Are you missing the fullness of the holiday décor, but ready for some brain space & maybe some room space? Today let's tackle our main living spaces: cleaning, and decorating simply as we go.
My goal is a quick, clean sweep with light decorating in blues, creams, and touches of green in the cottage style we love.
And here's my challenge: we will be using the décor we already have! Yep you heard me, we'll tidy and simplify our spaces without spending anything! Let's start in the living room. Here is the mantel as it was decorated for the Christmas season. Time to clear this away, remove the dust, and replace it with some simple, neutral décor.
A quick, simple refresh with strong English vibes ~ love it!
As I move through each space I try to toss items that have seen their best day. This is a quick way to give each area a simple facelift.
Once the mantel was done I moved on to the tree, removing ornamentsand ribbon. Then Matt took the tree outside (since it was a real tree and quite crispy) to remove the lights. I vacuumed up the needles, folded up the tree skirt, and packed away the ornaments. Then Matt and I placed the furniture back where it belonged.
You will remember in the fall when I discovered this brass lamp in the thrift store for about $10. The shade isn't in the best shape with cracks, dents, and a place where the bulb scorched the inside of the shade. But since this is a double candle lamp it requires a special oval shape that is hard to find. I've kept my eye out for weeks for something in better condition.
I was beginning to think I'd have to get a custom shade made when... One day back in December, while thrifting, I came across a nice pleated oval shade in great shape for less than $4! This is a great improvement and fit nicely in the budget. So much better!
Next I moved into the dining room and removed the Christmas décor from the hutch. The white ironstone plates I rearranged slightly since they would make the perfect backdrop for a simple blue and white wintery cottage look.
The faux gently frosted lavender plant echoes the plant on the mantel and brings a touch of life to the space.
Lastly I moved into the kitchen. I'm most excited to refresh this since I received an antique Blue Onion salt cellar from my Mother-in-law for Christmas! I cleaned the mirror over the stove, polished all the blue Spode spice jars, then hung the salt cellar. How cheery and inviting this area is now!
To continue the blue and white theme I added a small planter with a real English ivy to the kitchen windowsill. The copper pan was thrifted back in the fall for about $2.00. The ironstone pitcher I discovered in over the summer for $1.00. Since I do spend time at this window every day I love creating a homey, happy feeling to enjoy.
Thank you for joining me today as we cleaned, refreshed, and decorated our main areas for the winter season. Remember, it is important to cultivate the art of your home, working to make it the best it can be in every season!
Until next time, take care,
Rachel
