Are you suffering from Excessive Décor Withdrawal?

Does you home feel empty, does it leave you feeling ‘like something is missing’?

Every January, millions of homeowners suffer from excessive décor withdrawal. 

Yes, it happens every year, right after we take down the Christmas tree and put away all the decorations, wreaths and garland we begin to feel the symptoms of Excessive décor withdrawal.  Our homes feel vacant and sparse; we need stuff to bring back that warm comfortable feeling that holiday décor provided.

The good news is that the cure for this common home ailment is readily prescribed and is a relatively easy pill to swallow.

To bring back the warmth and comfort of the season add blanket throws to the arms of favorite chairs and sofa’s.  Cashmere, chenille, flux and hand knits are a few of my favorite post Christmas textures.  Choose throws in rich, soothing colours such as chocolate brown, aqua, winter white, passionate plums and sexy reds. Add a couple of matching throw cushions for extra comfort.

Lay the groundwork for warmth and comfort from the ground up. An area carpet can help fill vacant floor space and bring extra warmth and comfort to cold feet and toes.  For those who love a creative weekend project, purchase a few yards of a faux fur or plush bath mat fabric from your local fabric store, bind the edges with leather or canvas trim and voila.  Another way to create your own, unique area rug is to sew several smaller rugs together. Look in the bath section of your favorite linen store for a collection of bath or doormats that can be sewn together to create a wonderful area carpet for the living, family or dining room.

Adding an exotic new tropical or succulent plant to a room is a wonderful way to add colour, improve air quality and add a little life to a room.  A uniquely shaped and colourful plant will also work as a piece of art or sculptures in a space- think of plants as comfort for the eye.

Take advantage of the January white sales and purchase new bedding and bath linens for the home. Splurge and buy the most plush and comfortable textiles you can afford. A good night’s rest is always a welcome comfort.

Scent is one of the most efficient methods for triggering memories and simulating a change of attitude. Refresh potpourris with a few drops of new essential oil. Good January scents are Jasmine and Citrus.

This time of year the days are short and the natural lighting limited. Increasing the amount and type of lighting in a room will improve your comfort level.  Make sure you have an abundance of light in every space; floor cans, table top lighting, directional spot lights, picture lights, floor lamps, ceiling lighting and of course candle light.

Add something that makes you smile.  Be sure to add an item that guarantees a smile from you every time you enter the room. Perhaps a child’s painting that has been framed and hung on a wall, a favorite photo, card, momentous from a recent holiday, a whimsical or humorous accessory.  These finishing touches not only bring us warmth and comfort but laughter and the recollection of a warm, fond and comforting memory.

Creating a warm and comforting home is not something that simply happens- it is the thoughtful and creative planning of an inspired and passionate decorator.  May your home always be warm, comforting and simply sensational!

SCENTSATIONAL

In your home, aromatherapy can be as simple as spraying your favorite perfume onto throw cushions or lighting your favorite scented candles at the end of a tough day.

The Art of Clean

Did you know that almost 20% of your household lighting could be lost due to dust? To clean oversized crystal chandeliers simply hang an open umbrella from the bottom of the fixture and then spray your favorite glass cleaner till it drips from every crystal pendant.

Cheryll Gillespie is a nationally syndicated Design and Décor columnist.