Decor Ideas That'll Keep You Upbeat During the SAD Months

The holidays are over: the tree’s on the curb, the New Year paraphernalia is boxed away. Homes are back to (boring) pre-fête days, and pre-spring blues are in full force. We’re talking about the infamous Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), of course. Sometimes, small, dazzling flourishes can lift a home out of its funk – a vase of fresh flowers, a sculptural candle. Herewith, ideas to get you started.

Chartreuse wreath on front door for spring or any season

Anthropologie

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Hang On!

A wreath of preserved reindeer moss always brings great cheer to the front door, and here’s the good news – they’re not just for Christmas! With its vivid chartreuse colour, this one from Anthropologie especially suits as spring approaches, with its tiny green buds poking from the earth. A great look for a nature lovers. You can also look for wreaths featuring spring flowers like primroses and tulips for an even brighter burst of colour.

Amazon

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Uplift with Aroma

A lovely-smelling space has transportive qualities. It can conjure up that romantic Greek honeymoon, a wintry cabin in the Appalachians or just indicate a perfect, cozy day in your fresh and clean home. Stoke these happy memories and daydreams by placing a candle on a shelf and let the friendly fumes envelop you. Check out this sweet, clean, hand-poured option from a Canadian-owned brand: Kim and Pom Cherry Blossom Scented Candle, Amazon, $30.

Etsy / LefueCo

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Excite with a Sassy Shape

What’s better than a scented candle? One that doubles as a objet on your shelf. These quirky U-shaped darlings from LefeuCo (starting at $17) are a contender to prevent the SADs, their fluted surfaces totally on-trend. We also like the whimsy of these popular, square-shaped bubble-patterned scented candles: Loftern White Bubble Candle, Amazon, $16.

Cynthia Zamaria

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Pick Fresh Flowers

In this striking vignette by floral designer Cynthia Zamaria, tulips are the main event. A clear vase lets the beautiful blooms shine. Flowers are intrinsically connected to warmer months, signalling winter’s end. Maybe that’s why they make us feel so darn good? Layer in whatever’s in season in your area, and start feeling better today.

An array of chic vases on a table, ready to refresh your decor-scape for springtime.

Getty Images

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Buy a Cheerful Vase — or Two

Speaking of flowers, maybe it’s time to refresh those vases? Like a wardrobe, decor objects can tire after a while. One nifty trick to having a constant rotation of beautiful, exciting new vases that you don’t tire of? Donate or sell your old vessels and replace them with new options from the thrift store or vintage markets. You can even exchange vases (and other decor items) with your friends and loved ones to bring a piece of them home with you.

Gold mushroom-shaped table lamp in white bedroom

Amazon

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Light Up Your Life

The compulsion to crawl under the covers during the SAD months is strong. Why not perk up the bedroom with fabulous new lighting? You can try anything from a simple string of fairy lights encircling a mirror to adding dimmable LED lightstrips under shelves and behind your work desk for cool ambiance to injecting style into your room via a lamp that oozes “cool.” For example, check out this stunning gold mushroom lamp that’s totally on trend right now: Novogratz x Globe Electric 12976 Table Lamp, Brass, Amazon, $72.

Luxurious tabletop items including candle holders and serving vessels

CB2

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Glam The Tabletop

Elevate simple foods – a bowl of figs, fresh croissants – with luxurious tableware and accessories. This vignette from CB2 showcases an incredible mix that includes the Vicky Double Serving Bowl ($80), Motion Brass Taper Candle Holders ($120) and black plates. But you don’t need to empty your bank account to make your tablescape stunning – thrift stores are rife with candelabras and unique serving dishes of all sizes, shapes and colours.

Sugar & Cloth

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Stick Up Cheery Wallpaper

Wallpaper was out for a bit, but now it’s coming back in a big way. And for obvious reasons – a simple layer of wallpaper can dramatically transform the look and vibe of a room. For example, you’ll feel like you’re waking up in the tropics with this brilliant green backdrop made up of palm fronds. Layer in pinks and golds as complementary accent colours. The trick is to commit to a palette and stick with it, like Ashley Rose did in this fabulous guest bedroom makeover, which you can see more of here.

West Elm

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Style a Bar Cart

Bar carts are so much fun, and can be styled for alcoholic beverages or virgin drinks. If cocktails aren’t your thing and you’re looking for more of an everyday experience, try a coffee station. This classic, retro bar cabinet from West Elm ($1,724) is a handsome addition to a living room. There’s storage in the cabinet, and room to play with art up top. Budget a little tighter? Don’t fret! Try this significantly more affordable option: Walker Edison We Furniture AZU33SOIBCRO Bar Cabinet, Amazon, $395. Plus, check out thrift stores, vintage markets and online marketplaces.

Rifle Paper

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Drape or Display a Pretty Tea Towel

A decorative tea towel is the perfect grandmillennial addition to your kitchen. After all, grandma’s house is always cheerful for a reason – it’s full of treasures like these! (Rifle Paper’s Strawberry Fields Tea Towel ($20), with its colourful flowers and fruit, is almost too pretty to soil with dirty hands. Frame it and display it in the kitchen to add vibrancy, or use it for its intended purpose. Either way, it’s a harbinger to spring (that can’t come soon enough).