Winter Decor 101 & Blog Hop

Today I’m sharing a few simple and easy winter decorating tips and tricks along with 8 other bloggers for a fun Winter Home Tour. If you’re joining from another blog, welcome to Little Vintage Nest! I’m so happy you’re here. Be sure to check out the other blogs listed at the bottom of this post.

Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over, it’s time to hunker down and prepare for a long winter. Here in Colorado, we usually have snow through early May so I have a loooong way to go. But how do you decorate for winter without it feeling like Christmas all over again? I’ve come up with a few simple tips and tricks that will help you take on the task of decorating your home between January 1st and Spring. (And please remember, these are just my personal tips, definitely not rules!)

1.Cut out the red. Literally.

My best and easiest tip is to remove any bright red in your decor. Aside from Christmas trees and other obvious Christmas decor, pops of bright red are the biggest tell-tale sign that Santa Clause is on his way. At least in my house. So what I suggest doing as you shift to winter decor is to simply eliminate any red berries, red ribbon, red poinsettias, etc.

Also be sure to check the Christmas clearance sections for garland and other holiday greenery, then just grab some scissors and cut out anything bright red. Voila!

Both of these pieces of garland came with red berries. Eliminating the red easily takes this from Christmas to winter decor.

The little greenery in the watering can also had red berries on it. Snip snip! (Again, this is perfect for things you buy cheap after Christmas).

2. Neutralize colors

Keeping on the same topic, another big difference between Christmas decor and winter decor is energy in the form of color. Christmas is magical. It’s full of bright lights, colorful ornaments, and shiny, sparkly things. It’s busy, energetic, and even dramatic at times. On the contrary, winter decor is much more neutral toned–which is especially true if you’re into the rustic, farmhouse look like I am. And if you think about it, it’s somewhat symbolic of our winter moods: more laid back, more relaxed, and more easy going. If you’re like me, you’re a major homebody in the winter and avoid at all costs getting out of your sweatpants unless absolutely necessary. I feel like that same vibe is evident in winter decor–it’s just calm and cozy.

In this old, vintage tool box (which I am obsessed with and will share more about soon!) I went with fresh garland and cotton stems. And while it’s beautiful, it’s somewhat calming. Nothing jumps out at you. It’s just easy. And it definitely says winter.

A few more examples:

I’m crazy about this large wash basin and pitcher. And how cute are all those little rusty spots? Loooove.

3. Incorporate wood

Using wood as decor is about the easiest and cheapest way to add texture and rustic appeal to any space. To me, wood is just visually heavy. Does that make sense? It adds warmth. Comforting, yet primitive. It just feels like it belongs in winter decor and it definitely makes a statement. I love using pinecones and small aspen branches.

 

4. Keep it simple.

Lastly, my advice is to keep winter decor simple. I think there is a lot of symbolism in clearing out Christmas decor and clutter in order to lighten things up for a new year. We’re longing for that blank canvas and a fresh start, in both our homes, our hearts, and our minds. Which is why simplicity is huge when it comes to winter decor. Don’t over due it, just keep things easy while relying on a few basic ideas.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Don’t forget to stop by the other 8 blogs listed below for even more winter decor tips!

Winter Home Tour:

Beautiful Treasures Blog

Hoodcreek Log Cabin Honey ‘n Hydrangea

My Eclectic Nest Gratefully Vintage

Kendra Bester Design Indio and Honey

My Ideal Mess