top of page

Out With The Tree: Tips for a Cozy Home After the Holidays

January can feel like the longest, greyest month of the year. After the joy and sparkle of the holidays, the transition back to normal life can leave your home feeling empty and dull. Taking down the Christmas tree, packing away the fairy lights, and saying goodbye to the cozy decorations often creates a noticeable void.

Suddenly, the room that once glowed with festive cheer feels cold and lifeless.

But it doesn’t have to stay that way!

Tips for a Cozy Home After the Holidays: With a few touches, you can transform your space into a warm, inviting retreat that carries comfort and charm through the winter months. These ideas keep the cozy, wintery vibe intact without the festive look of Christmas!


Natural Elements

Use natural elements like eucalyptus branches. Use them in vases, wreaths, or garlands for a fresh, minimalistic look. You can display twisted hazel branches or physalis (Chinese lanterns) in a blue-colored vase for a rustic, wintry vibe. Pampas grass, lavender, or cotton can create a soft and airy winter aesthetic effect. Don’t hesitate to incorporate a touch of red—when used minimally, it adds a cozy and inviting feel to your interior. Consider a berry branch or a string of dried red chili peppers in the kitchen. Remember, decoration isn’t just for the living room; other areas of the house can benefit from these simple, charming touches as well. Regarding natural elements, Feng Shui can harmonize the energy flow in your home interior. Read about the 5 elements to balance and make a room more comfortable.


berries in a vase, Chinese lantern and dries chilly peppers

Books

It's easy to add character to a room with a stack of well-worn hardcovers or a decorative book. It's a great conversation starter and adds a personal touch to any room when you add books. You can use a stack of books as a doorstop, a side table, or even to balance a bookshelf, adding both functionality and charm to your home decor.

Keeping books in sight has another benefit—it encourages you to pick one up and start reading. Before you know it, you’re lost in a story, and spring has quietly begun!


neo rauch winter art oranges in a bowl Moroccan kelim cushions on a couch

Lighting

Keep the festive spirit alive by stringing warm white fairy lights around mirrors, windows, or shelves—but don’t overdo it, as too many can quickly feel tacky. Instead, consider using neutral or winter-scented candles (like pine or eucalyptus) for a cozy glow. You can also use a salt lamp or fill lanterns with candles, small lights, or decorative elements like moss for a charming and understated touch.

The "magic" that Christmas might bring doesn’t have to disappear once the holidays are over. There are plenty of ways to keep your home feeling captivating during the long winter months. For a magical touch, hang crystals on fish thread in your windows. When the sunlight streams through, it casts colorful, dancing reflections on your walls, creating a playful and uplifting effect that keeps the wonder alive.


Textiles and Soft Furnishings

I can’t emphasize enough the importance of rugs! They not only make spaces feel warmer and more inviting but also help anchor the room by bringing all the elements on the rug together, creating a cohesive and less cluttered look. Add a fluffy or textured rug to make spaces feel warmer and more inviting. I source my rugs directly from the Medina of Marrakech, and in this article, I’ll share some tips on where to find the best ones!

Layer chunky knit or faux fur blankets over sofas and chairs for an inviting, cozy feel.

Swap out holiday-themed pillows for ones in rich, textured fabrics or earthy tones like deep green, rust, or warm mustard—colors that evoke the winter season without feeling too dull.


The winter season doesn't have to leave your home feeling cold or uninspired. You can still create a cozy, warm, and inviting space without the Christmas decorations.

It's easy to make your home feel the comforting glow long after the tinsel's gone with little touches like natural elements, layered lighting, and soft textiles.

So why not use this winter to create a retreat you'll love? Here are some simple updates you can make to your home until spring - whether it's a cozy reading nook, a softly lit corner, or a refreshed living room. Stay inspired and enjoy winter in your newly refreshed space!


 
Brass tray with candle holders, Skyggedyr art print, handmade beaded earrings

At Cake, we create things we love and feel passionate about: home and style pieces that tell stories, connect people and have something unique to offer. This keeps us centered - we don’t follow trends or fads. Customers must keep loving and using their items.

When it doesn’t go out of style, it has staying power and becomes more sustainable.

Cake aims to enrich your day-to-day life with sustainable, high-quality, and timeless goods. 

Comments


bottom of page