Style at Home: Beating the post-holiday decor slump

White and cream accessories build a strong foundation. (Handout/TNS)
White and cream accessories build a strong foundation. (Handout/TNS)

We did it! We survived 2020 and a - for a lack of better word - unique holiday season. Since we were spending most of our holiday time at home this year, I pulled out all the stops to make it feel as normal as possible. However, now it seems that the post-holiday decor slump is even more pronounced in my home.

By "post-holiday decor slump," I mean the mantels that once boasted full garland now look bare and the corner of my living room that featured a magnificent tree looks a bit empty. The lack of Christmas cheer is leaving me in a bit of a funk. Where do we even start with bringing life back into our spaces after such a full and magical time of year?

Although it might be tempting, there is no need to pack up the whole house just yet. Starting fresh is much easier when focusing on one small area at a time. Whether that small space is your mantel, a tabletop or an entryway, starting with a blank slate is the way to go. I like to start by taking everything off my surfaces and shelves, seasonal or not. It is a good excuse to dust off the pine needles and get everything back into tip-top shape before I start filling my spaces back up.

This time of year, I like to start easing into spring slowly - you never know what is going to catch your eye over the next few months. Plus, winter has only officially just begun. Breaking out the everyday decor is a fabulous way to let your room shine in the awkward in-between months before we start to thaw out and the spring season is in full bloom. We like to use a lot of white and cream accessories to build a strong foundation for anything that comes after. Neutral patterns in your tabletops, bedding and textiles add depth to your rooms while still allowing a fresh aura and calm feeling for this after-the-holidays resting period. After the hustle and bustle of the last few months, it is nice to see some clean surfaces and let the chinoiserie and delicate accessories I have really shine before the tulips and bunnies arrive.

While we don't know what this year will bring, I welcome the change and appreciate the opportunity to prepare for something new. The simplicity of decor this time of year reflects our hope and openness for whatever comes our way over the next 12 months. We will tackle it together, one day and one shelf at a time.

Adapted from nellhills.com. Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas City interior design destination Nell Hill's. For more information, contact Katie at [email protected].