Along with snow and colder weather, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) peaks its head during the winter months for many people. This condition may be described as depression that occurs during the transition to the winter season. For whatever reason, when the days get shorter and darker, sadness, drowsiness, and other depression-related symptoms are more apparent.
Even though it’s a common experience, medical professionals are still trying to figure out the depth of SAD and its connection to the winter months. Many suggest treating it with cognitive behavioral therapy, light therapy, or medication.
However, others are finding more innovative ways to navigate SAD during the cold months, particularly with interior design in the home. Creating a warm and comforting atmosphere is one of the best defenses against SAD or the less severe “winter blues.”
Here are just a couple of interior design tricks that can help keep you uplifted during winter.
Organize, Organize, Organize
Although seemingly small, clutter is one of the worst things for winter blues. When everything is everywhere, and there’s so much of it, it can be hard to feel happy and have a good attitude, let alone feel motivated enough to get out of bed.
Before you move things around and decorate, spend time decluttering and organizing each room in your home.
Clean out the closets you’ve been putting off because they’re overflowing with stuff. Organize and store seasonal sports equipment your family won’t use again until spring and summer, and donate as much as possible to ensure you’re disposing of unused items responsibly.
A less cluttered home feels a lot more peaceful. It also gives you a blank canvas for decorating.
Embrace Warm Colors and Cozy Textures for Decor
Embracing warm colors and cozy textures for decor is one of the best interior design tricks for the winter. Warm colors make spaces feel more inviting and comfortable — both of which are important for beating the winter blues.
Warm colors include:
- Amber
- Mustard
- Scarlet
- Peach
- Orange
- Taupe
- Forest green
Use these colors throughout your home to set the warm winter mood. You can also complement these colors by using gold or brass accents.
Experiment with textures and patterns too. For example, drape fur or flannel blankets on your couches. Lay down a red velvet rug. Place warm-colored floral arrangements throughout your home. Hang up knits on the wall. Or use artwork with matte, glossy, and hairy finishes to bring more life to your rooms.
Natural Light Is Your Friend
Some experts believe that SAD is actually connected to a lack of sunlight rather than cold weather. As such, it’s important to find as many ways to expose yourself to natural sunlight during the day as much as possible. Open your drapes and shades during the day and allow natural light to flood your home.
Beware, though, as sometimes lots of natural light can make the warmer colors mentioned above appear cooler than you want them to. So, see what the colors you plan to use look like in natural light before making a permanent decision.
If you can’t get much natural light into your home, opt for softer, warmer lighting by putting warm amber lightbulbs into floor lamps, table lamps, and chandeliers. You could also use dimmers or colored light bulbs to achieve a warm light look.
Bring Greenery Indoors
Exposure to nature is proven to reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness, and stave off symptoms of anxiety and depression. But unfortunately, the cold winter months don’t inspire many to spend much time outdoors.
The best alternative is bringing nature indoors. Go to your local nursery or plant store and explore houseplants. See which ones speak to you and consider adding them to your home.
That being said, dead houseplants can be counterproductive in your fight against the winter blues. So, whatever you choose, be sure you understand how to take good care of your houseplants and are committed to doing so. If you’re unsure if you can take on that commitment, you can always opt for fake plants which may still help SAD conditions without the maintenance that real plants require.
Crank Up Your Fireplace
Fireplaces are staples in the interior design game, especially during winter. Not only do they emit heat to keep us warm, but they inspire that cozy, warm feeling as we gather around them day in and day out.
Use your fireplace every chance you get. Also, extend your decor to your fireplace mantle and surrounding areas. Run warm-colored linen across the top of the mantle and accessorize with pictures in gold frames, white vases, a houseplant or two, and an antique mirror on the wall above your fireplace.
You could even design a hot cocoa and/or coffee bar to the side of your fireplace to further the good vibes and festive aesthetic in your home during the winter months.
When in Doubt, Go With Hygge
If you’re uncertain about how to treat your SAD conditions, why not look to others who experience it on a phenomenon level? In Denmark, the citizens experience some of the longest nights and coldest weather than most people in the globe. Yet, simultaneously, they’re rated as one of the top countries with the happiest citizens. According to Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, which is based in Denmark, this can be attributed to the tradition around hygge.
“The concept of hygge is about creating a cozy, comforting physical environment: lighting candles, snuggling up with soft blankets, and consuming warm, soothing drinks.”
There’s a particular mindset that goes with hygge as well. It’s all about finding meaning and happiness in everything, no matter what’s happening around you or the material things you have.
Beating winter blues is a much more manageable task when you adopt the concept of hygge. However you decide to design and decorate your home in the winter, ensure it’s comforting, cozy, and most importantly, you.