The winter blues are in full swing, and it can be hard to shake them off. While snow falls outside, the urge to stay indoors until spring comes along is strong. That’s why we talked to interior design experts Tania Richardson and Jenny Marrs about the best ways to make your home a winter wonderland with just a few upgrades. Here are some small, easy home decor upgrades that can make a big difference during the mid-winter slump.
- Tania Richardson, interior designer and founder of Tania Antoinette
- Jenny Marrs, national designer for Re-Bath and co-star of HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous
Rethink Lighting
When the sun sets as early as it does in the winter, each day can feel dreary and dark. This means maximizing the amount of natural light in your home, especially in the colder months. “Swap heavy curtains for sheer or light-filtering ones, and strategically place mirrors to reflect daylight, making your space feel brighter and more open,” Marrs suggests. Since lighting can impact our mood throughout the day, layered lighting can also make a difference as the sun sets. Richardson advises swapping out cool and harsh lighting for warm-toned LED lights that glow gently. She also suggests adding in some candles and strings of fairy lights into the home. “Soft flickering flames and twinkling lights trigger a sense of calm and security,” she says.
Use the Power of Scent
Our senses are powerful, and scent is another impactful way to shift the energy in your home. Scented candles, essential oil diffusers, and incense sticks are all a way to warm up your home and uplift the mood. Richardson recommends certain scents for different moods—citrus and peppermint are great for energy, and diffusing lemon or orange oils can help invigorate the senses. Vanilla and lavender, on the other hand, lean into warmth and relaxation. Richardson also suggests simmer pots as an easy, DIY upgrade. “A pot of cinnamon, cloves, and oranges on the stove fills the home with a cozy, grounding aroma.”
Incorporate a Cozy Touch
Similarly to sight and scent, touch is a sensory experience important to home design. In the winter, adding soft textures to your space can create feelings of warmth. Richardson suggests a few different options, like plush fabrics on the couch or soft rugs on the ground. “Think chunky knit throws, velvet cushions, and linen drapes alongside raw wood or stone accents,” she says. “Stepping onto a soft, warm surface first thing in the morning creates a small moment of comfort.”
Add Dopamine Decor
Dopamine decorating—a design trend that took over the internet in recent seasons—is a fun and easy way to warm up in the winter. Adding bright colors, bold patterns, or playful knick-knacks are all examples of ways to decorate with dopamine-focused designs. Richardson recommends incorporating playful design elements to your home upgrade. “Unexpected textures, sculptural furniture, or even rearranging furniture can stimulate novelty and boost dopamine,” she says. She also suggests curating a “happy wall,” a space dedicated to personal joy, whether it’s a gallery wall, a music station, or a reading nook.
Bring Nature Inside
Biophilic design, or the process of integrating natural elements into the home, can enhance well-being in the winter. Richardson recommends upgrading your home by swapping plastic and synthetic materials for natural, textured materials like stone, wood, and ceramic. Marrs suggests placing low-maintenance indoor plants, like succulents, ferns, and pothos, in your bathroom, specifically. “These plants thrive in the humidity, improve air quality, and promote relaxation while boosting your mood.”
Create a Bathroom Oasis
Cold weather can mean freezing bathroom tiles under your feet while getting ready in the morning. Marrs advises transforming your bathroom into a home spa with just a few simple additions to the space. For example, installing a rainfall showerhead and adding a heated towel warmer can make your bathroom feel brand new. “These simple upgrades create an atmosphere of relaxation and self-care, giving you the perfect space to unwind and recharge in the winter,” Marrs says.
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