We did it! We survived 2020 and a very (for a lack of better word) unique holiday season. Since we were spending most of our holiday time at home this year, I pulled out all the stops to make it feel as normal as possible. However, now it seems that the post-holiday décor slump is even more pronounced in my home. By “post-holiday décor slump” I mean that the mantels that once boasted full garland now look bare and the corner of my living room that featured a magnificent tree, a bit empty. The lack of Christmas cheer is leaving me in a bit of a funk. We run into the same dilemma in the shop – where do we even start with bringing life back into our spaces after such a full and magical time of year?
Though it might be tempting, there is no need to pack up the whole house just yet. Starting fresh is much easier when focusing on one small area at a time. Whether that small space is your mantel, a tabletop, or an entryway, starting with a blank slate is the way to go. Whether at the shop or in my home, I like to start by taking everything off my surfaces and shelves, seasonal or not! It is a good excuse to dust off the pine needles and get everything back into tip top shape before I start filling my spaces back up.
This time of year, I like to start easing into spring slowly – you never know what is going to catch your eye over the next few months! Plus, winter has only officially just begun! Breaking out the “everyday” décor is a fabulous way to let your room shine in the awkward in-between months before we start to thaw out and the spring season is in full bloom. At the shop we like to utilize a lot of white and cream accessories to build a strong foundation for anything that comes after. Neutral patterns in your tabletops, bedding, and textiles add depth to your rooms while still allowing a fresh aura and calm feeling for this after the holidays resting period. After the hustle and bustle of the last few months, it is nice to see some clean surfaces and let the chinoiserie and delicate accessories I have really shine and have their moment before the tulips and bunnies arrive!
While we don’t know what this year will bring, I welcome the change and appreciate the opportunity to prepare for something new. The simplicity of décor this time of year reflects our hope and openness for whatever comes our way over the next twelve months. We will tackle it together, one day and one shelf at a time! Until next time – Happy Decorating!
Pretty and Painted: A New Way to Look at Wood Furniture
Scents of Spring
Simple Décor for Spooky Season
Two is Better Than One
Franki Parde says
January 4, 2021 at 5:16 pmAnticipation…waiting to see….franki
Eleanor says
January 4, 2021 at 6:01 pmI have always enjoyed your blogs. I have lived in four states: VA, TX, CO, and MI and I take exception to your statement “awkward in-between months before we start to thaw out and the spring season is in full bloom.” I have lived in MI over half my life and when my husband retires in June, (I have already retied due to COVID epidemic) we will be moving back to our home state, Virginia. While the winters in Michigan can drag on and on….into April some years….and can be very depressing, I love all seasons and love to look out my windows and see snow (at least into March). I am a huge holiday decorator and after I take down my Christmas decorations, I put up winter decorations, especially outside. The red ribbons and berries come off the (I have to admit) fake evergreen trees, loaded with white lights, in my planters on the front porch, along with the Christmas wreath. I add a snowman to my front door and frosty blue ribbons to my evergreen trees. along with a string of snowflakes. The lights on the trees and the candles in the window stay up at least through February and into March if there is still snow on the ground. I have to say I’m getting excited for this transition which I will make at the end of this week. I am a gardener and have many flower beds which I love, but spring doesn’t happen in MI until May. But I just can’t think of Jan. -March (and sometimes into April) as awkward. Drink hot cocoa with peppermint and savor these months that allow us to relax. Yes, we have to plow the driveway and driving can be a nightmare, but cozy up to a fire and enjoy the clean, crisp air.
Diane Myers says
January 4, 2021 at 7:46 pmThank you for your blog this week. It certainly cheered me up. This time of the year is very dark and gloomy here in Indiana. I do like the suggestions, though, of the previous writer. I really liked her ideas, however, I might use the red and white theme as Valentine’s Day will be here sooner than we think.
Rachael Will says
January 5, 2021 at 6:07 amI am in love with the white vases in these photos!! Where can I get one?!?!??!
Katie Laughridge says
January 5, 2021 at 9:43 amWe’ve got them at the shop! Just call our customer service gal at 816-979-3728 or email us at info@nellhills.com to order!