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If you're anything like me, your house feels exceptionally bare once all the holiday decorations are put away and the tree is taken down. In my house, everything is neatly tucked away in my storage room by noon New Years day - no time for any post party rest around here! I don't invest or decorate for Valentines day, and not much for Easter either. So, I go from beautiful Christmas themed decor, to Spring freshness, and nothing in between. This year I figured since it's the longest three months of the year (January, February, and March) why am I not updating my space to reflect what's going on outside? And that's when I decided - this "season" also needs some love, it needs cozy, it needs fresh, and it needs inviting!
To cure the holiday hangover I updated a few things in my home, but kept it simple enough to easily transition into another season. I also have a few ideas on how to refresh some high traffic areas without going into total spring cleaning mode. I find with the kids home, guests coming over, and prepping for entertaining, some areas of my home need a little wipe down and a little extra attention.
The Bathroom...
1. If you have a fabric shower curtain, toss it in the laundry and replace your liner. This is one of the first things I do in January.
2. Add a little foliage or a plant (plants thrive in bathrooms), the greenery just makes it feel airy.
3. Wash your soap dispenser, it tends to get sticky with so many people using it.
4. Grab a few new hand towels, keep it simple, a nice denim stripe on white is my favourite.
5. Wash the knobs on your vanity, and cabinets, and door handle, germs tend to hang around here for awhile.
6. Replace your floor mat, or if it's washable toss it in the laundry - hang to dry, I find this keeps the fresh laundered scent around a little longer.
The Kitchen...
1. Again, wash your soap dispenser, taps, and kitchen cabinet knobs.
2. Wipe down the inside and outside of your fridge, toss the old produce we keep meaning to eat and check the expire dates on any specialty foods your bought for entertaining.
3. Disinfect your cutting boards.
4. Invest in some new dish towels, like these.
5. Wipe down high traffic area cabinets, chances are you'll find a few spills (I had pasta sauce on mine!).
6. Run a cleaning tab through your dishwasher, and clean out the drain.
7. And finally, give your garbage can and recycle area a wipe, and disinfect.
The living area is where you can layer, create warmth and ambiance, add texture, and pull together items you already have around the house or stashed away.
The Family room...
1. Add a few candles, this creates a ton a warm lighting when you want to relax and watch a movie or read a good book.
2. Layer a smaller area carpet over your existing one, I like a faux fur or faux hide.
3. Lighten up your cushions with neutral colours, do this with your throws as well - just think cozy - over size cushions are perfect.
4. Add little bouquets of fresh flowers, or grab a few fake foliage blossoms like these from Ikea.
5. Refresh your reading materials and your coffee table books, find something that blends well with the colour theme you're trying to achieve.
6. If you keep your current cushions and throws get them cleaned, your friends and family probably brought a few germs into your living room during the holidays.
Finally, the room we spend most of our time in - even if it is sleeping. January is usually when I do an overhaul of my bedroom. This might be a "New Year" way of thinking?!? Regardless, don't forget about the bedroom - a fresh, yet cozy surrounding is what I like to wake up to in the morning.
The Bedroom...
1. I usually layer an extra blanket at the bottom of the bed, something to get me through really cold nights so I can keep my hydro bill down.
2. Clean under the bed, I've found Christmas presents that I forgot to wrap...honestly - every year!
3. Add some fresh foliage in small doses, just enough to hint spring is coming.
4. Extra cushions...I LOVE a ton of cushions on my bed, in all textures and sizes.
5. Add a small area rug over existing carpet, rug, or hardwood. This really does feel good under the toes in the wee hours when you're running to the loo.
Even the pooch will be thankful for extra fluff to snuggle. Everything I suggested is extremely affordable and easy to accomplish. Trust me, you will feel better with a mid winter update - plus it's an easy transition into spring.
I find great deals at home stores around mid January, especially at the Bay - I snag throws and cushions for amazing prices or for an additional percent off of clearance. Just remember...layers, throws, cushions, oversize, and fresh. And, even if you get to one room, that's ok...it's a start!
Let me know how you make out and tag me in your "mid winter refresh" projects.
Images: Pinterest
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