Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: Home decor

  • 10 Modern Kitchen Ideas for a Stylish Refresh

    Creating a modern and stylish kitchen takes a balanced approach that considers functionality and flair. It’s a task that, while not always easy, can add value to your home and provide more enjoyment for your family.

    There isn’t one true definition of modern. However, some interior designers argue that clean lines, sleek surfaces, and neutral colors best express the look. We’ve seen some magnificent modern kitchens that follow this example perfectly and others that stray but still hold fast to modernism while incorporating layered textures, bold hues, and rich wood tones.

    So, what modern means to you may differ entirely from what it screams to your neighbor. But, generally, the look incorporates design elements that emerged in the early 20th century and continue to inspire creativity. Modern style often includes a monochromatic color palette, minimalism, and natural light. It sometimes embraces an open floor plan and the use of metals like chrome and steel.

    While modern design typically refers to a narrow aesthetic born of a specific historical movement, contemporary style, in contrast, refers to anything of the current movement. As you think about what modern design elements you want to bring into your kitchen, consider first the look you want to achieve and then your long-term goals for a perfectly functional space.

    Here are 10 modern kitchen ideas for you to consider for a stylish refresh.

    1. Opt for an All-White Color Scheme

    A modern kitchen with glossy white lacquered cabinetry that blends seamlessly into an all-white backsplash can make a massive impact. If you can leave windows uncovered in an all-white kitchen, do so to make the space appear even brighter as natural light floods in.

    2. Go Dark

    Moody modern kitchens with dark cabinets, countertops, and walls feel dramatic and luxurious. Think black-on-black with pops of steel and wood as accents for added texture, or choose dark green, blue, or other jewel tones mixed with touches of silver or gold.

    3. Choose a Black and White Palette

    Black and white often has a modern feel, but you can pull this look off in an impressive way with two-toned cabinetry, sleek marble countertops and matching backsplashes, painted pendant lights, and matte black metal or shiny black glass appliances.

    4. Mix Wood Tones and Metals

    Multiple wood tones throughout a kitchen, such as shades of beechwood or oak, can give it a modern look. Equally, mixing metals can work to modernize your space if you’re intentional, such as when using black metal throughout with touches of brass, but keep in mind that mixing more than two metals may look mismatched rather than stylish.

     

    5. Introduce a New Style

    Recent events have prohibited many homeowners from completely modernizing their kitchens. Still, even farmhouse chic and cottage-style spaces can get a modern update when a homeowner carefully introduces mid-century modern or industrial elements into the mix. Look to lighting, cabinet and drawer hardware, and barstools for a quick and cheap modern update.

    6. Remove Upper Cabinets

    Skipping upper cabinets gives a kitchen a modern and minimalist look with an open and airy feel. Many homeowners embracing this trend use sleek wooden shelves in place of cabinets to neatly display utilitarian things, such as teak bowls, instead of hiding them.

    7. Plant a Tree

    If you have the space to add a unique architectural element to your kitchen, consider planting a tree in a custom modern planter. A floor-to-ceiling olive tree makes a striking statement in a minimalist kitchen, bringing a touch of nature into a setting that might otherwise appear too clean.

    8. Hang Dramatic Modern Lighting

    Kitchens can receive a modern lift with a dramatic and bold pendant light, perhaps a vintage or period piece. Go glam with gold or keep it cool with chrome, but ensure that your light is one of just a few focal points in the space to avoid creating an antique shop vibe.

    9. Embrace Simplicity

    A crisp modern kitchen finds appeal in the simplicity of its cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and appliances. In a simple or minimalist modern kitchen, focus on the utilitarian aspect of the space and treat it as a blank canvas for creating culinary works of art.

    10. An All-Wood Makeover

    Modern doesn’t have to be all about metals. An entirely wood kitchen, from flooring and wall paneling to cabinetry and countertops, can be stunning if well thought out. This design move, while risky, can prove timeless and memorable for homeowners who do their due diligence researching various kinds of wood and complementary finishes.

    Ready to buy a new home and design a modern kitchen? Or update your current space and then sell? Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate can help you through the process.

  • Home Trends: What’s In and What’s Out in 2024

    A new year is ushering in a fresh collection of home trends with fun and funky styles we’ve seen before sitting alongside modern design ideas revamped for 2024.

    Retro-inspired curvy furniture, mixed metals, and mass-market design collars will make their way into homes across the United States in a big way.

    What are homeowners forgetting about for the new year? All-white interiors, extreme minimalism, and farmhouse style are now deemed too ordinary to trend, among other design ideas.

    Here’s what’s in and out among home trends for 2024.

    What’s In

    Curvy Furniture

    Curvy furniture will make a statement again next year in sofas, coffee tables, and dining tables. The flowy and organic look of these sculptural furnishings promotes a feeling of calm while exhibiting high style, an aesthetic many homeowners are on board with. There are countless ways to complete a room’s look focusing on curvilinear furniture, such as pairing a round sofa with a morphing or teardrop-shaped coffee table.

    Art Gallery-Style Spaces

    Ultra-modern interior design setups like those in art museums will have their moment in 2024. Think clean lines, bold colors, and eye-catching patterns for lighting, textiles, and furniture, all coming together in a perfectly arranged visual statement that demands attention.

    Mixed Metals

    Mixed metals will be a hit with tons of opportunities to embrace brass, bronze, nickel, and chrome simultaneously. While mixing metals in bathrooms and kitchens can produce a harmonious look, and living rooms and dining rooms may receive an impressive update through the use of various metals, experts still say to stick to two metal tops in any design scheme.

    Mass-Market Design

    Because 2023 was a massive year for interior design collaborations between mass-market retailers and big-name designers, we expect this trend to amplify in 2024. Only, expect a number of these style-driven partnerships to reveal themselves through more approachable and affordable brands.

    Bold Colors

    Bold and vibrant purples like deep magenta and playful plum will take the spotlight in interior design in the coming year, as will other hues that promote a sense of happiness and whimsey. Uplifting teal and royal emerald will also trend as homeowners strive to create celebratory and joyful spaces.

    Low-Impact Decor

    Reducing waste has long been on trend as a general way of living, and now there’s a huge push for the low-impact movement to make its way into interior design. There’ll be a momentous turn toward zero-impact furnishings and decor that reduces a homeowner’s carbon footprint. Brands that create furniture from sustainable or recycled materials will likely see more business, and designers will probably focus on locally sourced and thrifted pieces.

    Spa-Like Bathrooms

    Creating a blissful space to escape and rejuvenate is trending among homeowners. Bathrooms, in particular, in 2024 will likely get makeovers that accentuate luxe living. This means that spa bathrooms will trend with amenities like backlit mirrors, spa lighting, steam showers, and even cold plunges.

    What’s Out

    All-White Interiors

    Many homeowners love the look of an all-white space with white walls, flooring, cabinets, and countertops. While this aesthetic can give a home a clean and airy feel, plenty of designers say the trend for 2024 will be to integrate more color into pristine spaces. Bold paint and tile, for example, can add interest to an otherwise bland room. Even kitchen backsplashes can get new life with warmer and more inviting tones.

    Extreme Minimalism

    Extreme minimalism in furniture and finishes will take a backseat next year to more functional and thoughtful design. Doors without handles or knobs, and bare walls lacking texture, may appear sleek but can tend to come off as uninviting and sterile.

    Farmhouse Style

    In the last decade, you’d be hard-pressed to find a mainstream design magazine or mass-market decor store that didn’t embrace the farmhouse style in some fashion. According to the experts, thought, this look that incorporates design elements like wide plank flooring, reclaimed wood art pieces, and rustic finishes is on its way out.

    Recessed Lighting

    Say goodbye to predictable recessed lighting and embrace statement light fixtures and hidden lighting instead. Recessed lights can take away from a room’s charm and reduce its overall aesthetic to function instead of flair. To stay on trend, opt for unique and creative fixtures that blend in with your design or become a focal point of it rather than detract from it.

    Faux Limewash Walls

    Design trends for 2024 will focus on authenticity in expression and implementation. While walls painted to resemble a rustic texture surely don’t scream ‘genuine,’ you can get this look stylishly by affixing natural stone in a modern way with interior stacked stone veneer wall panels.

    Are you looking to buy and makeover a home in 2024 or renovate yours and sell it? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® help you when you’re ready.

  • Choosing Green Furniture for Your Home

    Eco-friendly interior design choices, like selecting green furniture for the home, are increasingly popular. Buyers are choosing décor made from sustainable materials, vintage furnishings, or pieces utilizing environmentally friendly production methods. In fact, simply choosing a piece that is made locally or transported using high-efficiency practices can reduce the carbon footprint associated with that purchase. If you are interested in making more earth-friendly decorating choices, read on as we review some of the easiest and most affordable ways to find green furniture that you will love.

    Check for the Seal

    When buying new green furniture, check if the piece you are considering has a Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) seal. Member manufacturers pledge to take significant steps to reduce and minimize their carbon footprint. Cradle to Cradle certification is another excellent tool for determining if a particular piece of furniture was made sustainably. The Spruce explains: “The certification covers factors such as eco-friendly materials, renewable energy use, water use, and impact on people and communities.” The certification applies to items made anywhere in the world and can be found on products from furniture to eco-friendly window treatments and flooring.

    Select Vintage or Secondhand Items

    Martha Stewart Living is a big fan of buying “kinder” furniture when designing more eco-friendly rooms. Thrifting for secondhand finds, restoring family heirloom pieces, and shopping for vintage treasures are easy ways to add green furniture to your home. From Chesterfield sofas to Knoll tables, you’ll love incorporating storied pieces that will instantly give your space a bespoke feeling while supporting your eco-friendly design goals. Plus, a unique secondhand find is an instant conversation starter when entertaining.

    Interior designer Rebecca Hay agrees that for anyone searching for a green way forward, vintage or secondhand furniture has numerous benefits beyond having little to zero carbon footprint. Hay relates to My Domaine: “‘Older craftsman furniture has been made to last, and has a longer lifespan over new big-box store furniture that is sometimes not well-built, causing you to shop again and throw away yet another piece of furniture into a landfill, and the imperfections in the furniture add to its character and can tell an old story in a new space.’”

    Choose Furniture Made from Renewable Resources

    Green furniture is crafted from materials that are recycled, repurposed, or exhibit other eco-friendly qualities, including being made from renewable resources. The Spruce notes that “bamboo grows quickly and easily, so it’s a good choice for a renewable resource.” Furniture made from wicker and rattan are also appealing options, according to the Magazine, for anyone looking “for ways to reduce the use of plastics and manmade materials in the home.”

    When choosing wood furniture, the experts tell The Spruce that shoppers should focus on “solid wood like walnut, teak, oak, or maple.” As opposed to particleboard or MDF, solid wood furniture will last longer and does not rely on chemical adhesives to stay together.

    Also, look for natural fibers on upholstered furniture. Jute is a durable, natural fiber often seen wrapping headboards and bed frames in rustic-chic bedrooms. Designer Niche Interiors explains to The Spruce that they are committed to sustainable design and focus on building “custom upholstered pieces made from natural latex foam wrapped in organic wool.” Furniture upholstered in linen can showcase a fabric that is biodegradable, versatile, and stylish. Organic linens in natural tones do not go through the bleaching processes common to pure white versions of the material and avoid the use of harmful dyes.

    Support Sustainable Manufacturing

    If possible, before purchasing new furniture, investigate a company’s manufacturing practices. Do they support fair trade policies? Do they work to mitigate potential harm to the community or the environment where the piece is produced? Looking for a sustainable certification may help answer these questions, but not always.

    You’ll also want to focus on purchasing furniture that uses nontoxic stains, paint, or sealants; otherwise, you risk off-gassing as the new furnishings can release some unhealthy fumes into the air. As Niche Interiors tells The Spruce, they like “to avoid mass produced furniture upholstered with petroleum-based flame retardants,” opting instead for working with local artisans for handcrafted furniture that employ safe, organic elements.

    Buy Locally

    One way to ensure that your furniture is greener is to thrift from nearby sellers or buy from area craftspeople who build furniture using locally sourced renewable materials. Of course, that isn’t always an option. If you are hoping to acquire a new item that needs to be shipped, check how the company transports its goods to your area. Review their website to see if the company makes efforts to reduce packaging or strives for other efficiencies.

    Rent the Trends

    Generally speaking, designers will caution against decorating with the trends in mind. As the experts at My Domaine suggest, “focus on what you love—not what everyone else loves.” Following this mantra will help your space stand the test of time and reduce the waste that often comes with trying to keep up with the latest styles. However, if a trend has captured your imagination, there is a more sustainable way to test it in your home. Kimberly White, Head of Home Quality Standards & Design at Vacasa, tells The Spruce: “Renting furniture items is another trend that is in line with sustainable practices yet still allows consumers to enjoy the latest looks.”

  • New Traditional Style

    The New Traditional home trend is making its way into our homes and our hearts. Max Wilker, Style Director at Dotdash Meredith, discusses how the look is all about utilizing what was once old and reimagining it with a fresh new finish or bold print fabric. Traditional styling offers chic layering of classic furniture with contemporary accessories. Wilker states, “It’s about freely mixing decades of furnishings with colors, silhouettes, and proportions all working together for a cohesive look.” Discover how to transform your home below.

    How to achieve the New Traditional style:

    • Find velvet chairs – preferably in a deep, rich tone to anchor the room
    • Create a traditional fireplace
    • Look for pieces with embroidered details
    • Try floral wallpapers
    • Design with gold and brass lighting and accessories
    • Use a mix of wood stains
    • Find a vintage brass mirror
    • Incorporate a traditional wingback chair
    • Use furniture with simple lines and minimal ornamentation
    • Colors to use include deep rich tones of green, blue, purple, and burgundy balances with softer and more neutral hues

     

  • Mid-Century Modern – Then and Now

    In honor of Better Homes & Gardens® celebrating its 100th anniversary, we are taking a look at previous home trends that are making their way back into our lives. Keep an eye out for more of our ‘Then and Now’ blogs to learn about these looks and how to achieve the trends we are thrilled have returned. 

    From the past to the present:  

    The midcentury modern movement originated during the middle of the 20th century and was the organic result of modernism. People wanted to embrace a more organic way of living which is why the style is rooted in functionality and simplicity with a lot of clean lines. After World War II, cities expanded, and the demand for modern furnishings for the newly built homes emerged. Technological advancements also resulted in the production of new materials, which led to the creation and exploration of unique shapes and various textures. 

    What makes up Mid-Century Modern design? 

    Mid-century modern is all about functional wooden pieces, clean lines, and curved designs. The look is simple, with a focus on comfort. It’s no surprise the aesthetic design remains timeless and is back in style. Mid-century modern homes usually have a sleek feel and mix natural and artificial materials. There’s also a continuity between the indoors and outdoors, which is why plants play a key role in the decor. This can also be seen in the color palette, which mostly consists of natural hues and colors rooted in nature. Pops of color are also added, especially bright yellows and beautiful teals. 

    How to achieve the Mid-Century Modern look: 

    • Embrace a natural color palette with a few pops of bright colors throughout.  
    • Consider olive green, pale pinks and other muted tones, orange, bright yellow, and a variety of teals and aquamarine colors. 
    • Build a space around a few statement pieces. 
    • Bring in potted plants. 
    • Focus on function. 
    • Incorporate wood furniture made of teak or oak. 
    • Include organic and curved shapes.  
    • Add brass details around your home. 
    • Hang big and bold artwork, especially with large graphic shapes.  
    • Favor statement lighting. Add hanging lights or pendant lighting that look like artwork.  
    • Embrace open spaces and aim for flow.  
    • Ditch the clutter and say goodbye to an abundance of knickknacks.  

  • Art Deco – Then and Now

    In honor of Better Homes & Gardens® celebrating its 100th anniversary, we are taking a look at previous home trends that are making their way back into our lives. Keep an eye out for more of our ‘Then and Now’ blogs to learn about these looks and how to achieve the trends we are thrilled to have returned.

    From the past to the present:

    Art deco was popular in America and Europe throughout the 20s, 30s, and 40’s, and now the iconic style is making its way back into our homes. The advances in modern technology in the 20s inspired the look, which can be seen in the geometric shapes and smooth lines. Today, people are saying goodbye to grays and minimalism and looking to liven up their spaces by embracing the glamor and elegance of the Art Deco trend with modern twists. Read on to discover just how you can reboot those sophisticated silhouettes.

    art deco style room

    What is Art Deco?

    What exactly makes up the art deco style? It’s a bold yet luxurious look with symmetrical motifs, patterns, and bright colors. It’s all about making a big statement and trying to create an elegant yet fun space. Some ingredients that make up this strong look are geometric shapes, gold and metallic pieces, arch designs, and of course, decadent detailing.

    art deco style room with mirror and wallpaper

    How to achieve the Art Deco look:

    • Embrace striking colors such as deep yellows, greens, blues, purples, and pinks
    • Bring in geometric shapes such as triangles and trapezoids
    • Incorporate luxurious looking fabrics such as velvet
    • Consider silver, gold, chrome, and black accents
    • Include metallic accents
    • Use polished wood and lacquer finishes
    • Consider a sunburst mirror
    • Go gold and go for opulence
    • Tap into patterns! Look for wallpapers, cushions, and rugs with patterns such as leaves, trapezoids, chevrons, or zigzags
    • Think about furniture that adheres to the streamlined, symmetrical, and modern look
    • Bring in sweeping curves
    • Go glam with a striking chandelier or a vintage piece

    couch and coffee table in art deco style living room

  • Redefined Farmhouse Style

    Redefined Farmhouse is a very popular home trend, and we can see why. Max Wilker, Style Director at Dotdash Meredith, talks about how this look is a fresh, modern twist on the traditional farmhouse style of the past. “It’s still relaxed and comfortable but has visual cues of clean lines, modern sensibilities, and simplicity, plus hints of industrial,” he stated. Wilker recommends sticking to a neutral color palette with saturated, high-contrast tones partnered with black accents when creating this look in your home. It’s about creating a warm and cozy space full of charm and character while not looking overly rustic or modern. Learn how to transform your home below.

    modern kitchen with arrows and transform tips

    How to achieve the Refined Farmhouse style:

    • Stick to a neutral color palette for an open and airy look
    • Use light and medium-toned woods
    • Say hello to shiplap walls
    • Try to balance the old and new
    • Incorporate industrial or barn-inspired lighting
    • Get an apron-front sink
    • Have clean and smooth lines
    • Add wood beams to the ceiling
    • Use pops of colors sparingly. You can do this with plants and blue hand towels or pillows
    • Add texture, whether with furniture, stone, textured walls, or with fabrics and upholstery
    • Consider matte or brushed finishes
    • Add black accents to create a beautiful contrast

    Shop this look:

  • Maximalism – Then and Now

    In honor of Better Homes & Gardens® celebrating its 100th anniversary, we are taking a look at previous home trends that are making their way back into our lives. Keep an eye out for more of our ‘Then and Now’ blogs to learn about these looks and how to achieve the trends we are thrilled to have returned.

    From the past to the present:

    Believe it or not, Maximalism has been around for decades. It started off as a way to showcase your riches, as people collected exquisite objects and put them on display. La­­ter on, the trend became more focused on displaying your personality. In the 70s, it evolved into a popular interior design trend, and today, the fun and playful layers are popping back up to say hello. After spending an abnormal amount of time indoors due to the pandemic, people started looking for more joy in their homes – which is exactly what this trend is all about, JOY.

    living room with many objects

    What is Maximalism?

    Maximalism is about saying goodbye to the rules and embracing fun patterns, colors, and textures. The interior design trend is about creating joy in your space and embracing self-expression. When designing a space, you don’t have to hold back or worry about things clashing. Use layers of texture and colors and tell a story in your home that makes you smile. Put your personality on display.

    wall wit wallpaper, vintage table and floral chair

    How to achieve Maximalism in interior design:

    • Use bold and vibrant colors
    • Layer, layer, layer
    • Put meaningful items on display that make you smile or remind you of a happy memory
    • Let your personality show, and don’t worry if others will like it
    • Use patterns such as floral and animal prints
    • Embrace wallpaper, even on the ceiling
    • Put out statement pieces such as a unique antique or a playful rug
    • Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles
    • Make your home an expression of you

    living room with many frames hanging on the wall

  • Inviting Winter Home Decor for Your Front Door

    Do you want to give your winter home decor a lift? Are you hoping to make small changes that will improve your curb appeal? You might be surprised to learn that you can achieve both of those goals by simply upgrading your front door styling. By focusing on nature-inspired ideas and an array of paint colors and textures, you can make your home’s front door into an attractive showpiece this winter.

    Repaint Your Front Door

    Traditional wisdom made repainting your home’s front door in winter unheard of, but modern paint technology means that you don’t have to live in Southern California or Florida to refresh your front door with new paint now. If the temperatures are projected to stay above 35 degrees on and around your painting days, the most challenging part of this winter home decor project is choosing the color you love the most. 

    Southern Living is a fan of giving your home a facelift by elevating your front door with a pop of color. But take it slowly first. The Magazine recommends: “Before going all in on one color, test a few shades to see which works best with your home’s existing facade. Brush on a few different hues, and see how they look in the sunlight at different points throughout the day.” The Magazine loves choosing a bright yellow that evokes a Mid-Century Modern feel, a deep blue “like Naval (SW 6244) by Sherwin-Williams, to complement a white façade,” “all-American red (Heritage Red (HC-181) by Benjamin Moore) for a Tudor-style home,” or a deep plum that works “best for Georgian architecture.”  

    Design Winter Container Gardens

    We often forget that there are beautiful nature-inspired decor options that can bring joy to your doorstep even in winter. Southern Living agrees. If you took the first step of repainting your front door, the Magazine offers this tip: “To take your curb appeal project a step further, pair a freshly painted front door with a grouping of seasonal containers.”  

    Better Homes & Gardens enjoys creating winter container gardens as a way to brighten front doorsteps, porches, and decks. They advise creating displays that “aim to have a bold focal point in the center and include something that drapes over the side (think: thriller, filler, and spiller).” Do you love the look of evergreens? If so, follow the Magazine’s lead by placing narrow birch branches in the center of your container and fir branches around the bottom of the birch. Then, “tuck in pine, cedar, and juniper branches around the container until you have a full arrangement.” From there, Better Homes & Gardens suggests that you can get additional visual intrigue by arranging winterberry stems or “dried hydrangeas, pinecones, or dried seed pods” as accents (which should be placed in front, if the container is pushed up against the exterior wall. And, voila! You have appealing winter home decor that will look fantastic throughout the season. 

    Hang a Winter Wreath

    Wreaths are not just for the holidays. Depending on how they are crafted, wreaths can be the perfect way to transition your front door from holiday festive to winter chic. Martha Stewart Living is a fan of crafting wood flower wreaths because, unlike flowers that may wilt as soon as the temperatures dip, the “tapioca wood flowers used in [our] easy-to-make wreath will be in ‘bloom’ throughout the season’s holidays and the years to come.” Other wreath options that make their “must-try” lists include hard-shelled nut wreaths, succulent wreaths, and, of course, pinecone wreaths accented with winter berries. 

    One of Southern Living’s favorite wreaths incorporates the look of citrus. The Magazine explains this colorful DIY project: “Using thin florist wire, create bunches with artificial citrus fruits, laurel branches, and berry branches; lay bunches on top of the frame, concentrating them in two opposite corners of the wreath.” The rest of the wire frame is filled out with bay branches. Not only is the end-result of this winter home decor project ideal for the season, but it will serve you well as you usher in spring.  

    Sunburst Winter Door Decor

    If you have ever been tempted to add an elegant mirror to your home’s front door, now may be the time. Designers at Better Homes & Gardens applaud the idea of “[creating] an elegant wintertime entryway with a gold starburst mirror set between two wreaths.” This winter home decor accessory is reminiscent of Art Deco and 1970’s designs while also being thoroughly modern. It’s unexpected and stunning – something you and your guests will love seeing during a blustery season. 

    Make Your Mark on Your Home

    If you love using chalk paint to create home decor, Martha Stewart Living has the perfect DIY project for you: A “Chalk-Painted Monogram Wooden Plaque.” We adore this affordable project because it allows you to put a unique stamp and personal signature on your front door without significant commitment. Any time you want to change the message, you can. If you want something slightly more permanent, like the gold stenciled monogram that the Magazine favors, you can do that, too. It’s also a project that doesn’t require a lot of time or supplies. As Martha Stewart Living reports: “Using craft and garden supplies you may already have, and a coat or two of matte-finish white chalk paint, [you can] turn your stoop into a stunner.” 

    Embrace Small Improvements

    Real Simple encourages readers to think about the details when upgrading their winter home decor. “From sconces to numbers, the right outdoor accoutrements bring polish to any style of house,” according to the Magazine. Matte-brass lion front door knockers are wonderful additions to traditional homes. Doormats that boast geometric patterns are favored by the Magazine for “modern, Arts and Crafts, ranch, and split-level homes.” Meanwhile, quaint door-adjacent accessories, like a “copper gooseneck light [and] hammered house numbers” are perfect for any home with a cottage or farmhouse vibe. When refreshing your winter home decor, the delight really is in the details.

  • Cozy Winter Decor Ideas That Will Delight Until Spring

    Are you searching for winter decor ideas to keep you feeling cozy and inspired during the frosty months ahead? Winter decorations go far beyond the traditional holiday delights. From candle lanterns to versatile porch styling, there is a wide range of options for anyone who wants to give their space a refresh that won’t feel dated when the new year arrives. Read on as we reveal some of our favorite (and easy to implement) winter decor ideas. 

    Introduce a Soft Glow

    There is something remarkably inviting about the soft glow of candlelight in the winter. In fact, it inspired one of Better Homes & Garden’s favorite winter decor ideas: Garland candle lanterns. The Magazine recommends taking your hurricane lanterns out from storage (or thrifting them) and encircling the glass with fabric wire. From there, they suggest that DIYers “use greenery and white berries or even fresh herbs or juniper berries to decorate.” This is such a simple DIY project, but you’ll love seeing their cozy presence on mantels, buffets, and dining tables throughout the season.  

    Add Textile Wall Hangings

    Do you have an empty white wall that has been hard for you to decorate? Consider adding a natural textile wall hanging. If you are interested in purchasing something for the space, pick a piece made from natural fabrics like wool, hemp, or even bamboo. In fact, you might be surprised to learn how popular 1970s-inspired macramé is right now. There’s a cozy nostalgia to these knotted art pieces made thoroughly modern with a reclaimed wood support beam. If you are looking to DIY the hanging textile, Better Homes & Gardens reveals: “Simply loop chunky yarn pieces around a piece of driftwood and cut ends at an angle to form a center point. Embellish with beads and tassels to add color or add knots to add structure to the wall hanging.” Before you know it, that empty wall will be so eye-catching, you will wonder why you didn’t try this project sooner.

    Ward Off the Winter Chill

    As soon as the temperature dips, it’s time to wrap yourself in luxurious textiles made from natural fabrics. Midwest Living recommends “[replacing] bright summer florals with subdued blanket plaids, or [nestling] into tactile fabrics in soft colors,” as well as “[draping] a couch with a fuzzy angora throw (and [wrapping] up to watch TV)….” Flannel sheets are always a delight to sink into, and you’ll love sleeping in a room darkened with thick velvet drapes. Not only will the fabrics help you ward off the chill, but this winter decor idea brings instant visual warmth to your space.

    Layer Textured Blankets

    Real Simple describes this time of year as a “season of nesting,” which makes it the perfect time to enjoy “‘chunky knitted blankets, cozy throws, and lots of textile layering, [to add] warmth and coziness to the home in the colder months,’” according to home design expert Justina Blakeney. If you have a metal frame bed, you can embrace this winter decor idea by draping a folded earthy-hued blanket over the frame to create a cozier looking headboard. You also can achieve a layered look even with your summer-weight duvet. As Real Simple explains, you can just as easily “layer a knitted cotton throw over your linen duvet” before snuggling in for a much-welcomed nap or some serious reading time.  

    Transition Your Accessories

    Small changes can transform your space into a haven during the blustery winter months. Midwest Living loves the idea of replacing a simple lampshade with “a velvety suede alternative.” Soften your lightbulbs so that you can enjoy a subtle golden cast in late winter afternoons and evenings. You can even “skirt a table and layer on a nubby wool throw” in warm earth tones to bring visual interest, as well as a general feeling of being cocooned and insulated against the elements.  

    Spray a Calming Scent

    A particular scent can inspire memory, a sense of comfort, and peace. If the winter season has you feeling stressed, Justina Blakeney tells Real Simple readers that it may be time to spray aromas that are calming – like Lavender. Blakeney is also a fan of “‘earthy scents like myrrh, frankincense, and sandalwood [which] are great for the winter because they are grounding, promote balance, and are the next best thing if you (like me) don’t have a fireplace to cozy up next to!’” Every person has one or two scents that they respond to more strongly than others. Vanilla is also a classic choice, and it might just inspire you to start baking to brighten a wintry afternoon.  

    Bring Your Winter Decor Ideas Outside

    Design experts at Martha Stewart Living are urging readers not to forget their favorite summer perch: The porch. With a few quick changes, you can create a snug nook to enjoy even when the temperatures plummet. Of course, adding cozy throws is among the Magazine’s favorite winter decor ideas, but they also applaud the additions of versatile wooden benches, which can be made “seasonally appropriate by changing out your summer or fall outdoor pillows for a set that feels more wintery.” They also love adding handcrafted doormats that “can withstand the heaviest dirt, mud, snow, and more,” log hoops for some rustic charm that is “both functional and stylish,” lustrous string lights, and a welcoming wreath. 

    While it is true that wreaths are often associated with the holidays, Martha Stewart Living suggests trying a fragrant wreath that will instantly put you in a positive mood. Among their favorites is the Creekside Farms Fragrant Pod Wreath. It’s a picture-perfect winter decor idea “made up of three kinds of eucalyptus leaves, nigella flowers, and sculptural lotus pods.” You might love it so much that you may be tempted to leave it up long after the snow has melted.