Cozy! That’s the word that best defines winter decor. I’ll bet you want your home to be cozy and offer a warm welcome to family and friends, especially at holiday time.

You don’t need to do major renovations or spend a small fortune. Simple little changes to your spaces add that extra feeling of comfort and warmth.

Here are some simple ways to create cozy winter decor:

Cozy winter decor means blankets everywhere

Winter always provides a great opportunity to pull out more blankets and have them all around the home, doing double duty, adding a nice casual style, along with providing actual warmth when needed.

Blankets are an inviting way to make your house more cozy and comfortable. You can use blankets on the sofa, on office furniture, over an armchair, on the porch bench, or anywhere you might want to add a little extra color and texture, and yes, warmth.

Switch out the rugs

Time to put away the sisal rugs and pull out some high and fluffy rugs. In summer, natural fiber rugs are the best choice because they are cooler, in winter it is the opposite.

This season, look for high-pile rugs…remember that key word: cozy.

Invest in pillows

Cushions give you such a great option to introduce colors and textures, as well as comfort. All three qualities together definitely make for a cozy environment. Carry the idea of “warm” throughout your decor upgrades at holiday time.

Here’s another tip: in the wintertime, use pillows with warm. tactile fabric covers, such as textured cloth, crochet, and velvet. Leave the satin covers for the summer.

Add some coziness with warm lighting

The color of the lamps also has a lot of relevance in winter decoration. The yellowish tones, considered warm, refer to fire, fireplaces and bonfires.

The warm colors that lamps and candles can introduce definitely enhances a mood of coziness. Yellowish, warm tones link to fireplaces and the hearth.

Light fixtures, lamps, and ceiling spots can easily convey warm tones of light that let you relax into the wintertime with family and friends.

Keep the whiter lights for places where focus and concentration are needed, such as the kitchen, office, and study.

Plants have their own lush warmth to add to your winter decor

Imagine plants like that yummy hug. Your house is more intimate, welcoming, and comfortable with them. They nicely pull a room together.

Plants are great for any room, whether bringing life and color into the living room, spreading vases around multiple rooms (vases also introduce variety with warm colors, textures, and natural tones), or even plants in the bathroom (they love the moist “hothouse” air).

Do be careful with your selection of plants. Remember that each of them requires a different light level. Research what works best in each location ahead of time.

Scatter candles to warm up your winter decor

Candles are the best! They decorate, illuminate and add warmth. That description is exactly what winter decoration is all about.

For safety reasons, it’s best to place candles in holders of some kind, preventing fires. Glass and mirrors tend to bounce the light all around, adding a nice touch, and metal support bases can add another dimension of warm color into the room.

Also, be mindful of where the candle will be lit. Avoid locations near flammable objects, such as curtains, or dry, papery decor.

Light up that fireplace (or bring one inside)

Winter is also the ideal time to put away the fan and light up that fireplace, of course.

You don’t need to have a masonry fireplace in your living room. Nowadays there are very efficient, portable fireplaces that add that extra warmth for a cozy winter environment.

I hope these winter decor ideas help you find simple cost-effective ways to dress up your home for a wintry, cozy mood this holiday season! If you’d like to have me bring some holiday styling to your home or office, contact me. You can choose a contact method right below this blog post. And feel free to give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399, and we can explore some lovely winter holiday decor ideas together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

Who doesn’t love Christmas decorations? If you got a chance to visit the Orlando Museum Council of 101’s recent Festival of Trees, I hope you were as inspired as I was.  

Held annually every November, Festival of Trees celebrates the beauty of the holiday season with designer-decorated trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, raffles, and more.

This is the 8th year that I’ve participated in the event as a designer and this year I designed not one, not two, but three trees! Whew! It was hard work but so much fun and best of all the proceeds go to the many charities supported by Council of 101.

Silver and Gold Make for an Elegant Combo

Metallica, sponsored by Corcoran Premier Reality. This beautiful and elegant tree mixes silver, gold, and white to create a timeless look.

The Metallica tree I created for Corcoran Premier Realty sold, which means I’ll be setting it up at the purchaser’s location of choice.

The Metallica tree’s skirt, made up of 5 yards of gold polyester material loosely draped around the base, adds the finishing touch.

A beautiful tree deserves to be in beautiful company. If your tree is in the dining area, or near it, don’t forget to show your dining room or buffet table some love. Using the same silver, gold, and white theme, I created a centerpiece to compliment the tree. The candles, feathers, linens, and flatware all add different textures to enhance the overall look.

Here Comes Christmas

Here Comes Christmas, sponsored by Orlando Health.

This is the 2nd year I’ve had the privilege to design a tree sponsored by Orlando Health. While red is a holiday staple, the lime green color really pops and makes any Christmas tree a bit cheerier. Instead of a traditional star on top, I created a tree topper from the same sprays I used in the décor to give the tree added dimension and interest.

May All of Your Wishes Come True

May All of Your Wishes Come True, sponsored by Jon Paul Trevasani, M.D. and the Staff of The Aesthetic Surgery Centre of Maitland.

Soft pinks and gold create a warm and traditional looking tree. I love how this tree gives off an old-fashioned Victorian vibe, yet still looks modern enough for today’s décor.

Want to Decorate Your Tree Like a Pro?

Your Christmas tree is the centerpiece of your holiday décor so give it all the attention it so rightly deserves. 

Here are some of my Pro-Tips to make your tree stand out this holiday season. Warning: Your tree might look so good that the family decides to come over every holiday!

• Invest in a high-quality artificial tree. Christmas trees crafted from premium materials provide sturdy and reliable support for decorations and can stand up to repeated use year after year, while maintaining its beautiful look. 
• Change out your ribbon every year to give your tree a “new” look.
• Use 2 types of ribbon on your tree—a solid and a print or 2 solids to create interest.
• Take the time to fully fluff and shape the branches. Fluffing the branches helps to make your Christmas tree look fuller and more natural. It can be time-consuming, but totally worth it!
• A new tree skirt can change the look of your tree but it doesn’t have to be expensive. I buy 5 yards of pretty fabric and drape it around the base to add a pop of color or interest. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box. In the past I’ve used a white fur rug (Ikea) as a tree skirt and it looked fabulous.
• Design around a theme. A professional-looking Christmas tree has a central look that ties the decorations together. Deciding on a theme before choosing your decorations sets the tone and gives you a clear idea on how to decorate your tree.
• Decorate from the top of the tree and then work towards the bottom. This way, you can easily check your design as you dress up your tree.
• Don’t forget tree picks and sprays. Tree picks and floral sprays come in many forms, such as decorated branches, twigs, berries, or even pine cones. Use them as subtle accents to complement the entire look of your tree. Grouping picks together using floral wire is a creative way to elevate the visual appeal of your tree without overpowering other decorations. Sprays are also great for adding a splash of color to wreaths and garlands, as well.

A beautiful Christmas tree takes time and patience to decorate, but the joy it will give you and your family during the holiday season makes it all worthwhile.

I hope these Christmas tree decorating pro tips have inspired you! If you’d like to have me create some seasonal holiday styling for your home or office decor, you can choose a contact method right below this blog post. And feel free to give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399, and we can explore some lovely seasonal Christmas holiday decor options together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.