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in Home Decor· Winter

My Warm & Cozy Winter Cottage Tips and Tour

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Do you struggle with what to do between the time you take down your holiday decor and springtime? Let me take you on a little winter tour of our cottage living room and kitchen, and give you some winter decor tips on how to keep warm and cozy during this time of transition.

winter season cottage kitchen

Welcome Winter Mini Blog Hop

I’m joining 10 other amazing bloggers today for our Welcome Winter Mini Blog Hop, hosted by my friend Cecilia of My Thrift Store Addiction. If you are hopping over from Kelly of The Tattered Pew, welcome! Doesn’t she have the best winter porch ideas? Make sure to visit the blogs linked at the bottom of this post for more inspired winter decor ideas.

For those of you that have not been here before, thank you for being here! I’m Kim. I live in a 100-year-old beach cottage in the beautiful PNW. For most of the year, you’ll find me in my cottage garden or greenhouse, overlooking the Puget Sound.

Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.


winter season cottage kitchen

I have mixed emotions when it comes to taking down my holiday decor and transitioning to winter decor.

On one hand, I struggle with saying goodbye to the festive Christmas holiday decor and feel like my house looks…how do I put it? BLAH and BORING!

winter cottage style kitchen

On the other hand, I love getting rid of the clutter. This is such a great opportunity to get in there and deep clean and organize. My home hasn’t had a good cleaning since last spring. I was out in the garden all summer. Then we went straight into fall and Christmas decorating. I didn’t have time to clean. In fact, I barely had time to get all of that seasonal decor out on time!


vintage turquoise cabinet with winter décor

A Warm & Cozy Winter Refresh

Maybe you already know my secret.

I’ve finally figured out how to decorate for Christmas, with the idea of repurposing some of my holiday decor and leaving it up for the remainder of the winter season. My goal each January is to take away the true Christmas decor, such as red accessories, ornaments, Christmas pillows, and anything else with glitter and glam. Oh, and anything that says CHRISTMAS on it.

winter season table in kitchen

Here are some of the “all winter” items I tend to leave out until springtime…

  • Naked Christmas trees
  • Any greenery, fresh or faux
  • Candles & twinkle lights
  • Neutral pillows

When purchasing decor items for Christmas, I try to keep in mind items that can be left out for the entire winter season.

vintage cabinet in living room with winter decor

Christmas tree in crock

My Favorite Winter Decor Tips for Creating a Warm & Cozy Ambiance

1. Winter Greenery and Natural Elements to Bring the Outdoors Inside

I keep a lot of my greenery from Christmas out and about for the entire winter season. Depending on my mood, I’ll refresh the pine tree branches from my yard, and add faux greenery to it for a bolder and full appearance. I tuck faux stems around vignettes as well.

If I’ve already deep cleaned a room, however, I may tend to skip the fresh greenery altogether (it gets a bit messy) and stick with faux options only.

small tree and glass jars for winter decor

Christmas trees, now fully “naked”, are a great winter accessory. I kept some of my bottle brush trees out, as well as a few mini Christmas trees.

Tree in crock and vintage winter decor
Winter decor with cotton stems in living room

Cotton stems add so much winter charm to any room.

winter fireplace mantel

My pinecones definitely work overtime and are used in vignettes and on my mantel from the end of September, for autumn, through the winter season. They create winter warmth for sure. Here you’ll see my faux eucalyptus and bay leaf garland and faux pine branches for a cozy winter fireplace mantel.

magnolia and dried orange wreath

Magnolia leaves are a beautiful type of greenery to keep up for the winter season. They can be added to a garland or made into a beautiful winter wreath.

 eucalyptus wreath on shutter

Eucalyptus is one of my favorite faux greens I use. I have faux eucalyptus garland, wreaths, and stems throughout my home.


winter décor on coffee table with candle

2. Create a Cozy Ambiance with Candles & Twinkle Lights

Just because the holidays are over, it doesn’t mean we have to give up that warm glow of a candle or some twinkle lights. I don’t know of any rules out there that say once we hit January, it’s time to pack them all up. Enjoy it as long as you can!

Apple cider candle

Nothing makes me happier than lighting a scented candle in the winter months. The Antique Candle Co. offers the most amazing fragrances all year long.

I also love using battery-operated candles in almost every room. I love being able to leave them, even when I’m not in a room. They can be put under cloches, and around garlands, without being a fire hazard.

winter faux mantel
winter décor on faux fireplace

3. Warm & Cozy Winter Mantel Refresh

My Christmas stockings and ornaments have all been packed up. Candlesticks, greenery, and pinecones are what’s left on my fireplace mantel for the remaining winter season.

winter décor on faux fireplace

I absolutely love these vintage books from Jaysworld.

winter décor in cottage kitchen

4. Adding Texture for Winter Warmth & Coziness

Adding a variety of textures to any space makes a home feel comfortable, cozy, and “lived-in”. I’m a huge believer in mixing several elements in the same space. Here are some of my favorites for winter…

  • Chunky cable blankets, stitched pillows, and other accessories made of yarn
  • Wicker furniture and baskets
  • Woods such as dough bowls, vintage shutters and antique pieces
Ollie on a winter blanket

With the frigid winter temperatures outside, bundling up indoors is more important than ever. Ask puppy Ollie, he agrees!

Chunky cable blankets, stitched pillows, and other accessories made of yarn instantly create a warm and comforting abode.

My friend KariAnne at Thistlewood Farm made the perfect 5-minute DIY sweater vases for the winter season. Aren’t they the cutest?

Warm and cozy living room and kitchen winter decor
winter décor living room

Wicker furniture, accents, and baskets not only warm up a room but add texture and contrast.

winter vignette

Dough bowls, breadboards, and vintage shutters are just a few of the wood pieces I use for winter home decor.

winter kitchen farm table
kitchen eating area with winter decor

Glass cabinet with vintage winter decor with Christmas tree on top

5. Vintage Mixed with New

A few vintage pieces mixed in with newer decor add much-needed character at a time of year when we really need it.

Vintage winter decor with Christmas tree
vintage winter decor
vintage barrel with old table legs

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope that some of the winter decor tips and ideas I shared were helpful. Make sure to hop on over to my very talented friend Lora of Lora B. Create & Ponder to see her beautiful winter mantel decor. You won’t want to miss it! And be sure to visit my blogging friend’s posts at the end of this post to see all of their beautiful winter decorating inspiration!

Until next time,

Happy Winter Decorating!


PIN IT FOR LATER!

If you’ve enjoyed this blog post, please pin and share this on Pinterest.


For More Amazing Winter Decor Ideas Follow the Blog Hop

Be sure to visit my blogging friend’s posts below to see all of their beautiful winter decorating inspiration!

My Thrift Store Addiction | Midwest Life and Style | Panoply

The Crowned Goat | Calypso in the Country | The Tattered Pew

Shiplap and Shells | Lora B. Create & Ponder | Follow the Yellow Brick Home

Open Doors Open Hearts | Bricks ‘n Blooms

Other Posts For You...

Why We Fell in Love With Our 100-Year-Old Beach House

How to Brighten up Winter With Greenery and Flowers

10 Ways to Create a Charming Cottage-Style Kitchen

Have Fun With Faux Flowers and Greenery

Simple Spring Home Tour

How to Transition from Christmas to Winter Decor


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Filed Under: Home Decor, Winter Tagged With: transition from Christmas to winter home decor, transitioning from holiday to winter decor

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Angelina says

    08/14/2022 at 1:40 pm

    What color paint is used on the piece of furniture that’s blue? I love it!

    Reply
  2. Sarah says

    12/10/2021 at 11:14 am

    You gave me so many great ideas for decorating my house this season!! I love the vintage touches! My family is decluttering our house over the weekend and then we’re getting  cabinet refinishing the following week. After that, we finally get to decorate for Christmas, and I’m so excited! 

    Reply
  3. Ann says

    11/15/2021 at 7:37 pm

    Beautiful! Your home gives me such a sense of tranquility and peace. Where do you buy your faux greenery? It looks real.

    Reply
    • Kim says

      11/20/2021 at 7:41 am

      Thank you, Ann! The faux greenery comes from many different places throughout the years. Pottery Barn and a local store called the Garden Room are my favorites.

      Reply
  4. Carol Karl says

    02/08/2021 at 12:13 pm

    Very cozy indeed! I am so jealous of your cabinet with the quilts – I have longed for one just like it forever.

    Reply
  5. Molly says

    01/18/2021 at 8:12 am

    Love all your cozy touches, Kim! Stay dry and warm!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/18/2021 at 11:17 am

      Thank you Molly! So happy the sun is out today!

      Reply
  6. Margie Clements says

    01/18/2021 at 4:38 am

    Kim, I just love how you decorated for the winter season! I am using a lot of cotton stems which I love due to cotton is all down here in south Georgia!
    Can you still use them in the spring or do I need to pack them all up?
    Thanks for sharing your ideas!
    Love hearing from you!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/18/2021 at 11:16 am

      Thank you Margie! Great question because I researched the heck out of how long I could keep cotton stems out. I couldn’t find anything, so I made up my own rules. I bring them out for fall, keep them for holiday and winter decorating, and use them in the spring as well. I keep them more in the background in spring, but I think they look pretty with the reds and pinks for Valentine’s Day. That’s just me though. I don’t believe in rules when it comes to decor! Have a good week.

      Reply
  7. Cindy@CountyRoad407 says

    01/17/2021 at 7:42 am

    I think I need me an Ollie! So stinkin’ cute! Love all of your cozy winter ideas too. And that hutch makes me want to find more quilts. Seems like the ones we have are all yucky colors. I want blues and greens and pinks and reds. Not peach and brown and yellow and orange. Bleh. Great tour!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/18/2021 at 11:12 am

      Thank you Cindy! You are too sweet. I am just so happy I have this cabinet because we literally have no storage space for our quilts and blankets. I don’t think they believed in closet space in 1920, but then again, they didn’t have the STUFF we have now. I do gravitate towards the blues, greens, and pinks as well. Thank you for visiting.

      Reply
  8. Vicki says

    01/16/2021 at 2:34 pm

    Your home is so cozy and pretty! I love the ideas for winter decor. Ollie is adorable! What breed?

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/18/2021 at 11:09 am

      Thank you Vicki! I appreciate it. Ollie is a havanese.

      Reply
  9. Linda says

    01/16/2021 at 12:20 pm

    Your home is so pretty and cozy. Ollie is a cutie. What kind of breed is he ? To

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/18/2021 at 11:09 am

      Thank you Linda! Ollie is a havanese.

      Reply
  10. Linda says

    01/16/2021 at 9:36 am

    Hi Kim! Happy New Year! Your home always looks so cozy and beautiful. I have a question for you. How do you keep your floors looking so shiny and clean? They always look so great! Thanks for the great tour!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/18/2021 at 11:08 am

      Thank you Linda! First they look extra shiny because there aren’t any carpets in the house because of puppy training these days, so it’s extra noticeable. I use Rejuvenate Products on my floors. I’m so glad you think they’re shiny. Thank you!

      Reply
  11. CoCo says

    01/15/2021 at 5:37 pm

    So many beautiful ways to welcome winter, Kim! I love the way you’ve used lots of vintage elements and all the pretty ways you’ve used trees too. Your quilt cabinet is definitely one of my favorite pieces no matter what the season. And don’t even get me started on that little cutie pie Oliie! I could seriously play with that sweet pete all day 🙂 Hugs and happy weekend, CoCo

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/18/2021 at 11:06 am

      Thank you for all the sweet comments CoCo. And Ollie makes it very hard to get anything done throughout the day. They say puppies sleep 18-20 hours a day, but I think I need to challenge that!

      Reply
  12. Lora Bloomquist says

    01/15/2021 at 5:02 pm

    Your Ollie looks like a stuffed animal; he’s adorable! Loved this winter tour of your cottage, Kim. All the beautiful natural textures combined with your awesome vintage finds is right in my sweet spot. I think we should start a new design trend: organic vintage: lots of vintage and lots of organic textures to go with it…perfection! So fun to be hopping with you!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/18/2021 at 11:04 am

      I love that idea Lora. We do have a the same style for sure. And ues, Ollie doesn’t even look real right now, I almost hate to see him grow up, except I need him to be potty trained!

      Reply
  13. Aliya Arnold says

    01/15/2021 at 4:45 pm

    Kim! You’re winter home is gorgeous!! I love it! PS Your puppy looks like my Mom and Dads puppy!! Such a cutie!!!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/18/2021 at 11:02 am

      Thank you Aliya! Enjoy your week my friend.

      Reply
  14. stacy says

    01/15/2021 at 1:55 pm

    I love how Ollie is featured under the cozy section he is the cutest!!! Your home looks so pretty! I love all the winter touches and warmth that the candles and twinkle lights add. xoxo

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/18/2021 at 11:02 am

      Thanks Stacy! You know I have to feature him every chance I can because he’s growing so quickly!

      Reply
  15. Jen says

    01/15/2021 at 11:14 am

    Oh my goodness, Kim. Where to start? Everything in your home is absolutely gorgeous. I love the way you incorporated simple touches into your winter style. And how cute is little Ollie? Pinned for future inspiration.

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/15/2021 at 12:40 pm

      Thank you Jen! Ollie is my very favorite winter accessory for sure. Thank you all for the kind words. So fun to be hopping with you today.

      Reply
  16. Cecilia says

    01/15/2021 at 9:06 am

    Kim, your cottage is so cozy and charming! We are on the same page when it comes to transitioning for winter–I also am leaving greenery, bare trees, and dried oranges to brighten the winter months. Pinning and sharing on IG. Happy winter! Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/15/2021 at 12:39 pm

      Thank you Cecilia! And thank you so much for letting me join along with you all today. What a group of talented women!

      Reply
  17. Kelly Radcliff says

    01/15/2021 at 8:40 am

    Kim your winter decor is just beautiful! I am in love with that cabinet filled with linens and quilts!! Pinned !Thanks for all of your lovely tips and the tour!

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/15/2021 at 12:38 pm

      Thank you for visiting Kelly! With a lack of closets, that cabinet has been a life saver! And it’s a bonus being cute!

      Reply
  18. Calypso in the Country says

    01/15/2021 at 7:50 am

    I know what you mean about having mixed feelings this time of year – but your home looks gorgeous! I love all your colors and all your pretty pieces that work so well for winter. I have to tell you though, Ollie is my favorite of all of your “accessories”! Could that puppy be any cuter?!! Enjoy every fluffy moment! Great hopping with you again and enjoy your weekend!
    Shelley

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/15/2021 at 12:35 pm

      I am so with you on Ollie! He is even better than a blanket. I can’t believe how fast he’s growing. Thanks for visiting Shelley!

      Reply
  19. Rita C at Panoply says

    01/15/2021 at 5:36 am

    Kim, your winter decor and home are anything BUT blah and boring! I absolutely love your color palette, mixing the sea greens with blues and creams. I’m with you on keeping naked trees around for awhile, at least until the gray days become fewer, maybe early February. If we’re going to be home, we crave comfort. It looks as though Ollie is a cuddle bug – adorable! Happy winter to you, and happy to join you today on Cecilia’s invitation.

    Reply
    • Kim says

      01/15/2021 at 12:33 pm

      Thank you Rita. I felt the same way about your beautiful winter color palette. The art of nesting comfortably is so important these days. Thank you for visiting today. So fun winter decor hopping with you.

      Reply

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Meet Kim

Hi! I'm Kim. Welcome to my home & garden blog, Shiplap and Shells. We live in a small 1920 beach cottage in the Pacific Northwest and have spent the last 10 years renovating, reinventing, and adding character to our forever home. Read More…

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