Many spend weeks carefully decorating for the holidays, only to pack it all away by January. But what if you could keep the warmth and sparkle of festive decor alive throughout the entire winter season?
With a few simple adjustments, you can make your decorations last well beyond the traditional holiday window, transitioning from merry and bright to cozy and serene. Two interior designers share their strategies for maximizing seasonal decor without feeling stuck in a December loop.
The Key: Edit, Don’t Eliminate
The first step is not to dismantle everything on December 26th, but to refine it. Wendy Glaister, CEO of Wendy Glaister Interiors, recommends immediately after the holidays, removing overtly festive items while retaining elements that evoke winter’s coziness.
“The goal is a serene and comfortable home, not one stripped bare,” Glaister explains. This means Santa figurines go into storage, but warm textures and subtle lights stay put.
Embrace Nature-Inspired Elements
While fresh holiday greenery won’t last, natural materials are perfect for extending the aesthetic. Andrea Sinkin Jaffe, owner of Andrea Sinkin Design, suggests using branches in vases, bowls of pinecones, or even logs and citrus fruits.
“These bring a peaceful, natural look that fits seamlessly into winter,” Jaffe notes. Unlike candy canes, these elements remain relevant even in February.
Stick to White Lights
Colored lights are fun but limit decor flexibility. White lights, however, create a magical wintery glow without being tied to a specific holiday.
“White lights feel warm without being overtly Christmas-themed,” Jaffe says, using them both indoors and outdoors.
Simplify Your Color Palette
After the holidays, remove colors strongly associated with Christmas—red and green, for example. Focus instead on softer neutrals like warm whites, taupes, and smoky grays paired with natural wood tones.
“These colors feel calm and restorative,” Glaister explains. Black also transitions well, as velvet ribbons or bows look chic in winter without screaming “holiday.”
Add Subtle Shine, Not Glitter
The sparkle of the holidays doesn’t have to end in December. Instead of glitter, focus on materials that reflect light in a subtler way.
“Disco balls, mirrors, brass, marble, or glass accents create elegance without feeling kitschy,” Glaister advises. This maintains shine without the seasonal association.
Prioritize Cozy Lighting
The warm glow of holiday lights can be retained by layering with other sources: table lamps, sconces, and candles. Dimmable, warm lighting creates instant coziness without feeling strictly festive.
Layer Warm Textures
Cozy throw blankets and wool details feel welcome throughout the winter, not just during the holidays. These elements create a retreat from the cold, making your decor feel inviting year-round.
The key to lasting winter decor is subtlety: nature-inspired elements, neutral colors, and cozy lighting create an atmosphere that feels warm and inviting, regardless of the month.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a seamlessly decorated home throughout the entire winter season, avoiding the abrupt transition from festive cheer to bare walls.
