When I was ten, maybe eleven, I used to deliver newspapers on my street. I’m not sure how I ended up with that gig, and I’m pretty sure I was the absolute worst newspaper delivery girl on the planet because I used to make my rounds after school at 3:30 or 4. Not exactly when most people wanted to have their papers delivered, I’m assuming.

But the people that I delivered to were always gracious and never complained – that I’m aware of anyway – and usually gave me a 50 cent tip on Fridays, which felt like big money to me back then when I added all of my earnings together at the end of the day. My how times have changed.

But anyway, there was a house on our street that spoke to me. The woman who lived there was middle aged and always greeted me with a big smile and an enthusiastic hello. She’d invite me in a step or two while she fumbled through her purse for a tip Friday afternoons, and I’d try to inconspicuously look around her house, in awe of, not so much the ‘things’ that were in it, but the way it made me feel.

I can’t even tell you what color the walls were or what her kitchen looked like, which was in plain view from the front door in her then, avant-garde, open concept home.

What I remember was that her house seemed to glow. It exuded warmth, and it always smelled like something was baking. I didn’t know her, but I always felt welcome when I stepped through her door.

Her home enveloped you.

These memories are most vivid from the fall and winter months back then. The warmth and the aromas inside her entryway were such a contrast to the cold air and frigidity outside her door. She had one of those boilers powered by electricity, and so it was warm and cozy all the time.

When I think of how I want my house to feel during the cold, winter months, I always think of this stranger’s home that smelled like cinnamon chip muffins and seemed to glow and flicker like candle light. The first thing that I would always notice was how warm her house was. In order to replicate that, I would probably need to look into Heat Pumps to make the air warmer in my house. With a nice warm temperature in the house, it will be just as cozy at that woman’s house.

That’s the feeling I’m going for around here in the winter, and this week, I’m sharing a few things that I do to try and achieve it.

Here’s our living room!

Start with a Cohesive Pallette

I went with a soft pallette of white and navy and blush, and then added in some greenery for texture and warmth in here.

Add Texture

I kept out my faux fur blanket from Christmas, along with my white chunky throws. Blankets are a quick and easy way to add texture and warmth to your space in the winter.

I also added this tobacco tray to the top of our coffee table for an another subtle touch of texture and warmth.

Add Plants

I normally don’t go too crazy with flowers in January and February. Not that you can’t, I just like to embrace the greenery for a couple of months without adding a ton of extra color. But if you love flowers at this time of year, by all means, go with it. The most important rule to decorating is… There aren’t any rules! Do whatever makes you happy and gives you a sense of being home.

I have a bundle of branches in a vase on my ‘mantel,’ a couple of ferns, and I made the orchid like cloche arrangement you see up there. It was incredibly easy, and you can find the tutorial for that here!

P.S. I had the opportunity to share an amazing artwork coupon with all of you last week. You can find the details here!

Light Some Candles

I also have a few candles scattered around the house in the winter too. I light them mainly at night, or when the girls are out playing in the snow. But there’s something magical about candle light in the winter, and I always make sure to place a few around the house.

Lighting

For me, winter is all about creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and another easy way to create a cozy vibe in your home is with lighting. If you have dimmers, dim those lights for a homey glow. If you don’t, you could always consider getting some installed by contacting S.E. Electrical Services – Electrician in Cypress, for example. They could add some new lights into your home, ensuring that your home is warm and cozy.

If that’s not an option, I like to turn off as many over head lights as possible and use table or floor lamps wherever I can. However, I have a friend who likes to use her neon sign for lighting in the evenings. That can add a lovely feel to a room. Maybe more people could consider doing that, just head to Neon Mama to create your own. Make sure your living room has the perfect lighting for you.

That’s Not All!

I have a few more ideas on creating a welcoming after Christmas/pre Spring atmosphere that I’ll be sharing in a few days, so come on back and check them out!

Laura ?

*EDIT – My sweet hubby bought me a new camera for my birthday, but it arrived 3 weeks later than expected. I was planning to go around snapping photos of a few more things that we do to keep things fresh but cozy for winter. Things like lighting candles, and savoring simple, every day tasks, but I didn’t have a camera! Anyway, I guess it’s a post for next winter. Spring is almost here, friends! Yay!