Five minute decorating has always been one of the most popular series here on the blog. Why? Because in 5 minutes you can add seasonal decor that instantly warms up a room. And in winter- when my toes are cold and I am wearing layers of cozy- warming up the house is what I need.
Five 5 minute Decorating Ideas
These ideas are simple and easy to do just by shopping the house, moving things and adding some simple things like squishy pillows and potted plants.
Bring in a Rug
You know, I don’t have a ton of rugs in my house. And sometimes (like in winter) I question that. A rug underfoot makes your feet warmer, provides some sound absorption And instantly makes a room feel that much more cozy.
I have several vintage rugs that are currently folded up – I think adding those rugs back to several rooms might be on the to-do list today.
Potted Plants
Simple and easy and an instant way to warm up a room- those potted plants make all the difference. Adding greenery brings a sense of spring and sunshine to a dreary chilly winter day. You can find some great options right at your local grocery store or home improvement store, grab a few pots that speak to your aesthetic and create a mini ‘garden’ on the windowsill. For low maintenance- think cactus and succulents. For something edible- go with herbs. For something whimsical- topiaries are perfect.
You can also bring in a tree for a bigger fresh plant feeling- think olive or ficus. This is a live olive tree in the background- you can find a Faux for a similar look HERE
Bring in More Lighting
My husband & I have a chandelier brightness battle daily. He gets up ahead of me (those old army and police clocks have stayed with his schedule) and when I come out to the living room, he is sitting there with the lights Barely on. And when I walk in- I pour my coffee and turn the dimmer switch up to 3/4 brightness. He squints and teases ‘ It burns my eyes!’ and just shake my head at him sitting in the dark. Needless to say, those early mornings when the power was out recently didn’t change much for him. But for me- more is more- bring on all the chandeliers and lights.
Simple 5 minute ways to warm up your rooms with light? Add twinkle fairy lights to a faux fire box, place lamps on the sideboard, set led candles out or simply bring in some brighter light bulbs for the chandelier. A room with more brightness feels warmer and this is such a snap your fingers easy way to create that.
Throws & Pillows
There is something about a sofa or chair that has big chunky, squishy pillows to sink into. I tend to have a more than I would like to admit outrageous amount of extra pillows in the house (ahem- the guest bedrooms are extra cozy with them all). So adding pillows to seating just requires shopping the guest rooms and bringing pillows out. Voila- instant warm & cozy.
Of course, adding throws is another great way to bring warmth and cozy to seating- and it can be a just toss it on the chair kind of thing if you prefer that look lived in, cozy look. Read about some of my favorite pillows to add to your room for cozy season HERE (and the lavender is ON SALE currently)
Move furniture
Okay- this one might require some help and maybe more than 5 minutes depending on your room and piece of furniture. But if we are talking a chair for sitting- this is so easy. Move a comfy chair by the fireplace or a window that has an abundance of sunshine. Bring a tiny drink table with you (and a squishy pillow and throw) and you have an instant warm and welcoming spot to sit and enjoy your coffee. Read about how changing the furniture arrangement in your room can make a difference in my post One Room Five Ways HERE
5 minute decorating is such a simple and easy way to add oomph and pretty to your home- especially when just shopping the house and using what you have on hand. Up next in the series- all about my favorite 5 minute ways to add a cozy ambiance and delight your senses in winter.
Happy Wednesday all.
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Stacy says
Hello, I am new to your blog, but I sure do love your ideas! I do a few of them. Switching rugs out is what we do. See both my husband and I each inherited a load full of ANTIQUES. For I it was my Great Grandmum it also included a house that my Great Grand pappy built for her and as for my husband his came from his mother. We were very fortunate. So needless to say we have quite a collection.
I sure enjoyed the set-up in front of the fireplace. The metal cafe table and the vase overflowing….just perfect!
Last, but not least, I had no idea you wrote the very 2 books that I have added to books I want! I can not wait to get them! I thank you so much for sharing your ideas and letting us into your home. Kind regards, Stacy😊🌱
CatheriNe says
i am new to the blog too! the iDeas are Wonderful & now i need to follow yOur advice & brighten up my home.
Thank yoU
CATHERINE
Chere’ Sterk says
I ABSOLUTELY love this idea. Sometimes im trying to get the winter darkness out and wHere we live in washington state it rains all winter long so adding some lights and switching furniture around foR me makes senSe. I really like the five minute idea as well because that’s really do-able! Thank you Courtney for all your Expertise!
franki Parde says
Works for me!!! franki
robin says
LOVE can I spell it again – LOVE this and thank-you
Paula says
Courtney, can you please sgare where you got the coffee table in your living room?
thx
Courtney says
Hi Paula-it is from French Heritage several years ago.
Eileen says
Hi. I love your blog and keep seeing the vintage sofa with the gold trim. Did you paint the wood trim yourself, have it done,etc???? I have almost the same sofa and would love to paint the trim gold, but am building up the nerve. By the way, i love the text you use with all caps. some bloggers have such small type, it’s almost unreadable.
Courtney says
Hi there! This settee came that way- you could paint it in a metallic gold for a similar look. There are some great examples of painted frames as well as gilded frames on furniture over at Eloquence.com And thank you- I am glad you like the text! I recently made it a bit larger for easier readability so it is great to hear that it helps!
Jackie Wild says
Love the post!
Courtney says
Thanks Jackie!
Aussie Jo says
Bloody awesome
Courtney says
Thank you Jo!
Lupe Schulte says
OH my goodness, Love it all!! Can you please share wIth me where you bought the beautiful french EMPIRE chandelier in your living room? Thank you.
Kind regards, Lupe
Courtney says
Hi Lupe!
It was from Lamps Plus- they don’t seem to carry it any longer but I found it available here: https://rstyle.me/+D4TtyfJQk0rTgOVSEbJ1eA
Hope that helps!
Natalie says
Oh my goodness, so much beauty! Amd that Coffee table, im so in love! Where can i find this?!
Im so hlad i found tour blog 🙂