disclosure: this post is sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart.
I already miss Christmas.
And it’s only been three weeks.
This is the time of year when the house feels a little empty. A little less cozy. A little sadder.
The twinkling lights are gone.
The Christmas carols have left the building.
And all that’s left behind are some empty spaces where the Christmas tree once was.
Some people might go back to bed and pull the covers over their heads.
But me?
I decorate.
Need a little winter decorating in your space?
Here’s the BEST way to add it.
Before we get started can we discuss how amazing those bookcases look?
Last year I painted them navy and it’s made such a difference in the “weight” of the living room.
Does that make sense?
The room feels cozier and a little more grounded now that the bookcases are a darker color.
It’s a great tip to change up a room without spending a lot of money.
And now?
Let’s discuss all the changes I made in the space to fill up the empty holes left behind by stockings and Christmas ornaments.
I started by adding this basket to the coffee table.
(total aside: if you have a patterned rug, you might want to consider a glass-topped coffee table like this. It allows the pattern of the rug to show through into the room and add another layer of color.)
You can see the coffee table here.
I filled the basket with blue and white pieces and one of my new favorite finds—these flowers in a glass vase. They look SO REAL.
It’s a hard time of year for fresh flowers and these flowers are the perfect solution.
You can see them here.
Over on my favorite yard sale table in the bay window, I added another glass vase of flowers and a new lamp.
It has the prettiest wooden base and I topped it with this white drum shade.
I love stacking books on the table (it feels like I’m at Downton Abbey) and topping them with blue and white pieces and adding a little bit of shine with this gold geometric sculpture.
I gave the mantel a SUPER simple refresh (it was exhausted from carrying the weight of all those stockings).
There are three candles grouped on each side with a platter on a stand and these faux boxwood plants in this beautiful stone planter.
It’s so simple and so winter.
You can see the faux boxwood planters here (they are SO BEAUTIFUL in real life).
I shook up the pillows on the couch with this new addition.
It has layers of blue and gray (like the rug) with a modern take on blue and white.
It’s such a pretty pillow and I love the new pattern it adds to the loveseats.
Then I fluffed everything and added a few new whiteware pieces to the room.
I filled this bowl with green moss pieces and added the cutest white tray to the bookcases.
And then?
I sat back and lit my favorite candle.
I’ve talked about this for over a year now and it the BEST scent. It reminds me of another high-end candle scent and it’s the perfect way to welcome in the new year.
You can see it here.
The room is calm now after the busyness of the holidays. It’s refreshed and ready to go.
But just between us? The best decoration of all?
These new picture frames and these cute faces that are in them.
The perfect way to light up a room.
2022 here’s looking at you.
PS The twins are going through sorority rush right now so I need all the calm and refresh I can get. 🙂
I am so happy and honored to be part of the BHG Live Better Influencer Network at Walmart.
All opinions are my own.
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Love the navy paint on cabinets..please share source and color...I'm thinking of doing my small island in Navy Your post help me so much thanks again for posting links that I just click on and go there. 7 items ordered from faves list and love all. Blessings
Love seeing the picture of your family....what a wonderful family you have....
If I ever decided to switch the colors in my home to blue and white I would use your home as my inspiration. I think you've done a beautiful job with your decor. Your blue and white rooms are my favorite by far.
I love the moss and can never find it anywhere. I look for that specific kind and strike out.
I was also wondering where she got the moss?
Very pretty. Best of luck to the twins!
Love the family pic!!! xoxo
I appreciate a lot about your blog & among the most important--I appreciate it that you find things that any budget could consider. Some popular blogs show things that are outrageously expensive for most common people. Everything you do is intentional & w/panache! !!!!!
Love that hex pillow - it would be great in a guy's dorm room or apartment (I have three college kiddos so always looking for easy items for their bedrooms, etc.). Best of luck to the girls. I'm sure they will find a sorority home - they are so cute and accomplished!
I always look forward to your posts. They are wonderful, just like you. Where did you find your couches?
LOVE all the blue & white, and the navy on your bookcases is perfect! Can you please identify the source for the living room brass ceiling light fixture? Many thanks, Barbara Z
Such a beautiful home and such a beautiful family! Love the picture! Thanks for sharing with us, KariAnne!
Painting the bookcases navy was a master move. It really does balance out the room. Love the photo of your family! That’s definitely the best decor.
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog. We are in our 80's and moving to a smaller home....so will be looking at all your blogs I have saved for inspiration. I'm excited to be decorating another house. Even in your 80's you can enjoy decorating with a limited budget and health!! Enjoy 2022!!
Love how fresh everything looks. I think this after every Christmas. Your rooms are always beautiful!
Love your tips!! If I could only decide on a color my bookcases in thte middle room would be painted! Our trees are still up! Between family travels and sickness we haven't been with our oldest and her family yet.
So many great tips KariAnne. I'm sharing a link on my Sunday, Dirt Road Adventures.
I love blue and white. Just a little too much pattern for me. Maybe a quieter rug.
KariAnne - Where did you purchase your chandelier? Pls send me a link! Thank you, Eleanor