Getting through the winter months can be a trial for many mothers; the weather is cold, the sky is gray, and sometimes the blues take hold of us and won’t let go. To beat this down-in-the-dumps condition, consider redecorating your home to imbue your daily life with a fun, festive atmosphere. Giving the house a sprucing up for winter will keep you feeling cheery and bright, no matter what Jack Frost has to say about it. With a bit of ingenuity, your home will feel warm and inviting all winter long!

Decorations

What are the winter holidays without decorations? Even if your spirits are down, a lively decoration piece or two can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Use decorations that you love, such as holiday pieces you’ve shared with your family over the years. This could mean, for example, a set of beloved Christmas tree ornaments or a Nativity scene your grandmother made for you when you were little. Seeing these items can boost our spirits by helping us remember times with our loved ones.

Use twinkle lights when spreading out your winter decorations. These lights aren’t just for the Christmas tree or to hang from the roof; they can be incorporated indoors, as well! A string of lights twisted around a stairway banister, or spread over a mantle, adds instant brightness to an area. This has the literal effect of “lighting” up our interior spaces as well as our moods! This can be particularly charming in a young child’s bedroom, to add whimsy and act as a nightlight in the evening.

Also make sure to add decorations in places where you might not usually think to use them; a small basket of ornaments on the counter in the bathroom keeps the spirit up during a relaxing bath, while livening up floor lamps with seasonal red and green light bulbs keeps things festive. Or, hang glittering snowflakes from a curtain rod on the window in your kitchen, which will keep you smiling even when washing those pesky dishes.

Accessories

If you want to make a big decorating impact without too much cost or effort, consider using accessories. Home accessories create punch with minimal time and are ideal during the winter months, when a lack of accessories can mean the difference between a stark house and a cozy home. In the living room, layer accessories with a textile element to create a soft feeling. Cushions and pillows on the sofa, a new sheepskin rug and pretty draperies all add an immediate lushness to a space.

Choose fabrics that make you smile and feel warm inside, like real or faux velvet, suede, or cottons in warm colors. Include natural elements like wooden bowls or trays made from cork. A twine basket of pine cones brings the outdoors inside without dropping the temperature inside your home.

And don’t forget plenty of candles spread around, which create a warm glow your family is sure to appreciate. As a final accessory touch for your home, gather as many family photos as you can find. Spread framed pictures of your loved ones all around you, on end tables and consoles. Surrounding yourself with the faces of the people you love is one design tip that will definitely help chase away the winter blues.

Colors

Use positive colors and tones during the winter season to add charm and a bit of cheer to your daily duties. There are a number of color schemes you can choose from, but pay particular attention to shades that instantly make you smile. A warm palette refers to colors on the “warm” side of the color wheel. These are hues like rusty red, brown, sage green and vibrant orange. Use these colors when choosing your accents to add instant coziness. Don’t forget bright yellow, the color of the sun, to add some thematic warmth. This can be added with a sunny yellow pot or a bright, punchy ceramic vase. If you prefer to embrace the cool winter weather, utilize the colors of the season: icy blues, winter whites and silver can all create the sleek look of a modern winter loft in an instant.

Consider these colors when choosing non-obvious elements of your home, like flowers and produce. A silver vase filled with white flowers is an ideal way to bring living elements into your home while still using the winter colors. An overflowing bowl of ripe blueberries blends in beautifully with a kitchen filled with white tiles and stainless steel appliances. These touches welcome guests and family in, helping the home to feel warm even when using the cooler colors.

Entertaining Little Ones

One of the most frustrating parts of being cooped inside during the winter months is entertaining the kids, who can become antsy and bored during the long holiday break. The days leading up to Christmas or the holidays offer plenty of fun, but once the big day passes the hours can feel particularly long for the little ones. Counteract this problem by having plenty on hand to keep the kids entertained and happy, which in turn will provide you with plenty of peace.

An activity basket in the living room is an ideal place to start; fill the basket with jigsaw puzzles, craft supplies and board games. These can keeps kids occupied and entertained for hours at a time. Also have a few movies on hand that you know your kids love to watch, and let them build a fort in front of the television to have their own movie night.

While you’re at it, come up with some household activities that kids can help out with. Little ones love giving mom a hand by folding towels, a very mature and grown up task that even small hands can complete. Or, think of simple recipes for dinner that you can get the kids involved in helping to make. A basic noodle dish or sandwiches and salads can easily benefit from young helpers. Kids get the feeling of knowing they’ve contributed something, and you get a bit of help with all the hard work you do for your family.

Keeping your spirits up in the cold season can be as simple as a change of scenery; a few basic interior design touches will add warmth and coziness to your home, and keep you and your family feeling snug and close all through the winter.

Happy decorating!