Get rid of the winter blues and Blue Monday: Create a cozy home

Today is January 20th and that means only one thing: Blue Monday. The cozy holidays are behind us and we still have to get through the last gray dark months.

In this blog I will take you along on how to make it just a little more cozy at home so that it is less bad to be inside a little more these months. And in the meantime you can get started with these projects so that these dark months fly by faster!

Lighting: the key to atmosphere

Lighting has a huge impact on the atmosphere of your home. In northwestern Europe it is usually colder and that is why we prefer warm light. But people with a background from a warm country often prefer cooler and brighter light because they seek more cooling at home.

Because winters in Europe are grey and cold, it is important to use warm light when it is dark. This creates a cosier effect at home. Try to ensure that enough light enters your home in the morning and during the day. Is the sun shining? Open your curtains! This signals to your body that it is daytime and reduces the production of melatonin in your body. This hormone makes you sleepy and too much of it causes the well-known winter blues. In short, light has a huge influence on how you feel. So use mirrors, light curtains and ceiling lights to ensure that your home is bright and lit during the day.

Mood lighting also works very well in the evening during these periods. It creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere in your home. Mood lighting makes it cozy and dark. It also prepares you for the night. Because it is a bit darker, melatonin production starts and your body prepares to go to bed. You can get this cozy effect with, for example, scented candles, dimmers on lamps and accent lighting.

In short, make sure that the desired rooms are well lit during the day. Open the curtains and turn on ceiling lights when it is grey and blue outside. In the evening, on the other hand, use mood lighting such as candles, dimmers on lamps and make use of accent lighting.

Colors: The energy of your interior

The influence of colours on the atmosphere of a room is enormous. Soft shades such as light blue and pastel green give a sense of calm while deeper colours such as dark blue, burgundy and dark green give a cosy and warm feeling.

Because colors strongly influence the energy of a room, it is important to first look at what is being done in the specific room before you start. For example, bedrooms should radiate peace, but it is wise to use lighter shades in an office so that you are energetic and productive here.

For living rooms we see that during this period many colours such as warm grey, terracotta and soft beige are used to get a feeling of warmth and cosiness. Here you can play with accent colours to get back cheerfulness and energy. Think of cushions, blankets or art for example with ochre yellow tones.

Textures and Materials: Warmth through details

Because these are cold and dark days, warmth and coziness may be created. Apart from the heating on setting 26, you can imitate this effect very well by using the right materials.

In the winter months, you can easily achieve this effect with wool blankets and chenille cushions, for example, but you can also achieve this effect very well with natural materials such as wood and rattan. By thinking about textures and materials, you can add those personal little details that make your home feel just that little bit warmer and cozier.

Plants and Green: Life and freshness in the home

Apart from colours, materials and lighting, you also want to ensure that there is liveliness and an organic freshness. This effect is best achieved with plants and plants break up hard lines in your interior.

Plants purify the air and improve air quality. There have also been several studies that show that plants in your environment have a calming effect and enhance feelings of happiness. This is exactly what you need in these cold and dark winter months. In addition, plants can be used perfectly in bedrooms. There was a myth that this could be dangerous because plants also release CO2 at night, but this amount is minimal. Also make sure that your bedroom is well ventilated at night.

Using plants in empty corners helps to reduce the harsh lines in rooms and makes the atmosphere softer and more inviting. If you don’t have green fingers, choose low-maintenance plants. Also make sure to give your plants some plant food every now and then so that the leaves don’t turn yellow. Even small herb plants in your kitchen have a soothing effect and they are also practical.

For example, you can use plants as follows:

• Bedroom: air-purifying plants such as a peace lily for a better night's sleep.

• Bathroom: moisture-loving plants such as ferns or bamboo .

• Kitchen: Herb plants such as basil, mint or thyme – both practical and decorative.

Conclusion

With a few small adjustments you can turn your home into a warm, cozy place where you can quickly forget the winter blues. By playing with lighting, colors, textures and plants you create an interior that not only looks cozy, but also improves your mood. Which tip will you apply first? Turn Blue Monday into Cozy Monday and enjoy your own cozy home!