Foolproof Ways To Brighten Up Your Home In The Dead Of Winter

Staying in all day can be a bit of a bummer, but it's easy to lighten the mood by indulging in a little aromatherapy. That doesn't meant long hot bubble baths or spraying air freshener—it means getting back to the basics. Use real herbs, spices, and fruits to make your home smell delicious and fresh. Consider a cranberry, rosemary, and cinnamon simmer pot, for example, to fill the kitchen with homey scents. For the bakers out there, consider making something cinnamon-heavy. Not only will the house smell great, but you'll have a delicious treat as well. You just can't go wrong with that.

Leaving the tree up months after Christmas is over is a bit tacky, but that doesn't mean the home needs to be rid of holiday cheer entirely. Tuck that tree out of sight and put the stockings away, but consider leaving some of the glitter and pine needles out for the season. It's pretty easy to transition from holiday decorations to winter decorations without losing the coziness associated with the year's end. Focus on maintaining the colors and textures of the season—such as wood, sparkles, white light, and natural features like pinecones and needles—to carry holiday home decor through the winter months.

The days get shorter and darker in the winter, so it's important to capture as much light as possible to brighten up the home. A few well-placed mirrors will catch light and spread it around. A nice golden frame draws the eye while also reflecting light. Mirrors can be great statement pieces to go along with white linens and pops of color from throw pillows. They don't need to be big, either; even a few small mirrors, especially when touched up with a cute frame or splash of paint, are a great way to draw eyes away from the darkness and into the home.

The days may be short, but it's still possible fill a home with light. String lights are a great way to add a little sparkle to even the smallest of spaces, giving any room a quirky, fun atmosphere. Use them to create a headboard or layer them inside white curtains to give your windows a heavenly glow. Fairy lights make the most of the winter darkness. Best of all, they're cheap and easy; there's no serious handiwork required.

Hygge, a Danish word referring to a particular feeling of comfort and warmth, is all the rage in design and self-care right now. It's not as simple as buying a sheepskin throw and some cold-weather socks; it's about taking time to appreciate the small things and embrace the little moments of happiness and light that bring comfort and joy. To channel it, indulge in cultivating perfect small moments—spend an extra minute to French press coffee and drink it from your favorite mug, or make your favorite breakfast ahead of time to really enjoy it in the morning. Revel in these miniscule moments of coziness, and you'll be feeling hygge in no time.

If it's drab and dark outside, that means it's time to lighten things up inside. Ditch the heavy curtains and dark bedspreads. It's easy to add a little joy to a room with some pastels or bold jewel tones. Light fabrics can reflect sunlight and make a room feel luminous without losing heat. Don't let the darkness outside impact a room's decor—every little bit of light helps!