I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. The holidays were a joyous time for us, and I’m always a little sad to see them slow down. Right now I’m getting the house organized and working on some winter decorating ideas starting with the family room.
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To me winter decorating is all about creating a welcoming retreat by pulling in those elements that say, “let’s get cozy”. Here’s a short list of what I used in the family room to warm up the space.
Winter Decorating Ideas
- throw blankets
- pillows (similar to mine)
- glass bottles (similar to mine)
- candles
- books
- greenery
You may be thinking the throw blankets and pillows makes sense, but why glass bottles? On the days when we have even just a little sunshine, the glass bottles reflect light and brighten up the room so much. If you have mirrors, they will do the same thing especially in the middle of winter.
The bottles also have the same cheerful green and blue colors as the art work which I wanted to repeat in the room.
During some of my down time over the last couple of weeks I painted more book covers and updated some wooden candlesticks too.
I wanted to display the candlesticks together on the mantel for something structural, plus I just like their shapes. To make them coordinate a little better I sanded the shorter dark gray candlestick and applied Cerusing wax from A Makers’ Studio with a dry brush.
After working the wax into the crevices, I let it set or cure for about 30 minutes to an hour, then used a clean cotton cloth to buff off some of the wax to create a soft muted luster.
I also applied Cerusing wax to the tall candlesticks as well. I didn’t necessarily want them to match, but they do coordinate better than they did before. They now have a soft aged patina, which is something you might find in an upscale boutique.
I’m still tweaking the mantel and plan on adding a plant or orchid to finish the look. The candlesticks add a structural element to the mantel that I really like. I’m wondering if I should add candles. What do you think?
On the books I used some of my favorite paint colors such as Little Black Dress and a Southern Gentleman from A Makers’ Studio. If you would like to see all the products click on A Makers’ Studio. For a tutorial, see the post How To Paint Book Covers.
My poinsettias are still thriving but were moved to other containers so I could repurpose the French style metal box. I love the gray metal and how well it looks on the coffee table. It now holds few books, a glass bottle and a boxwood wreath for greenery.
Like the candlesticks, I also modified the French metal box by painting over the red trim that outlined the top edge and corners. Now I have a one of a kind container that blends in better with my decor.
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest. The boards are updated daily with seasonal inspiration that you can use right now!
Can you guess who called dibs on the chair next to the fireplace with the awesome throw? Yep it was me!
This is going to be a great year and I’m so glad I have you to share it with. I’m in the process of planning and scheduling decorating projects, so let me know what you want to see more of this year. Leave a comment for me, I love hearing from you.
Cheers!
For more winter decorating ideas see How To Create A Cozy Winter Bedroom.
©2019 Winter Decorating Ideas post first appeared on Thistle Key Lane™.
Michelle, I love your winter decorating tips!! Especially using glass as extra reflection during the dreary winter months! Happy and Blessed New Year to you!
Thank you Cindy! I loved how you displayed your glass bottles that you shared on IG and blown away with the tag on IG as well. Thank you sweet friend!
These are great tips! I love the way the glass bottles reflect the light and your candlesticks came out beautiful!
Thank you Lynne, I was supper happy with the candlesticks, quick and easy update.
Great ideas… love the tip about the light bouncing off the glass bottles! Pinning! (Did you see that Yvonne pinned this in the tribe? Woot!)
Thanks Julie, no I didn’t know it was pinned. That makes me so happy!!
Great winter decor tips, I love the cozy side of winter.
Thanks Sonya, you are right enjoying those cozy moments is the best part of winter.
Great ideas! Your home looks so beautiful!
Thanks Lauren, the house is getting back to normal but I miss the Christmas tree. 🙂
Great ideas! I’m always at a loss about what to do when all the Christmas decor comes down. Thanks for sharing
>> Christene
Thank you Christene, I miss the Christmas decor but it feels great to start fresh for the new year.
I love your clean and fresh aesthetic, Michelle! I always walk away with ideas from your posts. The candlesticks turned out so well! I’m trying to repurpose old items this year and get creative, too. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you so much Crissy. Every time I finish a project like the candlesticks, I start looking around for something else to update. It never ends lol!
beautiful pictures, such a relaxing space.
Thanks Sue! The bright windows make this a happy room. 🙂
Looks so lovely! I love doing a little winter decorating in my home too!
Thank you Candice, stay warm and cozy!
Michelle, I really like the way you used the glass bottles- very simple and elegant!
Thank you Melissa, I love trying new seasonal changes.
Michelle, I feel cozy just looking at the pictures of your lovely winter family room. It’s just enough, not too much and very welcoming. The wax treatment you gave to your candlesticks unites them so beautifully with your mantle piece and the books; how special. Thanks for sharing your tips (I’m stealing a couple) and inviting us into your home.
Hi Julith, thank you so much for your sweet comments, and I’m thrilled that you can use some of my decorating tips. Have a great weekend!
Michelle, your home looks so cozy and comfy. I wish I could come on over and share a cup of coffee and chat with you! Thanks so much for stopping by our Homestyle Gathering link party and sharing your inspiration with all of us!
Hi Rita, I’m so excited about your Homestyle Gathering link party. Plan on seeing me there every week!
I feel the same way just trying to get decor and home settled after the holidays. Happy New Year, Kippi #kippiathome
Happy New Year Kippi, thanks so much for stopping by!