Well guys, the holiday season has officially passed and we are now into the quiet months of winter. And I gotta say, I’m kinda digging it. I know that probably comes as a HUGE surprise because you know how much I love summer. But I think there’s something really calming about this time of year and I’m learning to appreciate it. I mean, the shorter days and cold temperatures force us to slow down and be indoors. Without the hustle and bustle of the holiday craziness, there’s a certain peace and stillness that is honestly really refreshing to me this time of year. It’s quiet. It’s slow. My homebody tendencies are through the roof because I just want to be at home, spending time with my people. It’s pretty great actually. I’m craving simplicity in all things, so this year I’ve adopted a more nontraditional approach to winter decor. It’s nothing fancy, but I feel like it’s what I need right now so I’m rolling with it. I’m excited to share it with you guys today and I hope it helps if you’re looking to simply your home too!
1. Do what feels good for you and your home
So in years past, every winter I’ve left out my holiday greenery and not-too-Christmasy-wreaths to get me through winter. I even wrote a whole post about how to transition from Christmas to winter decor. But this year, I wanted it all gone. The wreaths. The garland. The pinecones. All of it. I have no traces of winter decor in my home right now. I’m craving simplicity, so all of that needed to go. And you guys, it feels sooooo good. I know it isn’t exactly going by the rules, but I really think regardless of seasons or holiday you should always do what makes you feel calm and peaceful in your own home. After all, home is our sanctuary and safe spot in this crazy world. It should be a place that comforts us and makes us happy above all else. I think this is especially true when it comes to post-Christmas winter decor. Do what feels good for you.
2. Fresh flowers
I know it’s the dead of winter and we typically think of fresh flowers as more of a spring and summer thing, but I think now is actually the perfect time to have fresh flowers throughout the house. With all the holiday decor down, our homes feel a bit empty and kinda lifeless. Adding in a few bouquets of fresh flowers is a sure way to bring a a bit of energy and life into any room. I love to use white flowers in the winter months, but I just picked up some baby pink roses that I am loving. Of course you can do whatever your little heart desires.
2. Declutter and donate
Going with my need for a simple and clean home, I’ve been on a decluttering rampage since the day after Christmas. I’ve been throwing stuff away, donating things, and just taking a minimalist approach to our home. I think winter decor is about simplicity and my motto is “if I don’t love it, it’s gone”. No more hanging on to things I only feel so-so about. I know this is common for a lot of us in January and I think it’s the perfect way to start a new year. I might even do a whole post on this topic because I think it’s SO important.
3. Add more greenery
Right after Christmas I picked up a whole bunch of new greenery and a few fiddle leaf fig trees to freshen up the house. This is also a great little trick to make your home feel less “naked” and empty after the Christmas tree comes down. You can do this with either real greenery or faux, but it’s a great way to add some extra texture and warmth back for the winter months.
4. Layers and more layers
Give me allllllllllllll the chunky throw blankets and pillows right now. Seriously, my goal with winter decor this year is simply coziness and comfort. I want each couch and chair to be overflowing with warm blankets and a soft pillow at all times of the day. Even with the heater running, I always feel chilled in the winter and I want that extra layer of comfort. It’s a small thing, but it makes all the difference!
So that’s it! I told you it was simple, right? I’m not doing anything fancy and that’s honestly the best part. Just a clean and simple house for these quiet winter months. It’s a bit nontraditional and different from what I’ve done in years past, but it makes me happy and that’s what matters. Well thanks for hanging out with me today, I hope this gives you some ideas for your own home this winter! xo
More winter posts you might like:
10 Ways to Decorate for Winter
How to Transition From Christmas to Winter Decor
Simple Vintage Farmhouse Winter Porch
Faux greenery:
Pillows:
Simliar Oversized Chairs:
Cozy Blankets:
Sarah, I painted my dining room chairs a ivory color very unhappy with color I don’t want to paint table or side board because they are antiques, do u think if I paint them white it would look good? Also the paint I put on them is peeling of I sanded and primed what would I need to do if I did paint them white.
I think white would look great! If you use a chalk paint, like Rust-Oleum you should be able to just paint directly over the ivory color without any issues. Good luck!
Love it, although a little to white for me. I need more color to make me happy, especially in the long NY winters. Where did you get your couches? They look so comfortable. I am enjoying your posts and pictures. Thank you for sharing. Patti
I am a new follower of your blog and am LOVING it. Thank you for the inspiration! I especially appreciate your use of things that are not crazy expensive. Sometimes it’s hard for “normal” (I.e. “not rich”) people to feel as though we too can have the lovely home. Buuuuutttt…what to do if your husband really loves your ugly tan leather reclining couches? Any thoughts on how to make them more farmhousey? Thanks! (Oh, and we have loads of children, so “the fix” needs to be child friendly 😁.)
Hi Kristen! Thanks for your kind words. And I’d say for your couches, just pile them up with nice neutral pillows and throws. That’s a great way to freshen them up without spending a ton of money on new furniture! Hope that helps!
Kristen there is also a product out called Finish All paint. This paint comes in minimal colors but will paint over that leather like a breeze! You could so change the color to look more farmhouse and fit in better with your decor. The tutorial I watched on this…I was so amazed at how easy that paint stuck to the leather. Of course there is a cleaning routine you have to follow first which is quite easy but the end results were just fascinating! Then follow up with what Sarah recommended, just pile on a few farmhouse finds and it would look beautiful! Send some pics when you finish! Mcgypsy9@aol.com…would love to see the finished room no matter what you choose to do!
I LOVE it. So fresh and peaceful. Thank you for sharing
These are great tips! Your home is lovely and a great inspiration!
Thank you so much Pamela! xo
Where did you get the faux fiddle leaf plant? I like the size of it.
This little one is from TJ Maxx. They have some great options there for faux greenery!
So beautiful and so calming…….I just wanted to crawl into the picture. Thank you for the great inspiration. 💛
Such a beautiful home! It looks so cozy and inviting. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Shelly!
Everything looks perfect and so dreamy! I agree that we should keep our homes with things that make us happy! Can you share where the lamps are from?
Love the baby pink roses too! I’m going to find me some quick!
Hi Kim! Thanks for stopping in. Those lamps are actually from Hobby Lobby!
I am a new follower and want to thank you so much for sharing how to start a blog. I love your style, cozy comfort and how you make it look so put together. Looking forward to Spring.
Hi Darleene, thanks so much for stopping in and leaving this sweet comment. I’m excited to have you here! xo
As a fulltime worker, mother of 3, 2 dogs, a kitty and a Hugh do it yourselfer. My favorite time is when I can catch up with your emails and all the inspiration you give to us all. I know how hard you must work to keep us inspired on a regular basis. So proud of you for Making the magazine and showing us all its possible to just do it, put yourself out there and don’t be afraid. I recently made your magnolia wreath because the place was bare from the Holiday decorations being stored again til next year. It’s looks so pretty
I’ll have to instagram it #inspiredbymyfavoriteblogger… #sarah@sarahjoyblog.com
And all the bloggers that keep me going on a regular basis… Keep us all inspired…
Aw Judy, you are so kind and you just put a big smile on my face! Please be sure to tag me in any IG photo of the projects you’ve done from my blog. I’d LOVE to see them!! xoxo
Thanks again for replying to me about my paint colors. I’m still deciding….lol.
What color is this one on your walls?
Keep blogging, Looove your posts!
Hi Cindy! This color is Autumn Blonde by Sherwin Williams. Good luck with your decision, I know how hard it can be!
I’m really enjoying your postings! Just moved to north Fla after being in sw fla for 34 yrs! Our little house here is so cute! We’ve got a fireplace & wooded area. I’m doing a farmhouse theme for something different and have loved looking at your decor! With our kiddos grown now with our grandchildren nearby I’ve done our bedroom in vintage white & gray with light rose color accents & black white photos of the family.
At 66 yrs old I’m finding such joy in poking around the shops here in this lovely college town plus seeing family everyday.
I so enjoy your blog!
Thank you!
Oh that sounds so awesome Sue! How nice to be close to your family everyday. That’s something you’ll never regret!! Enjoy that time and thanks for stopping by the blog. xo
Wonderful home! You did amazing job and all the decorations look adorable. I love the big puffy pillows on your couch.
There are rules??? 🙃
I’m with you on simplicity and coziness. Getting ready to put Christmas away and keep it as simple as I can. Love all your ideas 💡