Got the Winter Blues?

We're getting ready to go into February, which although it's the shortest month, can feel like the longest! Here are some tips to help you through the days.......

• Make sure you have enough lamps, and the bulbs you use are the highest wattage allowed. Lamp light creates a wonderful ambience, while lighting your rooms so they feel just a bit brighter against the winter darkness. Rule of thumb - a minimum of three placed so the dark corners vanish.
• Make your bathroom into a spa. Update it with a new shower curtain, fluffy towels, candles, and a basket of spa treats. Nothing like a warm bath on a cold dark night!

Add a little pattern to your rooms for pizazz. Pattern can be a little scary, but have fun with it. Start small with pillow covers. Look at these great colors and patterns from www.westelm.com. They are sure to brighten your days and nights! And see how nicely the patterns mix together? Just keep them in scale and you'll be fine.

Make sure you surround yourself with things you love - and use them in interesting ways. Try grouping a few interesting and well-loved objects in the center of your dining table, rather than the usual centerpiece. You'll smile every time you pass by! Or make a display on your bookshelves. Sure, you can include books, but also collections of things you love and colors that help chase the blues away.