I’m a pretty big Christmas nut. I’m getting antsy around mid-November and usually make a couple of new holiday decor purchases about 5 weeks before Christmas in order to get my husband moving in pulling out the many “Holiday Rubbermaids”. I always wonder how everything will fit back into those bins at the end of the season, but somehow my husband (aka the tetris master) along with my “helpful” children (aka the ornament wreckers) always find a way. And this year was no different. I think we lost about 3 holiday decorations to “helpful hands”…I guess I will just need to replace them next year…
The decor in my house is completely changed during the holidays, from bright and airy to warm, and from minimal to layered. It is a big but welcome change each year. But just as much as I love the scent of the pine tree going up at the beginning of December, I also love getting rid of the needle dropping mess that we call a tree and the never-ending glitter that seems to take over the house during the holidays.
In my struggle to launch the blog yesterday, with my disaster of a hang-over, I eventually emerged to find that the holidays had essentially been removed from our home once again, and I was left with a blank slate…Yippee!! (Note: my enthusiasm was tempered by a splitting headache).
I always say that furniture alone cannot complete a space, its the small personalization that comes with accessories that sets the space apart and is how you will get the “WOW!” out of your guests. This year, we are not planning to invest any money on furniture even though we can definitely use it (see my last post on 2016 goals). So I’m left with making the best with what I have for the time being and any purchases minimal and well planned.
So now I get a chance to put some of my new skills to the test. And if you like a light-filled, airy decor, such as myself, then I can share some of my tips for re-styling your home, post-holidays, for a New Year Refresh.
So here we go. Here are the post-Christmas re-styling tips that I live by (with some curated photos to go with)…
Freshen up the colour.
If you are like me, you have had enough of a plethora of colours, which can also overcrowd a space. So pare down the colours, keep things more neutral and if you want a bit of colour, keep it to one contrasting accent colour. Stick to the basic colour rule of thumb, one main colour that occupies 60% of the space (usually then walls), one or two secondary colours/tones that apply to furniture and flooring that make up about 20-30%, and then an accent that fills about 10-20% of the space.
Keep it simple.
I’m not a minimalist, but after the holidays, I find the need to really simplify and reduce the amount of accessorizing items. I feel like I (and the room) needs to be able to breathe again. If you do like a layering look, you can still keep the space simple and clean, just be sure not to overload on the colours.
Repurpose.
Find new and interesting ways to use the items you already have. This is a free way to change up the style of your space. This doesn’t have to only be decor items. Books, jewelry, old glasses, boxes, candles – all strategically placed can have a lot of style and impact.
Bring the Outdoors In.
Tired of those winter greens, birch bark, poinsettias? Swap them out for some ferns, succulents, flowers or any other fresh greens. I find that this really adds dimension to a room, and you don’t have to be a total green thumb, thanks to really nice artificial plants. There are a lot of benefits to having the real thing though – check out this article on the 5 health benefits of houseplants.
Plan your purchases.
A season change is always a fun time to check out decor items in stores in your area. I love to go to Home Sense and usually leave with at least a $150 bill. The problem is, if you don’t plan properly, some of these things can end up in the “purge” pile very quickly. Take it from me, a past serial decor purchaser – planning and patience are key. Do some research on-line. Use Pinterest or Houzz, and find a look you like and that will work well with your furniture. Think about how this could adapt each season, look to see if you already have items that can emulate the same look. Then think about what you really need to buy. Then shop around – check out places like Home Sense, Pier1, West Elm and other local or big box Retailer. Also check on-line sites like Joss & Main, Wayfair, etc. Just make sure you check the shipping costs – sometimes the total after shipping and duties does’t make sense, even with lower prices.
Hopefully this post has inspired you to take advantage of this time of the year to re-invigorate your home. Whether its post-Christmas decor or simply to start of the new year with a new look, these tips can help you get started. Still need some more help? Let me know. This article’s suggestions may not suit every style so I can help you with achieving a new look for your space – whatever the style you wish to have.
Thanks for reading!
Leave a Reply