With winter weather hanging on and the sun still setting early, you may be daydreaming about the brightness of spring ahead. But you don’t have to wait to experience it—there are many simple ways you can invite the sun’s rays into your home and make it more radiant and cheerful. Besides helping to chase away the darkness and dreariness of February, the following strategies can equip you to take advantage of the increased daylight as the seasons change over, improving your spaces’ ambience and increasing your happiness all year long.
A good place to start is with your windows, namely your window coverings. It’s remarkable how transformative simply opening curtains and blinds can be, so try to get in the habit of doing so right away every morning. Additionally, you may want to swap out dark curtains or drapes, which can absorb light, for paler-hued or sheer ones that will reflect or diffuse sunlight instead. Or if you still want some privacy, another option is to choose solar or light-filtering cellular shades; these can offer a sense of seclusion while still creating a warm, gentle glow throughout a room.
Equally important is cleaning both sides of your windows to prevent dust, dirt, and grime from blocking incoming rays. Even if you’re in a locale that still sees temperatures below freezing this time of year, you can tackle exterior-facing panes by using a sponge or squeegee dipped in a solution of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water with a dash of dishwashing liquid. Just make sure to wipe away any excess water, such as with the rubber edge of your squeegee, for a streak-free finish.
Similarly, it may be worth washing your screens. It’s best to remove them to do this, being careful not to drop them. Bring them to your tub or shower, where you can hit them with a dishwashing spray without any mess. Scrub them with a clean cloth on both sides, rinse, and let them fully dry before replacing them. Alternatively, don’t put them back on your windows until spring—this may allow at least 30 percent more sunlight into your home. You could also consider fitting your windows with retractable screens that can be pushed up and out of the way as desired, enabling you to easily get this benefit both now and next winter.
Now that you’ve addressed your windows, take your efforts a step further by enhancing the light in your spaces with reflective surfaces. Mirrors, for instance, can make a huge difference in any room when hung strategically, such as across from a sunny window to brighten a living room or dark hallway. Keep in mind that the larger the mirror, the more light it will reflect, so be careful about which types you use where to avoid too much brilliance. A large, freestanding one can add elegance to a bigger bedroom, whereas a decorative arrangement of diverse, small mirrors on a wall may be more effective for a tight spot like an entryway. Even in areas that lack the space for additional decor, sparingly incorporating items with a metallic or glass finish, such as a lamp, drawer pulls, or a picture frame, can prove beneficial.
Though perhaps to a lesser degree, white or light-colored surfaces are another way to reflect sunlight for a brightening effect. Start with your walls—if you aren’t up to painting an entire room, you could just do one that’s across from a window or your ceiling, which will help direct light downward. As for your floors, a plush, white area rug can not only feel cozy under your feet but also bounce light back up. And if you are so inclined or have it in your budget, you could even add new flooring, such as wood, vinyl, or tile in light or white tones.
Further, you’ll want to make sure your home is well lit at night as well. Using just overhead lighting can feel harsh, so for a more comfortable vibe, include a few different kinds, such as wall sconces and lamps. For instance, if you have a dark corner, placing a floor or table lamp in it can banish the shadows. In addition, swapping in coloring-changing bulbs for your fixtures will allow you to adapt their brightness so you can enjoy cooler, daylight-simulating illumination on a cloudy day and warmer, more soothing tones in the evening. And if you want to add a dash of coziness, lighting candles on your dining room table, hanging rope lighting under your kitchen cabinets, or stretching string lights across a bedroom wall can mitigate darkness while enhancing the ambience of each respective space.
Whether you’re looking to boost your mood or simply enjoy a more welcoming atmosphere, these tips can help you create a home that feels bathed in light and warmth, even on the coldest days.
Plump leaves, bright petals, and the ornamental pots they’re grown in: there’s so much to love about houseplants. A touch of flora can refresh any room of your home, offering it cleaner air, a peaceful ambience, and some lively natural scents. Better yet, if you’re mindful of the plants you choose, they can imbue your spaces with impactful touches of elegance. While just about any species will lend this effect, here are five particularly stylish ones that may do wonders for your interior design—and they’re surprisingly simple to maintain once you know their particular needs.
This plant native to East African rainforests is about as exotic and vibrant as it sounds. It produces sophisticated, muted-green leaves and fantastic purple blooms (though some varieties may instead have pink or white petals) and is known to live for decades with proper care, meaning it could become a lasting component of your home decor. It fares best when bound to a smaller pot, so it may work ideally as a decoration on a bedside or end table. And to ensure maximum appeal for its surroundings, set it in a space that features compatible colors such as gray, navy blue, or gold.
Place your African violet in a self-watering ceramic pot to keep the soil moist but the leaves dry, and change its water weekly. Set it in bright, indirect light (preferably in an east- or north-facing room) and feed it high-phosphorus fertilizer every two to four weeks in warmer months, and you’ll be rewarded with bright, colorful, and consistent blooms that will wow your guests all year long.
Liven any space with the tropical flair of this wonderful ornamental species, which also goes by the colorful names of flamingo flower and Hawaiian love plant. Its leaves appear waxy and broad, while its proud flowers may be white, red, purple, pink, or even bright orange. Such dramatic hues, along with its domelike growing pattern, make this an excellent centerpiece for a living room coffee table or kitchen island.
To care for your very own anthurium, pot it in organic, well-draining soil and set it somewhere that receives ample indirect light. Mist the plant with water several times per week, and keep its soil moist but not wet to suit its tropical needs. Additionally, fertilize it like an African violet to promote healthy growth and ensure that it continues to provide striking brilliance.
Tall, dramatic, and reminiscent of Mediterranean splendor, trees of the Olea europaea variety could be overtaking fiddle-leaf figs as the next must-have tall indoor plant. Despite their recent popularity in America, they have been beloved for millennia in their Mediterranean homeland for their staple fruit, dense canopies, and appropriately olive-green leaves. Grown indoors, an olive tree will flourish into an attractively broad silhouette that draws the eye upward from low-set bulk such as sofas, dining tables, and beds. Because they can grow up to ten feet tall, though, you’ll want to place yours in an airy space. (If you have lower ceilings, opt for the dwarf olive variety, which tops out at six feet.)
Your olive tree will crave abundant direct light, so be sure to set it near a window. For best results, plant it in spring in a well-draining terra-cotta pot using loam-based, peat-free compost, which you can find at a local nursery. Water it moderately without allowing the soil to dry out, and provide it liquid-based feed every two weeks in warm months. Late in summer, prune any dying or wayward branches to mold a more shapely figure.
A curious variety of West African succulent, this plant is easily recognized by its long, green, bladelike leaves that extend straight upward. Its handsome and almost sculptural shape makes for an excellent decorative feature, especially when set beside wide furniture like a sofa. Meanwhile, the dramatic patterning, which may include stripes, waves, or even brightly lined edges, will add a touch of eye-catching texture to its surroundings.
Snake plants are surprisingly robust, requiring about eight to ten hours of indirect sunlight per day, well-draining cactus soil, and only occasional watering—simply wait until the soil is dry to give it a drink (about once every two to three weeks). Just keep it away from any pets since it is toxic to them. You could also opt for an artificial version to be safe, but make sure to select a smaller variety; generally, the larger it is, the easier it will be for guests to detect that it’s made from fabric or plastic.
If you lack a green thumb, you don’t have to resign yourself to faux plants—enjoy some bouquets of fresh flowers instead. These arrangements have never gone out of style, nor are they likely to. In fact, vases of blooms or leafy stems are often the secret to achieving that as-seen-in-magazines level of luxurious home design. And you can’t go wrong with roses; they’re classic, saturated with color, and practically synonymous with sophistication. Place a container of garden-sourced or store-bought snippings on your coffee table, bedroom vanity, or bathroom countertops to instantly elevate it to editorial elegance. For best results, select blooms that match with other accent decor in the room, looking to throw pillows, wall art, and rugs for inspiration.
To prolong your roses’ beauty as much as possible, choose a clean vase, fill it three quarters of the way with lukewarm water, and dissolve flower food in it. Then prune the flowers’ stems at a 45-degree angle and remove any leaves that may fall below the water line, add them to the vase, and place your arrangement in a cool spot that receives indirect light. For ongoing care, change the water every few days, adding more flower food and trimming the stems slightly each time. Do so, and you’ll infuse the space with upscale sophistication that simultaneously feels comforting, as if beckoning you to lounge nearby and take in the floral fragrance.
It’s commonly said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day—and thanks to the sheer variety of options for kids and adults alike, it can also be the most creative. These recipes give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to prepare foods that are both filling and imbued with flavor and fun.
Here’s a different, delicious take on the classic quick bread to bring a pop of color and a dash of whimsy to your morning.
“OMG!” will be what your loved ones exclaim once they try these bagels, which provide a powerful potpourri of flavors with every bite.
Add a little fun and flavor to your typical morning meal with these eye-catching scones, which will be a hit with your entire family.
Makes 1 dozen large scones or 2 dozen mini scones
Tip: The fruity, flaky cereal adds pops of color to these scones, but any fun cereal will do—chocolate, frosted, honey, etc.
Like the everything bagel, this version offers a punch of flavor—and it may be even better since it’s mixed right into the dough. The recipe pairs perfectly with rich cream cheese and smoked salmon or roasted vegetables.
Makes 4 bagels or 8 mini bagels
Tip: Store the bagels in a large ziplock bag to keep them fresh for about 3 days; you can also put them the freezer for up to 3 months.
When it comes to life’s small pleasures, there’s nothing like a good drink to bring satisfaction, such as a steaming mug of rich coffee, a soothing tea in a delicate teacup, or a refreshing cocktail in a cold glass. And one way to enhance these joys even more is to craft a coffee, tea, or bar cart you can wheel out into the main areas of your home. Such a device will not only enable you to indulge yourself and your guests with the perfect beverage but also provide a luxury experience through its unique style and decked out features.
Creating a personalized beverage cart is easier than you might think. Whether you prefer to purchase a premade option or build one from scratch, it’s important to make sure it captures your unique style. For instance, you could repurpose a vintage side table for the cart’s surface, giving it a coat of chalkboard paint so you can write a daily drink menu or inspirational quote. Or if you’d like a more modern look, shop around for a sleek metal cart with clean lines, such as this black one from AllModern. And for something really distinctive in appearance, consider giving a rustic wooden ladder or old bike new life by outfitting it with some shelves, wheels, and a handle.
Whatever your whimsy, keep in mind your home’s current decor so you can select materials that complement it. Once you’re satisfied with your base, decide on the theme of your beverage cart, stock it with the essentials, and personalize it with thoughtful decorations. Allow your imagination to be your guide—the opportunities are almost limitless!
If you’re looking to start the day right, a delicious cup of coffee may just be the way. And with the help of a coffee cart, you can try several beans and brewing techniques to customize your experience, all from the comfort of your own home. First you’ll need the basics: beans, cream, sugar, a grinder, stirrers, a milk frother, your preferred mugs, and a coffee maker. Regarding the latter, the kind you choose will depend on your budget and tastes. For those who want a consistent cup of coffee, a classic choice is a drip coffee maker, whereas a French press will provide a rich, full-bodied flavor with minimal fuss. Or get extra fancy with an espresso machine, which is perfect for making beverages like lattes and cappuccinos while giving your cart a fun European flair.
Make sure to add a personal touch, too, such as by showcasing a selection of travel mugs from your trips, arranging a framed picture of a beloved family recipe, or including a vintage tea towel bearing a heartfelt message. Such mementos have the power to add character and warmth to your drink oasis as well as spark discussion when you have guests over.
If you’re more of a tea drinker, dress up your cart with classic sophistication. Arrange a teapot and matching teacup set on the top shelf, and place a mix of your favorite teas, whether black, green, or herbal, in a bowl or container so they’re ready at your fingertips for a boost of caffeine or a comforting delight. You can opt for bagged or loose-leaf varieties, though for the latter, you’ll want to keep an infuser handy as well. Get a smaller one for steeping your tea in the cup, or consider a teapot infuser that allows the tea leaves to flow freely for a more effective brew.
Don’t forget about your add-ins, such as sugar or honey; for a rustic touch, store them in wooden bowls and glass jars. You may also want to keep a small tea kettle on your cart for your convenience. Then stock it with other accessories to complete the vibe. For instance, set mismatched teacups and saucers on the lower level for cozy get-togethers, or add a vase with either fresh or faux flowers. Feel free to play around a bit or use inspiration from various tea cultures around the world—from England to India, there are plenty of ideas to pull from.
A bar cart pulled out into your living room can help set a classy, old-school mood for a small party with friends or family. Stock it with a well-chosen assortment of spirits and mixers along with garnishes like citrus fruits and fresh herbs to support a varied menu. (If you have children, just be sure to stow any alcohol when not in use.) And don’t forget to include a sleek shaker, muddler, and bar spoon, essentials for mixing up the perfect cocktail.
Instead of leaving your alcohol in the original bottles, transfer them into decorative containers, and include vintage decanters, stylish canisters, or repurposed mason jars for a personalized look. You can also lend your cart charming bar-like character with colorful coasters, etched glassware, bar towels, or small potted plants. As a final touch, incorporate lighting for a warm atmosphere, such as an antique lamp that echoes the feeling of a speakeasy.
With a little imagination and preparation, you can create a beverage cart that offers convenience and style. Keep it tucked away near your kitchen, dining area, or living room, and roll it out when you’re ready to savor a delicious beverage or treat your guests to one. With its decked-out features, it’s sure to turn a typical drink into a cherished experience.
