themed decor can help bridge the gap between the holiday season and spring. This can include pieces that emphasize the coziness of the season without feeling like they belong only to the holidays.
Ideas to Try:
Display neutral wreaths with simple greenery or dried materials that work well for winter.
Use snowflake or star-themed decorations that feel seasonal without being overtly tied to the holidays.
Create a winter-themed centerpiece with white candles, pinecones, and frosted branches.
Pro Tip: Keep a few elements from your holiday decor, like plain garlands or twinkling lights, but swap out bright red ribbons for neutrals or silvers to create a fresh look.
Focus on Fresh Scents and Aromas
Bringing in fresh scents can instantly change the mood of your home. After the cinnamon and pine of the holiday season, consider transitioning to lighter, refreshing winter scents like eucalyptus, cedarwood, or lavender.
Ideas to Try:
Use essential oil diffusers with scents like peppermint or cedarwood to evoke a clean, wintery atmosphere.
Try scented candles in fragrances like vanilla, cashmere, or sandalwood for a cozy feel.
Place dried lavender sachets in drawers or on shelves for a subtle, calming aroma.
Pro Tip: Swap out holiday-scented candles for those with hints of nature to create a seamless seasonal transition.
Add Some Pops of Color
While winter often calls for warm and neutral tones, adding a few pops of color can brighten your space and elevate your mood. This doesn’t mean you have to completely redecorate—small touches of color can go a long way.
Ideas to Try:
Add colorful throw pillows or an accent blanket to your living room.
Display a vibrant winter floral arrangement on your dining table or mantel.
Swap out neutral art prints or photos for ones with rich jewel tones like deep blues or greens.
Pro Tip: A small vase of bright, fresh flowers can add life and color to your space even in the middle of winter.
Beat the Winter Blues with a Cozy Home Refresh!
Winter may be long and chilly, but your home can stay warm, inviting, and full of life with just a few small changes. By embracing cozy textures, soft lighting, and nature-inspired decor, you can skip the post-holiday blues and create a space you love spending time in. Need a little extra help making your home feel magical all winter long? Book Holly Hanna Floral for your home decor needs, and let us bring warmth and beauty to your space, no matter the season.
Photos by: Kathryn Hyslop Photography
