Wintertime is one of the best seasons to spruce up your interior. You wind up spending so much time indoors, making a few simple changes or committing to a new design will help combat the post-holiday blues and warm up the rest of your winter and beyond. If you’re looking for a way to brighten your home and uplift your spirits, here are some great tips to keep in mind as you plan your interior design.

Keep a Natural Color Palette

When you borrow colors from nature, your space will naturally become more calming and peaceful. Not only will you freshen up your space with thoughts of the outdoors, but when you select a palette from nature, your colors will complement one another. Consider the colors you find within one ecosystem or region:

• The desert: oranges, tans, yellows, peaches, and soft blues
• The forest: deep hardy greens, rustic browns, snow whites, and pops of red
• The ocean: deep blues and blue-greens, coral, sand, and pearls (you can also play with hints of mustard yellows

Balance the Bright and Cozy

Find decor pieces that lighten the space and feel airy. This will help declutter your mind and brighten your disposition. Try using metallics, glass, and rich colors like violet. 

Consider the contrast of cozy furniture with other elements that have clean lines. This will help you achieve a modern space without sacrificing comfort.

Wood, Brick, and Beyond

Materials are an often overlooked concept of design. When you choose tough materials that are reminiscent of the outdoors, your mind will subconsciously benefit from the outdoors’ atmosphere. If you want to take a risk, consider grass-mat or birch-bark wallpaper.

Make a statement with your mantle: Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean your mantle no longer serves a purpose.  If your home had limited brick or wood, such as exposed beams, yet you have a mantle, you can make the most of it with a mantle display. Consider keeping your evergreen garlands out and add glass and metallic touches to top off your mantle masterpiece. This will encourage you to spend time by the fire which is inherently relaxing.

Sprinkle Accents from Nature Throughout the Home

Need an excuse to enjoy the outdoors? Hunt for accents in your neighborhood or a nearby park. Bringing elements like unique branches, tufts of dramatic grasses that have gone brown for the winter, and even pine cones is a fun way to extend the adventure throughout your home. Best of all: these elements are free and when you’re done with them, you can return them outside.

Tie Together Textiles and Texture

There is nothing more relaxing than curling up in a fluffy blanket on a cold winter day. By integrating woven textiles and or fun textures like faux fur, you can wrap up the whole family and increase the coziness of your abode. Add extra throw blankets and pillows throughout the home. Think of it like putting a scarf on your design.

Surround Yourself with Things You Love

Most importantly, use your time this winter to focus on what matters most to you. One of the best ways to restore focus to your favorite photos, artwork, and travel mementos is to pare back on less important items. If you’re looking to declutter, it’s a great time to donate past decor, and when you free up space in your home, you can display items that warm you from the inside out.

Warming Up to a New Style or In Need of Professional Design Advice?

I understand it can be difficult to feel as comfortable in our homes as possible when the layouts and spaces just don’t work. Now, as we continue to work from home due to COVID-19, how we use our space is more important than ever. If you and your family need a fresh start on how your home is designed, I can help. I continue to work remotely, providing clients from Kauai, Maui, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York and beyond with solutions that turn their home into a relaxing, efficient, and beautiful respite. 

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