How long are we really supposed to keep the holiday decor up? Some say they take it down a few days after New Year's, while others leave it up well into February. Regardless, the time will inevitably come when you must bid adieu to your holiday decor.
Not ready to say goodbye to all the cozy things? Don't worry, you can keep them as long as you want. But maybe you're tired of the Christmas overload and want to tone it down a bit for the rest of the winter season. Or perhaps you're not a fan of holiday decor, to begin with, and just want the cozy winter vibes without the Christmas-centric vibe. Well, we've got you covered with some tips.
If you want to switch up your holiday-centric decor to a regular, wintery-cozy style, this article is here to help!
1. Start by decluttering
Like many first steps in other aspects of our lives, we start by decluttering. Take one good look at your space and remove anything that screams Christmas (of course, if you haven't put up your decor yet, you can skip ahead OR just do some general decluttering). These may include ornaments, garlands, or nativity scene figures.
If there's one thing that we want to do away with for a non-Christmas, cozy winter scene, it's anything with festive red and glittering gold.
Having a clean slate is a great way to start setting the stage for an indoor winter wonderland. But note that you don't need to remove everything. Perhaps keep the tree standing sans all decor, as well as wreathes, pinecones, branches, and berries.
2. Bring the outside in
The allure of winter comes alive with the presence of natural elements like pinecones, branches, twigs, berries, and other greenery. They create a sense of authenticity and connection to the outdoors, making your winter wonderland feel more immersive. Plus, they cozy up your space, which can be super helpful for your mood during the colder months.
If you enjoy keeping your Christmas tree up longer but without the holiday vibe, you can do so by removing all the ornaments and lights. A bare tree can be rustic and beautiful, a suitable look for the indoor winter theme.
Here are some areas to cover:
- Mantle. Swap the Christmas garland for a pinecone, berry, and branch winter garland. Add white candles and fairy lights for a cozy glow.
- Coffee table: Remove the overtly festive centerpiece and replace it with a wooden bowl of pinecones or a vase filled with dried flowers.
- Doorway: Hang a winter wreath on your front door. If you already have one, just remove the Christmas-y pieces and leave the pine cones, berries, and dried flowers on.
3. Change the color scheme
To create a calming winter atmosphere, start by removing any items that are red or green and overtly festive. Replace them with decorations in whites, creams, and other neutral colors. These items can be anything with a rustic touch like lace ribbons wrapped around a stack of old books.
Two things you can use to add neutral colors to your space without being too Christmas-y are fabric and natural woven baskets. A scarf draped over the back of a chair or soft blankets sticking out of a chic basket can instantly add depth, color, and texture to your space.
4. Keep the cozy factor
Winter is all about cozying up. If you already have the bare tree and a few green trimmings and pine cones here and there, you're already one step closer to a cozy winter space. But to make it all the warmer and inviting, you might need to display a few more items you already have.
Having more texture in your space brings out the warmth, which you can achieve through these:
- Layer textiles. Pile on plush throws, cozy blankets in faux fur, and chunky knit pillows. Opt for natural materials like wool, linen, and cotton.
- Warm up the floor. Lay down fluffy rugs or area rugs to soften the feel of your space.
To truly cozy up a space, you need to add a personal touch, things that genuinely mean something to you. Displaying cherished mementos such as family photos and travel souvenirs brings back joyful memories. It creates a certain degree of warmth that store-bought decor, no matter how pretty, can hardly beat.
5. Embrace soft lighting
Create a cozy atmosphere with the gentle glow of candles and warm bulb lamps. As the evening settles in, dim the lights for an extra touch of warmth and comfort.
Displaying twinkle lights is a great way to add ambiance and warmth to your home. String them around windows, doorways, or on mantels. You can also use them to create a festive centerpiece or to highlight a favorite winter decoration.
6. Create a sensory experience
When it comes to decorating, don't just rely on visuals. Find a way to engage all senses to boost the wow factor of your space. This can be especially helpful in the winter months following the few days of festivities when the blues truly start to kick in.
These are just a few of the things you can do to make your winter home decor multisensory:
- Diffuse essential oils. Scents like pine, cinnamon, or orange can evoke feelings of warmth and comfort.
- Set a fireplace or flameless candles. The flickering light and warmth of fire add instant coziness.
- Serve warm drinks and snacks. Indulge in hot cocoa, tea, or warm soup to enhance the cozy atmosphere.
Transitioning from Christmas to winter decor doesn't have to be a chore. It's all about subtle changes that evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere without being overwhelmingly Christmas-centric. By following these easy tips, you can create a cozy winter ambiance that will last throughout the season.