While Mr.Groundhog may have seen his shadow, the weather here in the Southeast seems to have forgotten the significance of this little tradition! Winter weather seems to be sticking around for a few more weeks, and it’s not long before the time spent inside can morph into an unfortunate case of the winter blues! To combat the bleakness so often associated with this time of year, we're sharing 10 tips for making a cozier home!

1) Opt for Warm Lighting

Warm, soft lighting can immediately transform any room. Try burning candles, swapping out your normal bulbs for more amber-hued options (like the Edison vintage bulb), and heating your living room with a roaring fire (which adds warmth in more ways than one!). We also like to scatter votives and tea lights throughout the rooms we use most in the evenings, you’d be surprised how quickly a handful of small, glowing candles can “cozy-up” a space!

Looking for an American-made, eco-friendly candle option? We recommend Southern Firefly Candle Co. for hand poured-in-Nashville soy candles.

(Photo Credit: Real Simple)


2) Add Texture with Blankets & Throws
Drape thick, textured blankets and throws on your couches, armchairs, and beds to add texture and warmth to rooms throughout your home. We typically opt for soft flannels, heavy wools, and chunky, knitted blankets… not to mention, it doesn't hurt to have extra layers on hand for the coldest of days. While a classic winter white is always a good choice when paired against a darker backdrop, don’t be scared to experiment with mauves, charcoals, deep emeralds, and rich chocolate-tones. Incorporating color is yet another way to add warmth!

Looking for American-made textured blanket options? We recommend BeCozi for super warm, hand knit merino-wool blankets. (Photo Credit: BeCozi)


3) Layer, Layer . . . and More Layering!
Now that the stage is set with warm lighting and textured throws, add another layer of coziness with a handful of throw pillows. As with blankets, don’t be shy about the use of color as it adds dimension and warmth in ways that muted hues cannot. Combine complimenting colors and patterns to add layers and pops of creativity in each room. Another secret of ours is to use throw pillows in unexpected places: think the rickety, wooden rocking chair in the corner, the entryway hall tree, or the window seat in the kitchen… use your creativity and take decorating risks. For us, we've typically found that the more layering techniques we add to a space, the cozier and warmer it becomes.

(Photo Credit: DIY Playbook)

Looking for American-made throw pillows? Our new, premium decorative pillow line, PC Jefferson, offers hundreds of options to fit just about every need.We'd love to see how you transform your own homes into cozy-indoor spaces during the cold months. Share your photos with us on Instagram or Facebook, or use the #pillowcubes! 

4) Upgrade Your Curtains
While natural light is always a welcomed addition to our homes, we like to leave the light and airy curtains behind during the colder months (save those guys for hot and steamy spring and summer), and replace our curtains with heavier, thicker fabric. Try using thick linen curtains in complimentary tones to add warmth to any room without taking away from your overall decor choices. Not only will this "look" instantly change up the hygee factor, but you'll also be helping keep the cold out by drawing the curtains on those chilly evenings when the wind is howling! 

(Photo Credit: Pinterest, no source or link)

Looking for American-made curtains? Check out Superior Custom Linens, a small, Texas-based company that specializes in curtains here. 

5) Add Some Plant Friends
Plants make every room a little better, don't you agree? Adding just a few to your indoor spaces can instantly bring warmth and light, two things we're all about here at PillowCubes. Not sure where to begin with indoor plant selection? Why not turn to the woman who knows all when it comes to decorating indoors.... Joanna Gaines! This article by PopSugar outlines the TEN Plants You Should Be Decorating With! >>

(Photo Credit: Katrina Lee Chamber)

6) Use Area Rugs
Area rugs truly transform a space. They can add a sense of luxury, color, character, or completely work to tie together the story of the room. Even if you've already been using a rug to tie together the spaces in your home, opting for ones that have longer threads, thicker weaves, or higher-cut piles can completely cozy-up your spaces for winter. Choosing a slightly darker color for colder months (think changing white for a grey) can only serve to further warm up your room. 

(Photo Credit: The Crazy Craft Lady)

7) Plan for Cozy Comfort Meals (That Make Your Home Smell Delicious!)
While this is more of an overall "beat the winter blues" tip, when you're making meals that cause your homes to smell delicious, you're only adding to the overall coziness! Use these last few weeks of cold and winter to stock up on rich-smelling soups, stews, and comfort-food meals. Pulling out the slow cooker and using it as both a meal-prepper and home-scenting-device not only makes your meal making easier, but will fill your spaces with that yummy scent of "home". Stuck on your old recipes? THIS article by Half Baked Harvest outlines some amazing options to take your kitchen skills up a few notches... and are sure to make every belly in your home satisfied and asking for seconds! READ MORE  

(Photo Credit: HalfbakedHarvest.com)

8) Keep Music Playing 
Filling your home with tunes is another fun way to invite hope, happiness, and warmth inside. Try to steer clear of depressing, melancholy themes and opt for bright, sunny, and upbeat music instead. This doesn't necessarily mean blaring country music like you're riding with your sunroof open, but upbeat and joyful beats will only aid in taking over the winter blues mood! Need some inspo? Check out the 100 Most Uplifting Songs playlist on iTunes here  

What are YOUR favorite tips for overcoming the winter blues within your own house? We'd love to hear!