Warming up Winter…

The first weeks of winter can seem like a let down after all the decorations from Christmas are put away. I find that I really miss the cozy warmth of Christmas decor. Since spring is a long way off, I like to keep accessories around that have a winter feel, but keep the coziness of Christmas.  I always let nature guide my decorating choices inside. As you can see, we have lots of snow that is going nowhere!

I have always used arrangements of fresh greenery during winter. Several years ago, I found some beautiful faux arrangements with berries and greenery at a local nursery/decor shop. They are so nice to have around without worrying about watering, shedding, etc. 

This one actually came in a different container, but I chose to bring in some blue and white to tame all the red.

This Persian rug brings in a lot of color, pattern and warmth. There is nothing like a thick wool rug under your feet! I bought this one to replace my Turkish rug, which was large enough but limited the ways I could arrange furniture. If there is one rule of decorating that is a pet peeve for me, it’s having an area rug the correct size. At least the front feet of your furniture should fit on the rug. The rug should not “float.”

During the winter, I love having candles lit no matter what time of day it is…

An antique trunk of my grandmother’s will go between these two chairs as soon as I can get it painted. This is a difficult space to arrange furniture because it’s long and narrow. Plus the grand piano takes up a lot of space. I have had the couch against the windows but I really don’t like to block the view with something so large. 

Because I teach voice students here, I have to keep the area around the piano clear, which again limits my options. 

It can be hard to warm up a room without a fireplace, but cozy throws, warm colors, and accessories can go a long way. Someday, after an addition, this will be our dining room, but for now it’s a cozy place to spend time with family, and that’s what it’s all about.

Thanks so much for stopping by:-) Please stop back by Wednesday for a wintry tablescape with vintage Johnson Brothers “Friendly Village.”

I’ll be linking up to Marty’s “Tabletop Tuesday” so be sure to stop by there!

Anita

Share:

27 Comments

  1. The Decorative Dreamer
    January 17, 2011 / 8:42 pm

    Your den is so pretty and I love all your greenery. You have done a beautiful job making it very cozy. I love candles burning too!

  2. Angie
    January 17, 2011 / 8:51 pm

    Very cozy!

    Much love,
    Future Mama
    expectingablessing.blogspot.com/

  3. The Quintessential Magpie
    January 17, 2011 / 9:07 pm

    I think that looks like a very warm and cozy room. I would love to be there with you, having a cup of hot chocolate and maybe ogling dishes or silver. πŸ˜‰

    You have struck the perfect balance, Anita, and the results are so handsome!

    XO,

    Sheila πŸ™‚

  4. Shelia
    January 17, 2011 / 9:10 pm

    Hi Anita! Oh, your home is so beautiful and you can really decorate too! Love your floral and that rug is gorgeous. I agree with you about the sizes of rugs. Wish I had a big ole beauty! Can't wait to see the trunk you're going to paint! πŸ™‚
    Stay warm.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia πŸ™‚

  5. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic
    January 17, 2011 / 10:04 pm

    Anita, your home is so warm and cozy! I love that you keep your beautiful tea set out on the buffet!

  6. Unknown
    January 17, 2011 / 10:14 pm

    It does look cozy in there…I love having lots of pillow s and warm plush blankets all around in the winter time.
    Everything looks beautiful πŸ™‚

  7. Unknown
    January 17, 2011 / 10:15 pm

    A beautiful room Anita…and so warm and welcoming πŸ™‚

    Blessings!
    Gail

  8. Lynn
    January 17, 2011 / 10:53 pm

    Your home is so beautiful Anita! It looks so cozy and inviting, love the piano:@)

  9. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life
    January 17, 2011 / 11:17 pm

    Oh I love this room. So warm and inviting. Your colors and all of your accessories are just perfect. The coffee table arrangement is stunning, beautiful. Thank so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

  10. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style
    January 17, 2011 / 11:22 pm

    Anita, I love the warmth of your home.

  11. Aledia
    January 17, 2011 / 11:52 pm

    Hi! I'm your newest follower and I just wanted to say that your home looks so cozy and inviting! Thank you for sharing and have a blessed night!

  12. My Cozy Casita
    January 18, 2011 / 12:13 am

    Hi Anita,

    Nice to hear from you, I always like your lovely home, it is so cozy and inviting!
    Blessings!
    XOX
    Isora

  13. nannykim
    January 18, 2011 / 12:28 am

    It is very cozy and I have always liked this room of yours. I wish my cat would leave plants alone–he even goes after the fake ones and manages to throw up after eating them too! Your fringed lamps made me smile. For some reason they make me think Moroccan–when we moved to the condo the other week the previous owner left a fringed lamp. My hubby made me cut off the beads, but my son and I thought it looked cool…ah well, they are gone now. I must admit my rooms need a lot of work, but no time right now!! Something to look forward to!

  14. Billie Ross
    January 18, 2011 / 12:52 am

    Oh, your home is gorgeous! I love all the red and gold. And, I just realized that we have the same sofa… How do you keep your looking so nice. I think our kiddos and puppy might be having an effect on ours. I would love to know which conditioner you use for the leather.

    Love, love, love the pics! Thank you for sharing!

    Billie
    designedforlife.blogspot.com

  15. E. Charlotte
    January 18, 2011 / 1:00 am

    You have done wonderfully with that narrow space. Your color choices make it so warm and inviting! I love candle light this time of year. πŸ™‚ I have an awkwardly shaped living room as well, with a fireplace in exactly the wrong spot! They're a little difficult to move, ha ha, so I have had to get creative. At least it keeps things interesting!

  16. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
    January 18, 2011 / 1:45 am

    You've definitely achieved what you set out to do here, Anita! The warmth and coziness comes through in your pictures. It looks like a wonderful area to sit in and enjoy a book or a conversation.

  17. Unknown
    January 18, 2011 / 2:07 am

    Your room is lovely and warm! Enjoy!

  18. Red Couch Recipes
    January 18, 2011 / 3:45 am

    I agree with everyone that this is a warm, and colorful, place to spend a winter day. I like the idea of burning candles all day long. Joni

  19. Jemsmom
    January 18, 2011 / 4:43 am

    I just want to curl up on the couch and hang out with you for a cup of cocoa! Your home just exudes a sense of peace, warmth and comfort! I have a question for you since you are about the rugs. If I put a rug under my guest bed, how big should it be for a full size bed. It doesn't have to come all the way to the top does it? I had heard where your feet land when you get out of bed. I am wondering if I can do it with a 5×7. What are your thoughts?

  20. Debbie
    January 18, 2011 / 11:42 am

    I always think COMFORT and WARMTH when I see pictures of your home. This setting, in particular, give that feeling. Your home would be a great place to visit. Even better to live there!

    Looking forward to your tablescape tomorrow!

  21. Emelia DiCarlo
    January 18, 2011 / 4:08 pm

    Hi Anita, Love all your winter decor and colors of golds greens and shades of red tones are my favorite. You are so talented and creative. Your red candles are so pretty scattered about. I love candles too!Thank you for being so positive and I love looking at all your posts now when so much is going on in our lives with loosing loved ones.You have a wonderful family and your home just glows and lets everyone know it!

  22. La
    January 18, 2011 / 6:59 pm

    Hi Anita!

    Your home certainly looks warm and inviting. I like to burn candles too. Not only does it create a warm ambiance, it freshens the the wintry air.

    Have a wonderful week! La

  23. Connie
    January 18, 2011 / 7:39 pm

    Your home is so cozy and inviting. I love the foyer buffet but a grand piano always steals the show. Aren't you blessed to own that beauty!

  24. Deanna
    January 19, 2011 / 3:27 am

    Anita,
    Such a pleasant place!
    I can hear the music,
    d

  25. linda
    January 19, 2011 / 1:48 pm

    Anita i love the new carpet the colors are awsome everything just looks so inviteing warm and cozy .I like how you use the berry and greenery just the right pop of color.I just want to run right over and have a cup of coco and a chat hugs:)Linda

  26. Pam Kessler
    January 19, 2011 / 3:38 pm

    Very pretty and welcoming. Everytime I see your buffet table I want to run out and find one just like it. I like to keep some faux pine out until the end of February too. It's wintery without being Christmas-like. Without it I would just be waiting for Spring to come.

  27. sheila from life @ #17
    January 22, 2011 / 11:56 pm

    as always, lovely πŸ™‚