The period between the holidays and the first signs of spring can feel extra dreary, drab and slow. While you can’t control the atmosphere outdoors, you can adjust your interior to create a bright, welcoming and happy space. If you need to liven up your home this winter, read on for ways to make your home feel less gloomy in the winter months.

Rethink your paint

Painted walls, crisp white trim, and doors are the default paint combinations for many spaces. But, if you want to feel more inspired in your living areas, consider incorporating more paint colors. However, that doesn't mean you must drench your walls in saturated, bright hues. Instead, painting the trim, such as the baseboards, window and door casing and crown moulding, as well as the doors, a different color, such as a moody hue, a soft shade, or a bright, saturated color, can inject much-needed color and personality to a space without overwhelming it.

Bring in life

Bringing life to a room can dramatically change the overall feeling. This could be a tall potted plant in the corner, weekly fresh flowers, or dramatic flowering branches that you display in your favorite vase. Ditch artificial flowers and greenery in exchange for a living alternative. For example, in the kitchen, display bowls or brightly colored seasonal fruit and vegetables. This will give the kitchen a moment of color and make it easier to grab an easy and healthy snack.

Fill empty spaces

If areas of the wall or corners of the house are empty because you’re waiting for the perfect piece, embracing a done is better than an ideal approach. Filling blank spaces can create a cozier and more welcoming effect. Even if the item is temporary until you find the ideal piece, filling those empty spaces can add a softness that wasn’t previously there.

Update the window treatments

If the house is filled with utilitarian shades or blinds, consider replacing these window treatments with a brighter, softer alternative, such as Roman shades or drapery panels in beautiful patterns, colors, or textures. If you prefer the functionality of your existing utilitarian window treatments, you can layer Roman shades or drapery panels to help soften the room.

Bring in more color and pattern

Even if you’re most drawn to neutrals, incorporating more color and pattern in a space can have a dramatic effect. To start small, consider bringing in color and pattern through throw pillows, blankets, flowers and greenery, objects on the shelves, art, or even replacing some of your black and white framed photographs with vibrant, color photos.

Update family photographs

One of the easiest ways to make a room feel refreshed and brighter is to switch up the framed photographs. If your pictures haven’t been updated in a while, replacing them with new photos or photos from the past is a new way to showcase happy memories.

A fresh perspective in your space can help it feel lighter and more cheerful as you wait for the bright spring days to arrive.

If you’re looking to brighten up your home but don’t know where to start, let’s work together. Learn more about different home design packages here.

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Making Your Home Less Gloomy in the Winter Months