We had such a nice and festive Christmas and enjoyed all the decorations and the tree that I was expecting to feel a little sad and gloomy after all that stuff was put away. I think a lot of people feel that way– the house just seems so bare. The kids said the house feels “empty”. It wasn’t bothering me, I did not have that feeling of emptiness. It was nice to have a lot of clean and undecorated space. I have been craving simplicity and less “stuff”. So it felt refreshing to live with the minimal amount of decor and uncluttered space for a few days.
My first decorating principle is less is more.
I find that subtracting rather than adding creates a cohesive and peaceful feel. Less visual clutter = a more relaxed mind, which is where I’d like to be– get off the squirrel wheel of thoughts and the overwhelming amount things to process. Pairing down on decor is one way to get there.
I eventually added a few things but didn’t buy any new decor. I gathered a few candlesticks to fill the fireplace mantel.
The pine cones and a candle in a tray stayed over from the holidays, along with the paper snowflakes the kids made in December. It’s still winter and they fit right in.
My second decorating principle is to use fresh flowers.
I have no flower arranging skills but you don’t have to be a florist to grab a vase and cut some flowers to the length you like. It is the best way to get the highest impact with the most minimal amount of effort. I do use fake flowers, sparingly, but there is something special about having fresh blooms in the house. I know flowers are disposable and it may feel like a waste of money but I’d rather enjoy a beautiful simple bouquet for $4 for a couple of weeks and not bring any extra trinkets into the house.
The flowers from Christmas centerpieces refused to die for a long time so they were a perfect transition to January. Once they did expire I bought a couple of white lilies from Walmart (my new favorite source for flowers). Lilies are hardy and lasted a good couple weeks as well.
I now feel like we are getting close enough to Valentine’s and updated the flowers to these pink roses. That might be my only “Valentine’s” decor item.
I have been trying to find a good mid-winter candle. Do you have any recommendations? In December my favorite scent was apple and cinnamon, but now I feel like it smells like Christmas and I’d like something more neutral. I haven’t found a scent that I really like yet so if you have a favorite, please share in the comments.
Our house decor would not be complete without the “whimsical” touches here and there.
It’s not plastered all over the house– that would drive me crazy, but strategically placed (by the author) in all the good spots. For example, this magnet tucked inside a picture frame in the powder room:
I feel that was for me personally for I seem to function very well under this principle.
This spot at the front of the house gets a lot of the afternoon sun.
It’s been cozy around the house if somewhat slow-paced. I am looking forward to warmer days and more energy, and tackling some organization projects around the house. There is plenty of stuff still to get rid of.
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