A SMOOTH TRANSITION

Creating a cozy home for ourselves and for our families is an essential part of decorating no matter the time of year, but it’s even more important as the temperatures start to decline and we head into winter. Rooms that feel secure and comfortable can help make the cold-weather months more bearable as we settle in and enjoy indoor activities: reading, board games, binge-watching favorite television shows or dreaming up fresh ideas to try out over the course of the new year.

Some homeowners like to extend the holiday spirit for several weeks and keep decor such as fragrant greenery and berry garlands, cheery snowmen and frosted pinecones on display, while others pack away all their Christmas trimmings and return to their everyday look. Whichever way you choose to ease out of December and into January and February, here are a few styling strategies you can incorporate to embrace the season and offer a warm and homey atmosphere to every space:

❄ ADD SOFT LIGHTING: To combat the shorter daylight hours, increase the number of light sources in every room with glowing lamps and lanterns, flickering candles and even white twinkle lights strung on mantels.

❄ FOCUS ON VISUAL WARMTH: Amp up your color scheme by bringing in metallic tones such as copper or matte brass to provide a little glimmer to spots that may be feeling dreary at this time of the year.

❄ LOAD UP ON TEXTURES: Appeal to the sense of touch by furnishing seating areas and bedrooms with extra throw pillows, fleecy blankets and thick rugs to stay comfy from head to toe.

Speaking of rugs, you could win a 5' x 8' braided rug of your choice worth up to $500 from The Braided Rug Place! To enter for your chance to win our giveaway, turn to page 25 or visit www.countrysampler.com/promotions.