As someone who has suffered from seasonal depression for years, I learned that decorating for winter did NOTHING for my mood. I go straight from Christmas to Spring. No pinecones. No snow flakes. I bring in plants and blue and green textiles and birds, etc. What a difference it made for how I feel. It's like a visual reminder that my favorite time of year isn't so far off after all ❤️ love all these pretty ideas
Oh I need that sign! I have less home size wise and still having a hard time figuring this house to be what i want. I have always had lots of,plants but this house has poor lighting and even my spider plants which I have used forever don’t like his house. A spider plant is easy snd one of the best for air purification. Maybe a light rug for the entry to warm it up? Andrea, don’t try for perfection, no home is perfect in every way. Your home is so beautiful, calm and full of life, love and comfort. Enjoy and don’t push to have it all just so! Love it all❤❤
We have those weeks on end gray days here in NE Ohio. The wind comes across Lake Erie and brings the clouds. Not the nice, white fluffy ones, but overcast ones. As one who suffers from Seasonal Depression, this is not great. However, I do what I can to create a space that is cozy and embraces these hibernation days. I don't rush myself or pressure myself with overloaded schedules. Live plants and lighting helps as you have said. Thank you for your wonderful videos. I love them!
If you're looking for a supre hardy plant, try Pothos. It's lovely and tolerates so much!! My husband had one from before we were married that his dog knocked over daily and which he neglected to water for months at a time. We now have babies of that plant (as well as the original) in many rooms and have given them as gifts to friends and family over the years.
Even adding brighter ribbons to tie back your curtains helps , cinnamon pinecones, change your fake flowers , or maybe even add a new rug 😊simple lil things that add up
You are adorable! Just had to get that out of the way. 😊 I love real plants indoors. Touches of real greenery make me happy. It brings a home to life. There are lots of plants that are hardy and don't require anything more than watering. You can get creative with containers too. Having plants indoors to care for, especially with some blooms to look forward to when gardening is out of season, is just what I need to keep me from the winter blues.
Your home is beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us. I would suggest adding more color. All I see are gray, cream, and white. The gray and white colors can seem cold. Great idea with adding plants because the brown woven baskets and chairs tend to represent trees that have lost their foliage. But, color…darker browns, blues, taupes and rusty reds can give a feeling of coziness. Adding color with pillows, blankets, pictures, and tchotchkes are great and affordable ways to do it. Then, it can all be changed out quickly throughout the year. Thanks for sharing your home. It’s beautiful!
This year I used realistic white poinsettia bouquets as toppers for 3 vases I got for free & filled them with silver, white & turquoise Christmas tree ornaments ... 2 on the mantel & one on a side table. I have an off white basket with the same kind of pointsettia bouquets with pine branches on a side table. I took a wine decanter & filled with twinkle lights with larger white poinsettias made into a bouquet. I love when the lights are lit. Those cost $6 at Walmart. All the poinsettias & pine branches were 60% off at Michael's at Thanksgiving time. I have red accents in the kitchen & dining room so used a red velvet poinsettia with white roses for the table centerpiece. I added little red fake birds sitting on a little greenery to the kitchen curtain tie backs. My kitchen curtains are red & white large checks. Because all my decorations used my normal color decor accents really gave me more continuity. It also gave me flexibility to enjoy them extending through this entire winter season WITHOUT guilt. I even put white lights on my silk tree with one white dove ( symbolic for Holy spirit) in the center & white roses decorating the tree ( Jesus is called the Rose of Sharon) . The finishing touch were silver word ( Peace, Noel, Merry & Joy) ornaments ( purchased from The Lakeside catalogue at a big discount.) that hang with white satin ribbons. I used this tree for my Christmas tree this year. I just felt like I needed a change. I plan to enjoy this Winter decor until Spring. 😊❤
Hello there..I've been watching your RUclips video for a few years now, your a breath of fresh air..not phony..love you and no..I can't get sick of that face..it a beautiful face..love you! Your so true and seem so sweet..dont change..sincerely Fatima
In the Arizona low desert we have an extremely short winter. I always crave the colder temperatures. Last month we were in Chicago, and I was very surprised that the sun was setting so early! I think I’m understanding your concerns. I’m using my oven a lot during the winter, and enjoying light afghans while watching tv. Fresh yummy baked goods, Long sleeved tops, and melting scented wax cubes throughout the house bring us the winter vibes.
I think your home is beautiful. I love the clean cottage style. I have to be careful or I tend to be continually collecting. I feel I get to much and I have to clear everything out and only put back what I love.
Love your home and your ideas and yes I love a few plants too! How about a small shawl hanging out of one of the the baskets in the entry along with a faux plant ! Love a fake candle too !
As a mental health counselor as well as resident of southern Ohio, I am well aware of the effects of dreary weather. I start to feel like I'm living in a science fiction movie. How I think about this time has really helped as well as surrounding myself with positive aesthetics. Light is a great help, as you've exhibited. Great recommendation! I find myself using lamps rarely used. I see this as a time of slow preparedness as we ready for spring. Your light walls and furniture I'm sure help as well. Thanks for sharing. Julia
Great tour and suggestions Andrea, maybe try adding pops of color with fruit on the table maybe on the glass pedestal on the table, in baskets as well on the counter, even fruit artwork is nice in the kitchen on a counter, oranges are nice and bright, or an assortment of fruit🙂
I took some classes in horticultural at Michigan State and used my interest to enter my plants in the county fair. Art is another focus for me and buy vintage prints at our thrift Stores . Mostly I focus on nature and animals/prints. PS:you are a lovely person / enjoy following your site!
Great tips…. I liked how you showed the contrast of the entry hall not being as cozy and what you were going to do…that helped me think of ways I could cozy- up some of my spaces. I have taken prints from books and framed them too… they look like a quality picture. Thanks again for another video ( I always want to be a kinder person after seeing you ) . 🥰
Hi Andrea, as you were showing all your ideas, I definetly like to use pillar candles everywhere, Ive gone to real plants to and what a difference it made my house. My mom always had live plants in our home, no such thing as going and buying faux but i use to use faux but loving the real now. Amy fritz uses real plants and I just love her home to. I also do the same oils, matter of fact I'm diffusing peace and quiet because its for dreariness and calm and I love it. I have those oils you mentioned and I love them to. Love your home!
I know that you have specifically chosen the color scheme in your home, which is very neutral, light, and airy, however, in the winter I can see how you might want to amp it up a bit more. I love the pictures you showed, especially the one with the stone wall and dog because of the soft colors in it. You could play off of those colors by adding soft greens, pinks, etc in pillows, additional blankets, table runners...that kind of thing. Good luck with the new plants...they add a lot if life to a home.😊
Everything looks great. I had to laugh when you said orange is a favorite scent. My brother-in-law made the most wonderful candles and would always make me an orange/vanilla blend. It is such a clean scent. My favorite.
Look into pothos!!! Golden pothos inparticular will be very hard to kill and they dont need much nautral light. Super easy to propagate...so you can have more and more of them!!
I have just added my first live plant to our home. Rather nervous that I will kill it. LoL I have started with a Peace Lily. Suppose to be very easy to take care of. If it survives I would like to add some more live plants to my home.
Great tip for adding light, plants and artwork. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". P. S. I like adding antique and prim game boards in the winter as vocal points. Inside playing games more is the scene I set. 😉
Try hanging the rectangular art piece in the hallway over the three basket tier. It would add the warmth you want in the hallway. You’ll also be able to admire the art from the living room. I so enjoy your ideas. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Andrea! Loved ALL of your suggestions! I have another thought as well… changing out pillow covers to add pops of olive greens also mimics the green of the plants and helps to liven things up during those longgg dreary gray winter days. We had 2 hours of sunshine yesterday in Illinois…I bundled up and sat out in it for Vitamin D therapy to my face & what a boost to my morale! I even got a slight tint of color to my face… a winter tan…lol If you are looking to add more plants, definitely try the pothos plant…extremely hardy, and it can trail out from your top basket at the entry and even your bookcases; very easy to propagate & I’m sure your boys would love to take part in that and watch the roots grow from the cutting via a clear glass jar of water. By the way, where did you purchase your current plants? I’m intrigued by that variety of ivy. Kalanchoe plants can thrive for many years…if you transplant it to a larger vessel, the plant will grow bigger, too. I’ve had one that is 15 years old and I’ve transferred it twice. Thank you SO VERY MUCH for the wonderful tips and the walk through video…your home is truly one of my top favorites, and it DEFINITELY reads VERY cozy from this end! 😍 With a Smile ~ Gloria 😊
Five minutes of sunshine ... that is such a humbling statement. It's not just nice to cozy up your home ... it's vital. I feel guilty for all the sunny, warm days in VA of wishing for some snow! Your suggestions are SO GOOD though !!!! Enjoyed them all. I believe what I found surprising was not just setting out blankets, plants, and candles--but lots of each. One blanket thrown over an armchair isn't going to do much good. Your ideas gave me lots to think about !!! ❤️❄️❤️
I'm a florist/gardener & interior designer..have always used live plants and art in homes..we add (incorporate?) more live plants and fresh flowers in the winter for a uplifting feeling! Your home is very cozy and your voice is soothing..keep up the great work Andrea! 🥰
I noticed your husband made a new bench for your dining table how beautiful it is. I also love the pretty pictures of the windmill and the house with the sheep and stonewall. Beautiful things.🐑🐑🐏 Also that pretty cow 🐄 🐄 picture too.
I love your style and tips! I started adding real plants to my home last year (40 years of marriage and I always killed plants off) and my plants are thriving and I am always on the look out for new houseplants that can tolerate little to moderate sun exposure. Snake plants will grow in any area of a home! And real plants also filter the air in your home. I do not do scented candles, I use essential oils in diffusers and after all the Christmas decor is gone I change the Christmas scents to fresher mixes where it’s more sandalwood and patchouli mixed with citrus scents like orange and lemon and bergamot with a drop of pine or spruce and once spring gets here I go lemon and lime and bergamot. All year I have lap blankets out. Winter is more heavy knit and fleece and faux fur in reds, greens and black and they are cleaned and put away once April shows up. Spring is light weight weaves of cotton in blues and greens and cream. Summer is very lightweight cotton weaves of blues and greens. Then Autumn starts transitioning to winter with thin fleece in cream and rust and blue. Blue is my main color theme and the green and rust and cream just flow with the French blue I use as my statement color though my walls are painted Creamy by SW.
Dear Andrea, I so enjoyed your winter tips. Years ago I read an article about "green in the winter" months. It said our eye searches for green during the gray overcast months of winter. So, I gave it a go and realized how comforting the atmosphere of my home became. The way you placed the live plants and your response to having them agreed with my findings. I live in Ohio and it can be so dreary as well. Thank you for your vlog, Hugs💞
My brother lives in East Grand Rapids MI and told me last weekend there had only been 5 minutes of sunshine so far in January. Its very gray here in PA too, but not as bad as that. I survive mentally my getting out for little walks and making a fire in the fireplace almost every night. So cozy. Thanks for the video!
Love all your ideas. I aagree, plants bring life. I focus on my houseplants more in winter. I bring in my geraniums and angelwing begonias from the patios outside, and over winter in sunny windows. They flower all winter! Pothos are another green plant that is super forgiving, and can be put on top of mantles, bookcases, or hutches to trail. I diffuse oils too, and try to limit candles, but do like my tapers. I found some coconut wax and beeswax that are not full of all the toxins. We use ivy and leaf garland with twinkle lights, after putting the evergreen away. You are right, just enjoying cozy lighting. I enjoy changing out table linens and scarves to give a cozy look.
I’m from Pennsylvania and we had rain and cloudy day leaving the house dark. So I to bring cozy to my house cause after you take the decorations down that bring joy to your home you need to bring joy back for these winter days. Your home is beautiful.
Just a thought, maybe a long thin rustic console table along the windows in dining room with some pottery and a mix of the plants your loving right now.
Hi Andrea. I fill our home with pretty green plants and water them on Sundays. Maybe you can consider hanging them in front of a window. Your little guy certainly couldn't reach it than. Lighting does wonders. I, too, diffuse oils. I never thought of putting it on the floor to hide it. Great idea. Artwork pictures I love, including the art I ordered from you several years ago. Love the fireplaces you have set up to make it cozy and warm. Candles are romantic and soothes my soul . Thank you so much for sharing as always. 🪴🥰
Greetings from SUNNY Central Florida ! It is a little chilly right now - supposed to get down to 37 tonight and 31 tomorrow night and tomorrow’s high will be 52 which is brrrrrr to us but will be bright & sunny all day - I always feel blessed to live in Florida for many reasons, but when you said 5 minutes of sunshine, that really made me think - I just really can’t even imagine that ! That being said, quite a few of us in central Florida on up, have fireplaces & I think tomorrow night will be a great night for a fire - sometimes we only get to use them a dozen times a winter, so it makes for a silver lining for a cold night ! Your home always looks cozy, though, no matter the weather !
Hi Andrea!Its always hard after the holidays to get our homes cozy after so much decor gets put away!!I just love your home!!Maybe a few faux plants where the little guy can get to them and a few live ones where he cant reach them!! Maybe put one or two faux plants in n your hall baskets and a picture above them!!!You have beautiful taste so whatever you add will be pretty!Have a great week!!😁🏠⛄☕🍪🌴🌿🌳❤
Perfectly 👍 on all 10 counts!! Winter is my favorite season, that forced rest! I love being slowed down and thoughtful as the rest of the year just bustles by so quickly... Your home would make that inciting with a cup of warm apple cider! Thanks...
I have a small lamp plus candles in every room of my home. Flameless candles with remotes at Amazon perfect for those wall sconces. Any plant that I bring into my homes is doomed to die. Stop apologizing you are doing an amazing job. Blankets are a must in my home. The little heaters are very cozy looking and feeling.
I love real plants also, but lack of light here in the winter does not bode well for them. I have to keep corralling them all into one window space (which is a pain) that gets light or I end up replacing them, so I hope you have better luck. I’ve gone to good faux plants grouped with a real one mixed in which cuts down on the cost of replacing all the dead ones. Your house is lovely and cozy.
Oh Andrea, just look at the faces of those sweet boys. They are sunshine on a cloudy day for sure. Order yourself a bulb garden. Beats the blues for me every time and I light a herby smelling candle. Citrus and sage by Yankee is awesome❤️
Can you link your rug in the living room. The one with the plaid pattern. Or possible Share where it is from ? A fiddle leaf fig where your Shovel is Would look Great and the window would give it light. ❤
Your video quality is really good. Your home is so warm and inviting. We live in West FL and tend to have sunshine most days. I love when we get the colder dark days. Their not often and when they do come I light all of my candles. I love it. ❤
Your home is always beautiful! You do an amazing job of making your house a home. Plant ideas, pothos which you can propagate to have more. House plants can make a space so much more alive and cozy. They can be addicting, lol.
Your home is so warm and inviting. Living in a cold climate with snow and gloomy days can be a challenge to decorate after Xmas. I am in Co where its cold but we do get more sunlight, even though not so much this Winter! Your suggestion are spot on. Added a few more lamps in our home plus lanterns. We love having a few in the living room to add light and warmth. One of ours even has a small room heater!! Definitely invest in some flameless candles with timers. I set them about 15 minutes before the sun sets. Then it isn't such a shock when the sun goes down. One bit of advice from this seasoned mom/grandma is to be selective with your plants within little ones reach. Some plants are toxic. So research what you are bringing in for kids and pets. Found your channel recently and enjoying your lovely home and calm demeanor! Thanks for sharing ....
I live in Arizona and I still struggle with January blues. I know it seems ridiculous compared to all the other places you all live. So yes I agree with all of your suggestions and have done all of them including the kids book basket. Every morning I go around turning on all the lamps downstairs just to keep that light bright feeling. Thank you for your honesty and transparency in all your videos. And my favorite thing about you is the awe and wonder that you take the time to see all around you. A true blessing.
You have a lovely home ! I would have more pops of rich color, like in a tartan blanket. Pops of color with pillow covers would be great too. The baskets of books, light, plant life and cleanliness are all wonderful suggestions. I have trouble with the clutter part. I am not a minimalist and I still have three of my four young adults at home. The youngest is going to be 18, so not quite an adult. The other two are high functioning autistic . Our house is very small and fighting the dirt and clutter is constant! ~ Heather ~
Put a plant in a hanging basket on one of your number hooks! I LOVE pothos and philodendron plants in my home. Just pick plants that thrive in low light.
This is exactly the video I needed to see today. Thank you. Our city has not had much sunshine since the beginning of December. It's so hard to stay motivated. I really like your comments in the beginning about bringing soul into our homes. Our home is small and in desperate need of updates. You have given me lots of ideas to incorporate into my home to nourish and uplift my family.
Fire Works - loved what you said about nourishing & uplifting your family - to me, that is exactly the feeling that home decor, surrounding myself with things I love,brings to me - good luck with your redecorating - it’s amazing what even a few changes can make you feel !
I don’t decorate for the holidays but I do have warm,white and yellow twinkle lights EVERYWHERE. They’re not strung out but nestled in baskets and stuffed down large bottles. I have a large collection of antique blue glass bottles on top of my bookshelf with mini lights behind them and they give off such a beautiful glow. Before buying this house with a real,wood burning fireplace,🙌🏻 I had a mantle with real birch logs inside on a grate. Then I tangled three strings of mini lights around the logs; one was white,one yellow and one orange that I found after Halloween. One strand happened to have the different settings like blinking,chasing,etc. and when I put them on the glow setting,it really was the next best thing to a real fire,very cozy. One last thing that I have done is use my collection of antique blue canning jars as canisters for nuts,popcorn,raisins,etc. either lined up or grouped on the counter with mini lights behind them,gives a cozy glow to the kitchen at night.🥰 ( you can even put dried baby’s breath on top of lights in a basket because the wattage is so low.)
I really love your living room. The combination of the wall molding, the arched fireplace and the coffee table, along with the blankets and neutral color palette, make it cozy, light and timeless at the same time. 😊
The plants are lovely, but will probably need more light than they're going to get in several of those places. Several of them are low-light plants, but will eventually reach and drop leaves. Maybe rotate them in and out of your sunroom every few weeks where they can get more natural light. 😊
I keep my fairy lights out in my hutches and shelves even after I've put away all the Christmas decor. I also have lots of very realistic battery operated candles on timers on the windowsills and mantle set to come on every night at dusk.
I have 3 lamps in my kitchen. I also have fake plants in areas where there isn't enough sunlight and that helps too. Your house always looks so cozy and inviting. I have a lot of pink in my house because I love french country and Victorian. Baskets hung with plants adds warmth too. Maybe add in one subtle color like yellow and lavender to add a pop of color.
Hello Andrea I looked into your channel and I saw your baby boy in your Christmas video and he has grown so much, God bless your family. Plants clean the air, you won't kill succulents because a nice plant can also be the Jade plant, Ivy, Peace Lily's, Spider Plant, Philodendron and Pothos. Just don't over water, is best to wait 2 weeks everytime. Buy these and you won't go wrong. I love having plants inside it makes the house look so lived in and peaceful. Many blessings to all.
House plants make a home feel so alive..
As a lifelong resident of Minnesota, I actually do all 10 of these things, especially plants!
As someone who has suffered from seasonal depression for years, I learned that decorating for winter did NOTHING for my mood. I go straight from Christmas to Spring. No pinecones. No snow flakes. I bring in plants and blue and green textiles and birds, etc. What a difference it made for how I feel. It's like a visual reminder that my favorite time of year isn't so far off after all ❤️ love all these pretty ideas
Oh I need that sign! I have less home size wise and still having a hard time figuring this house to be what i want. I have always had lots of,plants but this house has poor lighting and even my spider plants which I have used forever don’t like his house. A spider plant is easy snd one of the best for air purification. Maybe a light rug for the entry to warm it up? Andrea, don’t try for perfection, no home is perfect in every way. Your home is so beautiful, calm and full of life, love and comfort. Enjoy and don’t push to have it all just so! Love it all❤❤
We have those weeks on end gray days here in NE Ohio. The wind comes across Lake Erie and brings the clouds. Not the nice, white fluffy ones, but overcast ones. As one who suffers from Seasonal Depression, this is not great. However, I do what I can to create a space that is cozy and embraces these hibernation days. I don't rush myself or pressure myself with overloaded schedules. Live plants and lighting helps as you have said. Thank you for your wonderful videos. I love them!
If you're looking for a supre hardy plant, try Pothos. It's lovely and tolerates so much!! My husband had one from before we were married that his dog knocked over daily and which he neglected to water for months at a time. We now have babies of that plant (as well as the original) in many rooms and have given them as gifts to friends and family over the years.
All about simple and minimal deco but warm as well❤️
Even adding brighter ribbons to tie back your curtains helps , cinnamon pinecones, change your fake flowers , or maybe even add a new rug 😊simple lil things that add up
You are adorable! Just had to get that out of the way. 😊
I love real plants indoors. Touches of real greenery make me happy. It brings a home to life. There are lots of plants that are hardy and don't require anything more than watering. You can get creative with containers too. Having plants indoors to care for, especially with some blooms to look forward to when gardening is out of season, is just what I need to keep me from the winter blues.
Another thing that will warm up your space are pretty soft curtains. I always feel that bare windows feel empty and cold
Your home is beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us. I would suggest adding more color. All I see are gray, cream, and white. The gray and white colors can seem cold. Great idea with adding plants because the brown woven baskets and chairs tend to represent trees that have lost their foliage. But, color…darker browns, blues, taupes and rusty reds can give a feeling of coziness. Adding color with pillows, blankets, pictures, and tchotchkes are great and affordable ways to do it. Then, it can all be changed out quickly throughout the year. Thanks for sharing your home. It’s beautiful!
Your home is perfectly curated. No apologies, ease:)
Throw blankets in mustard yellow it adds that warmth
This year I used realistic white poinsettia bouquets as toppers for 3 vases I got for free & filled them with silver, white & turquoise Christmas tree ornaments ... 2 on the mantel & one on a side table. I have an off white basket with the same kind of pointsettia bouquets with pine branches on a side table. I took a wine decanter & filled with twinkle lights with larger white poinsettias made into a bouquet. I love when the lights are lit. Those cost $6 at Walmart.
All the poinsettias & pine branches were 60% off at Michael's at Thanksgiving time.
I have red accents in the kitchen & dining room so used a red velvet poinsettia with white roses for the table centerpiece. I added little red fake birds sitting on a little greenery to the kitchen curtain tie backs. My kitchen curtains are red & white large checks. Because all my decorations used my normal color decor accents
really gave me more continuity. It also gave me flexibility to enjoy them extending through this entire winter season WITHOUT guilt.
I even put white lights on my silk tree with one white dove ( symbolic for Holy spirit) in the center & white roses decorating the tree ( Jesus is called the Rose of Sharon) . The finishing touch were silver word ( Peace, Noel, Merry & Joy) ornaments ( purchased from The Lakeside catalogue at a big discount.) that hang with white satin ribbons. I used this tree for my Christmas tree this year. I just felt like I needed a change. I plan to enjoy this Winter decor until Spring. 😊❤
You’ve done a great job on the fireplace
Love, Love, Love your Fireplace!!! 🧱🔥💚💚💚💚💚
All great reminders and I want to tell you that I love the colour of your walls, very warm feeling.
Thanks for all of the great tips. Your home is looking very cozy.
Hello there..I've been watching your RUclips video for a few years now, your a breath of fresh air..not phony..love you and no..I can't get sick of that face..it a beautiful face..love you! Your so true and seem so sweet..dont change..sincerely Fatima
Dang I LOVE that little print!
In the Arizona low desert we have an extremely short winter. I always crave the colder temperatures. Last month we were in Chicago, and I was very surprised that the sun was setting so early! I think I’m understanding your concerns. I’m using my oven a lot during the winter, and enjoying light afghans while watching tv. Fresh yummy baked goods, Long sleeved tops, and melting scented wax cubes throughout the house bring us the winter vibes.
Just an idea... Put the arm lamp between the 2 chairs. Plug it in under the windows and get one of those plastic floor covers for the cord.
I think your home is beautiful. I love the clean cottage style. I have to be careful or I tend to be continually collecting.
I feel I get to much and I have to clear everything out and only put back what I love.
Your home is beautiful.
You’re so sweet! Thank you so much for sharing 🥰
I am in love with your make up. It looks so pretty on you.
What a beautiful cozy video, you are so relaxing to watch. x
Here in AK I am over wintering silver falls dichondra and mint in the same pot. I am using a goose neck style of lamp with a garden light bulb.
The pastoral scenes remind us of a time to come... Julia
Thank you for this lovely video! Tuning in during the middle of winter here in Australia!
Love your home and your ideas and yes I love a few plants too!
How about a small shawl hanging out of one of the the baskets in the entry along with a faux plant ! Love a fake candle too !
As a mental health counselor as well as resident of southern Ohio, I am well aware of the effects of dreary weather. I start to feel like I'm living in a science fiction movie. How I think about this time has really helped as well as surrounding myself with positive aesthetics. Light is a great help, as you've exhibited. Great recommendation! I find myself using lamps rarely used. I see this as a time of slow preparedness as we ready for spring. Your light walls and furniture I'm sure help as well. Thanks for sharing. Julia
Thank you for the feedback! I appreciate it and completely agree! 🙂
My daughter in law bought me a happy light It works i use 15 min a day
@@catrice7126 Me too. I use mine every morning and really find it beneficial.
Great ideas. I love candles also.
Great tour and suggestions Andrea, maybe try adding pops of color with fruit on the table maybe on the glass pedestal on the table, in baskets as well on the counter, even fruit artwork is nice in the kitchen on a counter, oranges are nice and bright, or an assortment of fruit🙂
I took some classes in horticultural at Michigan State and used my interest to enter my plants in the county fair. Art is another focus for me and buy vintage prints at our thrift Stores . Mostly I focus on nature and animals/prints. PS:you are a lovely person / enjoy following your site!
You have such a good eye.
Your home is beautiful 😊
Great tips…. I liked how you showed the contrast of the entry hall not being as cozy and what you were going to do…that helped me think of ways I could cozy- up some of my spaces. I have taken prints from books and framed them too… they look like a quality picture. Thanks again for another video ( I always want to be a kinder person after seeing you ) . 🥰
Hi Andrea, as you were showing all your ideas, I definetly like to use pillar candles everywhere, Ive gone to real plants to and what a difference it made my house. My mom always had live plants in our home, no such thing as going and buying faux but i use to use faux but loving the real now. Amy fritz uses real plants and I just love her home to. I also do the same oils, matter of fact I'm diffusing peace and quiet because its for dreariness and calm and I love it. I have those oils you mentioned and I love them to. Love your home!
I know that you have specifically chosen the color scheme in your home, which is very neutral, light, and airy, however, in the winter I can see how you might want to amp it up a bit more. I love the pictures you showed, especially the one with the stone wall and dog because of the soft colors in it. You could play off of those colors by adding soft greens, pinks, etc in pillows, additional blankets, table runners...that kind of thing. Good luck with the new plants...they add a lot if life to a home.😊
Everything looks great. I had to laugh when you said orange is a favorite scent. My brother-in-law made the most wonderful candles and would always make me an orange/vanilla blend. It is such a clean scent. My favorite.
Great tips I will use ...thank you.
You are the epitome of light! You calm me and help me to feel positive when I’m down! Your home is always wonderful!
All that you said Andrea plus baking. Just fills your home with fragrance and love!💝
Great ideas !!!!!❤
Look into pothos!!! Golden pothos inparticular will be very hard to kill and they dont need much nautral light. Super easy to propagate...so you can have more and more of them!!
I have just added my first live plant to our home. Rather nervous that I will kill it. LoL I have started with a Peace Lily. Suppose to be very easy to take care of. If it survives I would like to add some more live plants to my home.
A fellow Michigander feeling the need for cozy during these cloudy days. Great ideas...
Great tip for adding light, plants and artwork. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". P. S. I like adding antique and prim game boards in the winter as vocal points. Inside playing games more is the scene I set. 😉
I love a puzzle...it just gathers people together!
Try hanging the rectangular art piece in the hallway over the three basket tier. It would add the warmth you want in the hallway. You’ll also be able to admire the art from the living room. I so enjoy your ideas. Thank you for sharing!
Good idea - plus a living green plant.
Hi Andrea! Loved ALL of your suggestions! I have another thought as well… changing out pillow covers to add pops of olive greens also mimics the green of the plants and helps to liven things up during those longgg dreary gray winter days. We had 2 hours of sunshine yesterday in Illinois…I bundled up and sat out in it for Vitamin D therapy to my face & what a boost to my morale! I even got a slight tint of color to my face… a winter tan…lol
If you are looking to add more plants, definitely try the pothos plant…extremely hardy, and it can trail out from your top basket at the entry and even your bookcases; very easy to propagate & I’m sure your boys would love to take part in that and watch the roots grow from the cutting via a clear glass jar of water. By the way, where did you purchase your current plants? I’m intrigued by that variety of ivy. Kalanchoe plants can thrive for many years…if you transplant it to a larger vessel, the plant will grow bigger, too. I’ve had one that is 15 years old and I’ve transferred it twice. Thank you SO VERY MUCH for the wonderful tips and the walk through video…your home is truly one of my top favorites, and it DEFINITELY reads VERY cozy from this end! 😍
With a Smile ~ Gloria 😊
Honestly I'm thinking about decorating for spring.
You could get a favorite lamp for between the chairs, cut the cord but use a rechargeable light bulb. I saw someone do this on RUclips.
That's a good idea, thank you!! 😊
They also have the light pucks sold at most stores and Amazon. You just Putin where the light bulb would be. That way you can keep the cord.
Your home is very comforting. Looks so lovely and your boy was so funny on the video. Your family are truly blessed.
Five minutes of sunshine ... that is such a humbling statement. It's not just nice to cozy up your home ... it's vital. I feel guilty for all the sunny, warm days in VA of wishing for some snow! Your suggestions are SO GOOD though !!!! Enjoyed them all. I believe what I found surprising was not just setting out blankets, plants, and candles--but lots of each. One blanket thrown over an armchair isn't going to do much good. Your ideas gave me lots to think about !!! ❤️❄️❤️
I think the faux fireplace is perfect. Totally made an inviting cozy space.
I'm a florist/gardener & interior designer..have always used live plants and art in homes..we add (incorporate?) more live plants and fresh flowers in the winter for a uplifting feeling! Your home is very cozy and your voice is soothing..keep up the great work Andrea! 🥰
I noticed your husband made a new bench for your dining table how beautiful it is. I also love the pretty pictures of the windmill and the house with the sheep and stonewall. Beautiful things.🐑🐑🐏 Also that pretty cow 🐄 🐄 picture too.
Maybe a knitted or crocheted shawl or small throw in entry.
I love your style and tips! I started adding real plants to my home last year (40 years of marriage and I always killed plants off) and my plants are thriving and I am always on the look out for new houseplants that can tolerate little to moderate sun exposure. Snake plants will grow in any area of a home! And real plants also filter the air in your home. I do not do scented candles, I use essential oils in diffusers and after all the Christmas decor is gone I change the Christmas scents to fresher mixes where it’s more sandalwood and patchouli mixed with citrus scents like orange and lemon and bergamot with a drop of pine or spruce and once spring gets here I go lemon and lime and bergamot. All year I have lap blankets out. Winter is more heavy knit and fleece and faux fur in reds, greens and black and they are cleaned and put away once April shows up. Spring is light weight weaves of cotton in blues and greens and cream. Summer is very lightweight cotton weaves of blues and greens. Then Autumn starts transitioning to winter with thin fleece in cream and rust and blue. Blue is my main color theme and the green and rust and cream just flow with the French blue I use as my statement color though my walls are painted Creamy by SW.
Dear Andrea, I so enjoyed your winter tips. Years ago I read an article about "green in the winter" months. It said our eye searches for green during the gray overcast months of winter. So, I gave it a go and realized how comforting the atmosphere of my home became. The way you placed the live plants and your response to having them agreed with my findings. I live in Ohio and it can be so dreary as well. Thank you for your vlog, Hugs💞
My brother lives in East Grand Rapids MI and told me last weekend there had only been 5 minutes of sunshine so far in January. Its very gray here in PA too, but not as bad as that. I survive mentally my getting out for little walks and making a fire in the fireplace almost every night. So cozy. Thanks for the video!
Love all your ideas. I aagree, plants bring life. I focus on my houseplants more in winter. I bring in my geraniums and angelwing begonias from the patios outside, and over winter in sunny windows. They flower all winter! Pothos are another green plant that is super forgiving, and can be put on top of mantles, bookcases, or hutches to trail.
I diffuse oils too, and try to limit candles, but do like my tapers. I found some coconut wax and beeswax that are not full of all the toxins.
We use ivy and leaf garland with twinkle lights, after putting the evergreen away. You are right, just enjoying cozy lighting.
I enjoy changing out table linens and scarves to give a cozy look.
I’m from Pennsylvania and we had rain and cloudy day leaving the house dark. So I to bring cozy to my house cause after you take the decorations down that bring joy to your home you need to bring joy back for these winter days. Your home is beautiful.
Just a thought, maybe a long thin rustic console table along the windows in dining room with some pottery and a mix of the plants your loving right now.
Hi Andrea. I fill our home with pretty green plants and water them on Sundays.
Maybe you can consider hanging them in front of a window. Your little guy certainly couldn't reach it than.
Lighting does wonders. I, too, diffuse oils. I never thought of putting it on the floor to hide it. Great idea. Artwork pictures I love, including the art I ordered from you several years ago.
Love the fireplaces you have set up to make it cozy and warm.
Candles are romantic and soothes my soul .
Thank you so much for sharing as always. 🪴🥰
Greetings from SUNNY Central Florida ! It is a little chilly right now - supposed to get down to 37 tonight and 31 tomorrow night and tomorrow’s high will be 52 which is brrrrrr to us but will be bright & sunny all day - I always feel blessed to live in Florida for many reasons, but when you said 5 minutes of sunshine, that really made me think - I just really can’t even imagine that ! That being said, quite a few of us in central Florida on up, have fireplaces & I think tomorrow night will be a great night for a fire - sometimes we only get to use them a dozen times a winter, so it makes for a silver lining for a cold night ! Your home always looks cozy, though, no matter the weather !
You are just the sweetest! Thank you for sharing your inspirations with us! Many blessings to you and your family.
Aww thank you!! Glad you enjoyed the video! 😊
Your home always looks and feels cozy in every season 🥹
I love Plants all over my home, my goal is to be a plant lady 😆 but seriously they do make me happy in this dreary time of yr.
I love the thrifted shade! I agree that lots of lighting is one important.
I add electric fireplaces in my home and love them. Thanks for charging.
Hi Andrea!Its always hard after the holidays to get our homes cozy after so much decor gets put away!!I just love your home!!Maybe a few faux plants where the little guy can get to them and a few live ones where he cant reach them!! Maybe put one or two faux plants in n your hall baskets and a picture above them!!!You have beautiful taste so whatever you add will be pretty!Have a great week!!😁🏠⛄☕🍪🌴🌿🌳❤
Perfectly 👍 on all 10 counts!! Winter is my favorite season, that forced rest! I love being slowed down and thoughtful as the rest of the year just bustles by so quickly... Your home would make that inciting with a cup of warm apple cider! Thanks...
I have a small lamp plus candles in every room of my home. Flameless candles with remotes at Amazon perfect for those wall sconces. Any plant that I bring into my homes is doomed to die. Stop apologizing you are doing an amazing job. Blankets are a must in my home. The little heaters are very cozy looking and feeling.
Real plants are a must. Makes your home alive year around.
I love real plants also, but lack of light here in the winter does not bode well for them. I have to keep corralling them all into one window space (which is a pain) that gets light or I end up replacing them, so I hope you have better luck. I’ve gone to good faux plants grouped with a real one mixed in which cuts down on the cost of replacing all the dead ones. Your house is lovely and cozy.
Oh Andrea, just look at the faces of those sweet boys. They are sunshine on a cloudy day for sure. Order yourself a bulb garden. Beats the blues for me every time and I light a herby smelling candle. Citrus and sage by Yankee is awesome❤️
Thank you!! 😊
Can you link your rug in the living room. The one with the plaid pattern. Or possible
Share where it is from ? A fiddle leaf fig where your
Shovel is Would look Great and the window would give it light. ❤
Throws are so perfect for making a space look cozy. I agree with you.🤍✨☺️
Your video quality is really good. Your home is so warm and inviting. We live in West FL and tend to have sunshine most days. I love when we get the colder dark days. Their not often and when they do come I light all of my candles. I love it. ❤
Your home is always beautiful! You do an amazing job of making your house a home. Plant ideas, pothos which you can propagate to have more. House plants can make a space so much more alive and cozy. They can be addicting, lol.
It's been warm in Michigan (warm for us) but gloomy! Looking forward to a sunny day. Great ideas. ☀🌞
Your home is so warm and inviting. Living in a cold climate with snow and gloomy days can be a challenge to decorate after Xmas. I am in Co where its cold but we do get more sunlight, even though not so much this Winter!
Your suggestion are spot on. Added a few more lamps in our home plus lanterns. We love having a few in the living room to add light and warmth. One of ours even has a small room heater!!
Definitely invest in some flameless candles with timers. I set them about 15 minutes before the sun sets. Then it isn't such a shock when the sun goes down.
One bit of advice from this seasoned mom/grandma is to be selective with your plants within little ones reach. Some plants are toxic. So research what you are bringing in for kids and pets.
Found your channel recently and enjoying your lovely home and calm demeanor!
Thanks for sharing ....
I live in Arizona and I still struggle with January blues. I know it seems ridiculous compared to all the other places you all live. So yes I agree with all of your suggestions and have done all of them including the kids book basket. Every morning I go around turning on all the lamps downstairs just to keep that light bright feeling.
Thank you for your honesty and transparency in all your videos. And my favorite thing about you is the awe and wonder that you take the time to see all around you. A true blessing.
Just love your home and ideas👌
You have a lovely home ! I would have more pops of rich color, like in a tartan blanket. Pops of color with pillow covers would be great too. The baskets of books, light, plant life and cleanliness are all wonderful suggestions. I have trouble with the clutter part. I am not a minimalist and I still have three of my four young adults at home. The youngest is going to be 18, so not quite an adult. The other two are high functioning autistic . Our house is very small and fighting the dirt and clutter is constant! ~ Heather ~
Put a plant in a hanging basket on one of your number hooks! I LOVE pothos and philodendron plants in my home. Just pick plants that thrive in low light.
This is exactly the video I needed to see today. Thank you. Our city has not had much sunshine since the beginning of December. It's so hard to stay motivated. I really like your comments in the beginning about bringing soul into our homes. Our home is small and in desperate need of updates. You have given me lots of ideas to incorporate into my home to nourish and uplift my family.
Fire Works - loved what you said about nourishing & uplifting your family - to me, that is exactly the feeling that home decor, surrounding myself with things I love,brings to me - good luck with your redecorating - it’s amazing what even a few changes can make you feel !
I don’t decorate for the holidays but I do have warm,white and yellow twinkle lights EVERYWHERE. They’re not strung out but nestled in baskets and stuffed down large bottles. I have a large collection of antique blue glass bottles on top of my bookshelf with mini lights behind them and they give off such a beautiful glow. Before buying this house with a real,wood burning fireplace,🙌🏻 I had a mantle with real birch logs inside on a grate. Then I tangled three strings of mini lights around the logs; one was white,one yellow and one orange that I found after Halloween. One strand happened to have the different settings like blinking,chasing,etc. and when I put them on the glow setting,it really was the next best thing to a real fire,very cozy. One last thing that I have done is use my collection of antique blue canning jars as canisters for nuts,popcorn,raisins,etc. either lined up or grouped on the counter with mini lights behind them,gives a cozy glow to the kitchen at night.🥰 ( you can even put dried baby’s breath on top of lights in a basket because the wattage is so low.)
Aww I love those ideas!! Thank you for sharing! 😀
I really love your living room. The combination of the wall molding, the arched fireplace and the coffee table, along with the blankets and neutral color palette, make it cozy, light and timeless at the same time. 😊
Aww thank you so much!! 😊
The plants are lovely, but will probably need more light than they're going to get in several of those places. Several of them are low-light plants, but will eventually reach and drop leaves. Maybe rotate them in and out of your sunroom every few weeks where they can get more natural light. 😊
Andrea, your home screams COZY!! You are so blessed. Your home reflects you perfectly, both are beautiful!!! 💛
Watching from Michigan…Kim
Love everything you do! Your style is warm, personal, and timeless.
Beautiful video! I love it all. I think good smells of food helps, too. Soups, stews, baked goods. 💕
I keep my fairy lights out in my hutches and shelves even after I've put away all the Christmas decor. I also have lots of very realistic battery operated candles on timers on the windowsills and mantle set to come on every night at dusk.
Thanks so much for sharing your home ‘as is’. I go away from this video not feeling like a funky because my home isn’t perfect. 😊
I have 3 lamps in my kitchen. I also have fake plants in areas where there isn't enough sunlight and that helps too. Your house always looks so cozy and inviting. I have a lot of pink in my house because I love french country and Victorian. Baskets hung with plants adds warmth too. Maybe add in one subtle color like yellow and lavender to add a pop of color.
My catcher in my live plants.
Hello Andrea I looked into your channel and I saw your baby boy in your Christmas video and he has grown so much, God bless your family. Plants clean the air, you won't kill succulents because a nice plant can also be the Jade plant, Ivy, Peace Lily's, Spider Plant, Philodendron and Pothos. Just don't over water, is best to wait 2 weeks everytime. Buy these and you won't go wrong. I love having plants inside it makes the house look so lived in and peaceful. Many blessings to all.