getting cozy for winter...

as i 'try on' the palette of white, sunny yellow and soothing gray
in my studio (my 'decorating laboratory'!),
i'm finding it very easy to get whole new look using what i have here at home.

bringing in soft textures (a fleece blanket, sweater-covered pillows)

and references to warmth (a 'fire' in the faux fireplace, candles, warm hues)

makes this space feel much cozier during these cold days of winter.

maybe you're not into the 'color of the year' palette,

but you're ready for a fresh new vibe as the new year begins...
let me show you how to pull together a whole new look using what you already have!

continue reading for some simple decorating tips...

the faux fireplace that i built last fall is a perfect 'set' to decorate each season,
so i started here with a big change in the look...

a gray upholstered chair pulled from our guest room can do double-duty in this scheme:
both here by the 'fireside' and at my desk.
the fleece throw is baby-soft - and it's usually thrown over my legs as i sit typing at my desk.
paired with pillows covered in fabric from a sweater and a tee shirt,
they radiate warmth and create a cozy spot to read.

[no, i didn't repaint the tan walls in my studio .... that's a bit of photo editing magic!]

next to the chair, a vintage scale from my Dad's old warehouse holds a silver tray
that is stacked with books and a vintage aluminum cookie tin,
raising them to a height that is perfect for holding a cuppa'.

the faux logs (made from gift wrap paper and tin cans!) are hiding a flickering LED candle
that looks for all the world like a warm flame.

speaking of flames, that silver Volcano candle was found at a Palm Springs thrift shop.
brand new. unused. FOR FOUR BUCKS!!!!
i haven't shopped much this past year due to quarantine, but thrift shops are my fave places!

up on the mantel, three silver trays do stand-in duty for wreaths.
(i have a penchant for unpolished, slightly tarnished silver... it looks warmer to me!
when i was selling vintage goods at shows, older women chided me for leaving the tarnish.
'it's so worth it to polish the silver, dear. you'll get more money for it.' LOL)

i just came up with another use for those trays and will share it in my next post!

this garland was actually a last-minute idea...
i was unrolling two spools of ribbon to toss them in a wire basket, and one got knotted.
i started to untie the knot, and then had a second thought.
i tied more loose knots, and liked the pattern it created.
it's a really simple way to add depth and texture to the mantel.

three smaller books are stacked on the mantel, softened by faux birch bark leaves.
the candle holder is a 'GlassyBaby' creation named 'Sunshine',
a gift from my dear friend Fran.
it usually holds a tealight, but i just tucked a few mini lights into it.

this 'room makeover' has all been done quickly, without spending a cent,
using just what i had stored here at home - books, mugs, candle holders, a few accessories.
 
i hope my 'trying on a new color palette' experiment 
provides you with inspiration for playing with your own home decor this year!
look around and see what colors you might have that you don't often use... and try one on!

bonus: another arrangement and photo of the books became a new logo shot!

links to previous related posts:

faux fireplace mantel and logs

Glassy Baby glass works, Seattle WA

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