Simple tasks for snuggling into cozy {functional} spaces this January.
The holidays are over. We are figuring out what to do with the new gifts (and toys); while packing up the Christmas decorations. All at once we notice the giant mess surrounding us and begin to lose our minds. Then the organization panic attack hits…
STOP! Before we donate the entire house to Goodwill, let’s task ourselves with 5 simple chores to create a clutter-free, cozy cottage-inspired home.
As we begin, this is my cheat sheet for cozying up any space, and it serves as my basis for every room design.
Cheat sheet
Every Room NEEDS:
- cozy linens: think rug, extra throw blanket, pillows, towels, etc
- a place to sit; comfortable chair, bed, stool, etc.
- a clear work surface (or place to put a book/mug of coffee)
- an added source of lighting: lamps & candle
- an element of nature: greenery, plants, florals, wood
- daily functioning essentials: the things you NEED
Now let’s hit the RESET button for January and get cozy without the clutter!
Task 1: Clear the surfaces. Then, light a candle.
The best tip I can offer is remove everything from your kitchen countertops that you do not use on a DAILY basis. **You should probably ignore that styled photo. I never have this much decor on my island- I like it empty!
Small appliances, like the crockpot and toaster, should ideally be put away in the cabinets or pantry. The canisters, and the extra “stuff,” -get them out of your way.
Keep decor to a minimum. You NEED space to work efficiently. I find myself less-inspired to cook when I have to move things around first.
Recently I velcro-ed some vintage plates and a cross stitch to my tile backsplash just to add some interest, without taking up my precious countertop space.
Tip: Train yourself to purchase daily items that are both functional and attractive. Then, your working pieces add both function and personality to the space.
For example, my pink kitchenaid mixer is both my baking BFF, and it adds a sweet feminine feel to my kitchen. ((Decorative-Functional Items)) You could add personality with your cookware or cooking utensils, maybe a pretty utensil crock. Even your linens can add a decorative touch to your kitchen. Just be certain that functionality reigns and design is secondary. You need things that WORK for you!
Buy your own pink Kitchenaid Mixer here.
Also shown: Current favorite cookbooks
- Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat
- Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child
- Magnolia Table, Vol 2 by Joanna Gaines
This same premise can be applied to a desk or other work surface. Try switching up a functioning item for something that can add more charm to your space. A vintage blue jar or a cream pitcher as a pencil cup? A flower frog for a photo holder? Get creative!
I am not suggesting we cannot “decorate” our work spaces. Allow yourself to have something beautiful in every corner of your home, like a vase of flowers or a pretty candle. Just don’t go all out and cover your entire workspace with cat figurines.
Once the surfaces are clean, reward yourself. “When momma lights a candle, nobody touch anything.” Meaning -the work is done//the house is clean-.
Now, you can finally relax. So light a candle that makes you happy, and let it signal “rest.”
My all-time favorite candle can be found here. It’s mint+eucalyptus, made in Ohio!
Task 2: Clear out your kitchen cabinets. Then, make a cup of coffee in your fav mug.
How many coffee cups does one family need? 20. We have 20. Not including travel mugs 🙊
We all need to take the time to declutter the cabinets. How many of each item do you really need? For a family of 4, eight place settings -should- be plenty. Later I hope to do a full kitchen inventory run-down! Give you a peek inside all my cabinets and a list of my every day essentials. For now, here’s a look inside our “daily cabinet.”
Once you box up the mounds of extra dinnerware, pour yourself a hot cup of coffee. Sit in solitude, knowing the cabinet will not burst open at any given moment, spewing coffee cups to 20 of your closest friends.
Task 3: Sort the linen closet. Then, layer your favorite forgotten quilt on the couch or foot of the bed.
For linens, I like to keep 2 sets of sheets per bed, plus a flannel set for the cold winter months. I like to layer a cozy blanket for each chair/sofa and, of course, a comfortable pillow. Seasonal throw pillow covers are a great space-saving tip for those who love switching out pillows with the seasons or holidays.
Every bed gets a folded quilt or throw at the foot of the bed for napping, or nights that require just one more layer. Nothing beats the warmth of a worn quilt!
Now is a great time to refer back to my cheat sheet and study each room, deciding how to cozy it up. Do you have cozy linens available in every room? What inside your linen closet could be displayed instead of stored? What things could be donated or recycled?
When donating linens, the animal shelter is wonderful place to consider. Often times, they need sheets, towels, and old blankets for animal care (think bathing, bedding, etc).
Live with your favorite linens. Use the heirloom quilts and appreciate them every day!
Task 4: Leave a touch of winter florals in your most used spaces. Let nature in.
After we take down the Christmas decor, it can leave our house feeling empty and cold. Keep out a few evergreen elements to soften your spaces. The master bath, kitchen, and my bedside table are the most common spots I display seasonal florals. For winter, I like to use winter berries and evergreens.
I have an antique crock that belonged to my grandmother in the master bath. I love to fill it with seasonal stems. It brightens my day and dramatically softens the room.
Current Winter Favorites:
Task 5: Deep clean to the bottom of the closet and laundry basket. Wear your favorite clothes everyday.
My favorite way to declutter a closet is ask yourself, “Would I buy this again?” Imagine shopping your closet! If you would not purchase that item again, standing inside a store today, then donate it!
Your closet and laundry room deserve to be cozy and functional, just the same as other spaces in your home. These areas tend to clutter quickly in our home and need the most attention.
Cozy them up by adding a soft rug, a place to sit if there is room, and pretty functional items. Purses, storage boxes, and (even) clothes hangers can be decor!
Bottom line:
Clear away the extra clutter while maintaining a cozy cottage home. Rethink your everyday items and swap them for charming functional options. And lastly, savor the simplicity this cozy winter.
Which tip did you find the most helpful? I hope you will join me in hitting the RESET button this January.
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I was curious what the curtain in your island there for?
Instead of opting for a built-in microwave, I just have an opening in the island for a regular one! I added the curtain to conceal it all and add some charm.
I thought so. Love that idea! Much easier for kiddos to be more independent with it being close to their height.