Are you ready to put away all your holiday decorations? You also might be remembering what your home looked like last year after everything was put away.
Most people don't look forward to putting away their holiday decorations. Not only is it a pain to "undecorate" after the holidays, but homes can feel less cozy and stripped of their charm once you do. It doesn't have to feel like that this year. By leaving a few elements, or adding others, you can transition your home from holidays to winter styling and keep the charm without looking like one of "those" people who refuse to take down their Christmas tree and lights until February!
What is winter styling?
Basically, it is a style that embodies the cozy feeling we all crave during the colder winter months. It's that same feeling you get from Christmas decorations without Christmas. It's really about ambiance, texture, lighting, and comfort.
Here are some tips for transitioning your home from Christmas to winter styling:
1. Let's face it. Christmas is over. Remove anything that screams Christmas. Yes, Christmas tree included. When in doubt, put it away.
2. Texture and layers are what contribute to that cozy feeling we crave in the dark days of winter - whether it's a warm, chunky sweater, a thick blanket on the sofa to curl up with, or a fluffy throw pillow. As you put away your holiday decorations, think of which accessories help add texture without being tied to Christmas. Chunky pillow or throw? A bowl of ornamental balls? Even that stack of books you received for Christmas can be placed on a side table next to a small plant for interest and depth.
3. Greenery is one of those typical holiday pieces that add interest and texture to a room but don't have to scream Christmas. (That's why green plants liven up a room.) So, what greenery can you leave out (or add) through the winter months?
Green wreaths, particularly live ones, can stay out for a while. If any of its elements are too Christmasy (yes, even that red bow), take those off. A green, grapevine or white berry wreath are each great transition pieces for winter styling.
Poinsettias or Amaryllis can stay out a bit longer as well. No sense in throwing out real flowers while they're blooming! By the way, it's a good time to start thinking about forcing bulbs for spring.
Cut up any live garland into shorter strips or, better yet, dismantle it by pulling it apart.
Repurposing the leaves or pieces by placing them in a shallow glass bowl or another shallow container.
Garland framing a doorway or along a staircase is too reminiscent of the Christmas. Take those down.
Don't put away any pinecones because they're an effortless way to add texture! Put them in their own bowl or add them to your dismantled garland to display on a coffee table.
4. Lights add warmth, intimacy, and charm to a room in the evenings. Unfortunately, most holidays lights will need to come down. However, there are numerous ways to create that atmosphere.
Candles are a year-round element and look fabulous, especially when put into groupings. If one candle looks great, five candles clustered on a tray are spectacular.
If you must have some strand lighting, try battery-operated. No extension cords needed! Place a strand on your mantle close to the wall, wrapped in a glass vase, or hung on an indoor plant. Keep in mind that the more discreetly placed, the cozier the atmosphere.
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