Howdy friends! This is the first blog hop of 2023. I find hops to be a lot of fun because you get so much inspiration in one place. Yeah, you have to click over to another page but at least your not searching all over the place for nice content. This hop is all about the winter vibes. Do you decorate for winter? Do you prefer a clean slate? Maybe you want to get back to your everyday look after Christmas? I tend to me a minimalist after the holidays and used to think it felt cold and sterile. But recently I’ve grown and feel a cozy winter home can be charming without a lot of decor. Tell me what you think.
If you’re hopping over from Shiplap and Shells, yay! I’m so glad you’re here. Didn’t you love her coastal style winter decor?! So pretty! And a big fat thank you to Amber from Follow the Yellow Brick Home for getting us together and hosting this fun hop. If you’d like, you can visit the About Me Page to learn more so we can be friends.
A Cozy Winter Home Can Be Charming Without a Lot of Decor
Typically, the winter months are short lived around here. We still get cold but I can remember many years without snow and several times questioning why it was so hot when Easter hadn’t even come yet. Anyone else have weather like that? Despite our weird Texas weather, we can’t go from Christmas to spring decor. That’s just bizarre to me. More importantly, I don’t want to keep some (the less Christmasy looking stuff) Christmas decor out only to have to put it away in the attic 2 months later. So, let me share how to put away all the Christmas and still have a cozy winter home.
Add lots of texture.
Texture is a large part of feeling cozy. Pillows, throw blankets, rugs, baskets. They can make a big difference. And I say, the more the merrier! Not so much for the Mister. He likes the way it looks but doesn’t understand all the pillows.
The pillows on our sofa are dark green, gray and white and made of soft wool, fluffy fake fur or have great texture. It screams, plop down and take a nap or snuggle up and read a book.
Bring in life with greenery.
Adding life is another must have during the winter months when things outside look dead or we get several dreary days. Whether faux or real, plants are probably my favorite item to surround myself with. Greenery doesn’t have to be from a fir or pine tree. By putting them inside a wool basket and in a wooden house form they can seem wintery.
Use large scale accessories.
Another great idea for a less-is-more look is to keep your accessories large rather than small. I laughed at myself because as I was taking photos I noticed I have a thing for houses. I didn’t realize it until now. Ha!
I made the lidded bowl in pottery class and inside is some candy goodness. Having only 3 large scale accessories still looks “full” and relaxed. But if you have a collection of things that are small, you can assemble them like the three pieces inside the lantern below.
Good lighting and plenty of candles.
Candles and good lighting are a close second as favorites for me.
There’s been a saying going around on TikTok that basically says we never, ever, ever, ever turn on or use the overhead lights. Even if they are recessed! In this house I think we’ve used the overhead lights maybe 5 times in all the years we’ve lived here. It’s only lamps for me at night. Some designers might tell you 3 lamps in a triangle formation works well but I say the more the merrier! In our living room we have six! Yep, 6! It’s so warm and inviting at night. I love it!
Choose accessories that mean something to you.
Yes, I have an infatuation with houses but before I put anything back (once the Christmas decor was packed away), I asked myself – Would I buy that piece again at full price if given the chance? If the answer is no, donate it to someone else that will love it. Then surround yourself with accessories you love.
Rearrange the furniture.
Another fresh decision was to rearrange the furniture into something a little more conversational. The stone fireplace in the corner has always given me fits but I saw a photo where someone dared to put a chair in front so I tried it too and everyone agrees, it was a great idea! I wouldn’t recommend this if you actually use your fireplace. Like the overhead lights, we rarely use it so it’s fine.
Last but not least, I think keeping things neutral makes for beautiful winter decor. They sooth me. But not everyone is like that. If you like color, bring it in. If you like more “stuff”, add it. It’s your house, your life, your style. There’s no wrong or right when it comes to making yourself feel cozy in your own home.
Can you see a cozy winter home can be charming without a lot of decor? Hope so. I also want to leave you with this comment. I know reading blogs or scrolling social media can make a person crazy and it’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game. I would highly encourage you to look beyond the entire home or room and just choose one or two things you like and start there. Curating a home is supposed to take time and be an extension of you. And you are awesome!
Next up on the tour is Katie at Let’s Add Sprinkles. You will enjoy what she has for you. I always do!
Cindy,
Your home looks so charming, and I love that cozy pillow. Lamps are my favorite, also. I only use my overhead lights in the kitchen and then only rarely. So fun doing these together.
Author
Yes! Lamps or some sort of secondary lighting is so much better. Thanks Rachel.
Oh I love the little houses too. That for sure is why we are friends! That white lamp on the round table is fabulous! You are a fabulous potter!
Author
Thank you Laura. I’ve come along way in pottery, that’s for sure. So happy we’re friends.
These are all such helpful ideas, Cindy! I LOVE the candles and ribbon – they are gorgeous. You totally have me wondering how much we use our overhead lights now too. Almost the entire back of the house is filled with windows so I’m pretty sure we use a lot of natural light during the day but we don’t have very many lamps. I can definitely see how they would add such a cozy vibe though. I’m on it! Big hugs and happy winter (even on the days we have to make our own 🙂 CoCo
Author
Natural light is the best but you are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE it when you turn on the lamps when the sun goes down. I say that. I forgot to mention in the post (I’ll go back and change it) that light bulbs play a humongous part in the coziness. Soft warm lights! I can hardly wait to hear how much you love it! Thank you CoCo.
Cindy, we have a diagonal fireplace too and it does make for challenging room arrangement. We use it all the time, so no chairs in front. Love your simple winter decor on the round table. You made the pottery? I’m impressed.
Author
We are weird I know. Maybe we keep the heat on to high? We used it around Christmas and during frostmageddon a couple of years ago but that’s it. And yes, I made the pottery! Can you believe it?! I love that class. Thanks for stopping by Carol. Happy winter!
Love it, Cindy!! Greenery is the best thing to add for winter, especially here in MN where we are buried under feet of snow! I love the textures you used and all the cozy looking pillows!
Author
I often wonder what life would be like with snow that actually stuck to the ground and didn’t melt the next day. At least inside would look the same except for the fireplace. I bet we’d actually use it! Thank you Rachel.
These are all such great tips, Cindy! Would love to know your favorite candy goodies that you keep in that jar you made… Also, loving the “would you buy it again at full price” idea for whittling down and getting rid of clutter!!
Author
Thank you Anne. The candy switches all the time but it’s usually some sort of chocolate or Starbursts or York patties. Always individually wrapped! I can’t stand the thought of opened candy sitting in a bowl for just anyone to put their nasty hands in. LOL. Yes, I’m a hand washing freak. 😉
Great ideas. I love redecorating after Christmas. It’s always so fun to change things up.
Author
I do too Renae. It’s like a breath of fresh air. Plus, I love to purge. 😉 Thanks for stopping by today.
The link to Let’s Add Sprinkles is broken/missing. I click on it and it goes nowhere- the cursor doesn’t light up over it so it appears there is no link attached.
Author
Thank you so much Erin for letting me know! I just fixed it. Hope you have a wonderful week.
I never follow the rules so I’m with you on the more lamps the better. I have never used overhead lighting. I love all your greenery, you’re a girl after my own heart. I love every single detail in your winter home, Cindy.
Author
Rebel sisters, I love it! Have you gone into homes where they use the overhead lighting and you think to yourself, I must look very unflattering? I have! Maybe that can be our goal with our traditional friends – help them with lighting?! Thanks for dropping by Kim.
Your home is the kind of farmhouse and chippy that I love. You mix in a little contemporary and transitional with all the fun vintage. That’s what makes your home so unique and fabulous to visit. So much to see and so much inspiration in every space. I love it all.
Author
Oh my goodness Ms. Marty, you made my day! I wish you lived next door so each time I second guessed what I was doing, you could come over. Thank you so much!
Love those amazing gray checked chairs and they look perfect in front of your fireplace! We had a diagonal fireplace once and it drove me crazy with furniture placement. You have tons of great tips and I love the idea of greenery and live plants in January. And I definitely love a lamp. We rarely use overhead lighting unless I drop something and have to crawl around looking for it. That green pillow is fabulous! Happy January!
Author
Thank you Debra. I was hoping it looked okay to others. If I ever speak at a home builders conference (LOL) the first thing I mention is – No corner fireplaces! They look nice when the room is empty but like you said, it can drive a person crazy! The green pillow came from Home Goods. I’ve really liked their selection lately. Maybe they are stepping things up like Target?! Hope you have a great week.
First of all I love the new furniture arrangement! Your fireplace and mantel makes a beautiful backdrop with your chairs sitting in front. Your winter decor looks so fresh and inviting, especially with all the green plants! Wonderful post Cindy, and I couldn’t agree more about decluttering and donating things that you don’t really love anymore!
Author
Aww, thank you so much Michelle. I needed some validation for the furniture arrangement so you’ve given me some confidence today! I was thinking last week that I must have taught 2 of the 3 kids well because they have things they add to the donation pile each week. The last one just throws it away but at least it’s well used. 😉 Thanks again for the sweet comment. Happy January!
So many great tips, Cindy! Moving things around really keeps things fresh – and I agree with using larger accessories. Also, we rarely use overhead lights in our home either. Thanks for the beautiful tour – and it’s great to hop with you again!
Shelley
Author
I appreciate that Shelley, thank you. I always enjoy hopping with you as well. Have a great week.
Cindy I love this so much! I am currently looking at a fully decorated Christmas tree unlit and garland on the banister that is falling down. I had the flu this week and it started last weekend and I haven’t been able to get everything packed away, Luckily I had already packed up most everything from the living room. I will still be getting this packed away in March and I am not letting this happen again. I think I am going to do what you are suggesting next year and just get it all out of here after Christmas with the exception of some greenery and twinkle lights. Your home looks PERFECT and calming for winter, a great refresh after the hectic holidays. So many great tips here, especially not playing the comparison game. I can’t keep up with all the fabulous IG posts I am seeing these days, but I do my own thing.
So glad you joined the hop. Happy winter!
Author
Before becoming a blogger, I left the Christmas decorations up way into January and only took them down so I wouldn’t be compared to my mother who on some years still had them up after Valentine’s Day! That’s a great motivator for sure. LOL! Sorry to hear about the flu. That can really put a damper on all to-do lists. I know when you feel better your home will look amazing. For now, give yourself some grace, sit in your favorite space and rest. We all need that sometimes. Happy Winter to you too. It’s 70 degrees here at the moment. :0
It is so cozy. I love your houses. I have a thing for them too. The chairs in front of the fireplace is wonderful. I’m not sure it’s even going to get cold to use ours again this winter. “Would I buy it again at full price?” Wonderful question to ask if I’m in doubt about my belongings. It was fun hopping with you again.
Author
Thank you Katie, I’ve missed you! I ask myself that question all the time when purging. And I love purging! I even ask that with gifts given to me. It’s weird but as I get older, less stuff around is more comforting. I’ve given away things that I thought would be forever pieces. Maybe it’s because my kids keep telling me that don’t want a dang thing of mine and to get rid of it. Ouch.
I agree with you on soothing neutrals. I wonder if it is because I am older now. I used to have a lot more color and things around, but find less is becoming more. We are starting to donate a lot. Ha, It seems like most men wonder about the pillows. There is even an add on TV making fun of a husband moving countless pillows off of the bed. Love your lamps ideas too. We have fifteen lamps on the main floor, even in the bathrooms. I love soft warm lighting. Very nice photos. I will trade you some of our Colorado snow for some of your warmer weather.
Author
I’ll take that CO snow! And I love it that you have 15 lamps on the main floor! That must be gorgeous. We have lamps in the downstairs bathrooms but the kids said no to theirs. As soon as they move out though, I’m adding lamps. Love our kitchen lamp too. I’m looking for another to add to the island and I’m sure I’ll hear it from the kids about that one too. LOL! Thanks so much Jillian for the comment. I really enjoy reading them.