Has winter weather got you feeling “blue?” If you are into decorating, there is great news: Classic Blue is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2020. You’ll be seeing this gorgeous color popping up more often in furniture, home décor, linens, graphic design, and even in clothing. At the start of a new year and a new decade, one might find it reassuring to reconnect with this classic color, inspired by where the sky and the sea meet. But no matter what your favorite color is, most of us do long for more sunshine, warmer temperatures, and longer days during these winter months. There are some simple and inexpensive ways, if you are feeling blue and longing for spring, to lighten up your home décor, faster than you can sing “You are my sunshine!”
In your Living Room/Family Room: Switch out heavier darker fabric pillows for pillows with lighter colors and softer textures. That way at least if you are still getting cozy on the sofa to stay warm, you’re surrounded by lighter softer textures.
Bathroom: Update your dark shower curtain (and or towels) with a lighter solid or pattern. Your room will feel larger and lighter, even if there’s not much natural light in the room. If you’re working within a tight budget, you can invest a little money on new towels or a spare shower curtain over time, and then swap them out seasonally each new season, to instantly change the tone of your room.
Bedrooms: We spend 1/3 of our lives in bed, so don’t neglect those spaces. Lighter and softer pillows and throws have been mentioned above. Turn on your bedroom lamps before it gets dark outside, making the transition to night and darkness more gradual.
Kitchen and Dining Rooms: Nothing says spring like a vase with real (or faux) flowers. Even a single bloom in a slender drinking glass can add a pop of color and bring a touch of nature to your surroundings.
Guest room and/or Guest Bath: Fresh or faux (high quality) flowers in your guest room will make visitors feel welcome too. Utilize a pretty basket or tray to put a couple water bottles, snack bars and each guest’s own bath towel together in a pretty presentation; they’ll appreciate the warm welcome. But be warned: they may stay longer!
If you are fortunate enough to own, rent or visit a coastal area, did you know that most people find more seashells in the winter, than in the spring, summer or fall? There are typically less people walking the beaches during colder weather, so bundle up, take an extra bag or two, and enjoy some crisp cool beach treasure collecting! Then display your shells and other finds in baskets or pretty dishes to lift your spirits. (Helpful hint: You might want to clean and air out the shells outside, before you bring them indoors.)
Winter fun: When you find yourself with unexpected down time indoors, check out youtube videos; you can find out how to do almost anything online. Create your own artwork to freshen up your walls, learn how to paint furniture or make chair pad covers to update your upholstery. Make a fun wreath for your door, or sort through family photos (or beach mementos) and learn how to display them on a gallery wall… the possibilities are endless. Have a few friends over, put out snacks, and have fun learning how to update your living spaces together, while also catching up on life and relaxing.