When the days become shorter and the cold air starts blowing in, we all look forward to making new memories with loved ones, celebrating the holidays, and enjoying more time indoors. Embracing the holiday season and cozying up at home with your family is important every year, but it feels even more necessary at the end of 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic. To help your year end on a high note and make the most of your home during the winter months, Ashley Homestore is here to help. Check out these seven simple tips to spread cheer and warmth from your front porch to your bedroom this winter. 

Prioritize Curb Appeal

There are plenty of reasons to celebrate during the winter months, which often mean you can expect to be hosting parties and entertaining guests more than usual. Make sure your house is ready for drop-in visitors or holiday events by freshening up the entryway with stylish and practical pieces. Start by dressing your front door with a festive wreath or door hanger. Next, fill your planters or flower pots with seasonal greenery that will be sure to look fabulous all winter long, such as Boston ivy or winter jasmine. It doesn’t take much to make a great first impression with a little curb appeal. 

Freshen Up the Entryway

Once your front porch and doorway are looking their best, it’s time to revamp your foyer to set a welcoming tone for when visitors make their way into your home. To give your entryway a bit of winter flare, consider decorating your entryway table with decor that is both attractive and functional. For a rustic yet affordable touch, consider displaying branches or fir trimmings in a simple glass vase. Don’t forget to provide a comfortable spot for your guests to sit to take off the boots, such as a bench, as well as a basket to tuck them away. Finally, a basket of cozy blankets will have everyone who walks through your door feeling right at home.

Add Winter Colors

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean that you can’t decorate with colors that are bright and cheery. Mixing rich, vibrant color schemes into your living spaces is a wonderful way to make them feel festive and inviting. Rather than the pastels and subtle hues you may have used earlier in the year, however, bring in dark greens, deep blues, or rich reds to make your room pop while still feeling seasonally appropriate. If you tend to gravitate more toward neutrals, fear not! Embracing a winter white theme can give your home a clean, modern vibe if done appropriately. Just be sure to choose white pieces that will add dimension and visual intrigue to the space, such as a chunky throw blanket, fluffy area rug, or miniature flocked Christmas trees.

Bring in Pattern & Texture

When it comes to setting a stylish tone in your home, pattern and texture play a huge role. While simple fabrics and subtle patterns may be ideal for the warmer months, don’t be afraid to embrace bolder options during the winter. If you aren’t sure how to effortlessly incorporate more texture into your space, don’t worry. It’s easier than you may think. Swapping out your everyday accent pillows for seasonal plaid ones, throwing a heavy sweater blanket on your sectional, or adding a sheepskin rug are simple ways to elevate the coziness of your home in an instant.

Incorporate Outdoor Elements

There’s something about bringing outdoor elements inside your home decor that can instantly make it feel more inviting. The good news is this is an easy trend to accomplish, especially for folks on a budget. Whether you throw a few pine cones into a bowl to set on your coffee table, display a vase of magnolia, eucalyptus, or spruce clippings in your kitchen, or mix in bare branches from the yard onto your tablescape, a few rustic elements can help any space in your home feel charming and warm. 

Make it Cozy

It doesn’t matter how beautiful your winter home decor is if it doesn’t make your home more comfortable for your family and guests. After all, the holiday season is all about cozying up with the ones you love most. With this in mind, be sure to incorporate items that will add warmth and dimension to your home during the colder months, such as:

• Extra throw pillows on your sofa, chairs, and bed
• Plush blankets in your living room, bedroom, and perhaps even on your patio
• Area rugs to keep your toes warm on bare floors
• Twinkle lights to make any room feel magical and bright
• Scented candles or essential oil diffusers to help your home smell as good as it looks

Don’t Forget the Fireplace

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, winter is its time to shine! To ensure that your fireplace is the star of the show as you relax and entertain this season, be sure to arrange your furniture in a way that encourages people to gather around the fireplace, such as two armchairs positioned on either side of it or a sofa facing it. Once your seating arrangement is complete, it’s time to focus on the mantel. When it comes to designing a chic winter-inspired mantel, remember that less is more. Layering a seasonal wreath in front of a mirror is an easy way to keep it simple yet sophisticated. As for accessories, you can’t go wrong with elegant white candles of varying sizes or tea lights for a romantic vibe. 

Decorating your home for winter doesn’t have to be extravagant or complicated. With a few outdoor elements, the right combinations of color and texture, and some cozy details, your home is sure to be as gorgeous as it is inviting this holiday season. For everything you need to elevate any room in your home this winter, the design team at Ashley Homestore is here for you. Contact us or stop by our two showroom locations in Green Valley or Tucson today to learn more about bringing your winter decor dreams to life.