This is the time of the year when we all seem to give up when it comes to the colder temperatures, the dreary dark days, and even the snow. We find ourselves inside our homes for longer periods of time, sitting on the couch watching endless hours of television or binge-watching season after season of a show on Netflix.

Well, it is time to beat those winter blues and get up off the couch and do something fun and exciting. A couple little projects around your home can help with this process, especially if you choose the right ones.

Here is how you can add some color and texture to your home to beat the winter blues:

Add New Lighting Fixtures

New lighting fixtures will not only bring more bright light into your home, they will add more visual appeal to your space. Imagine adding a floor lamp, table lamp, and even a task lamp to a room that already has an overhead light. These lights will change the focal points of the room, while the lights are on, and allow you to create a truly bright space to wake you up and get you moving.

Add Some Throw Blankets

Now, you may be thinking that these throw blankets are going to be the perfect additions to your binge-watching on the couch, but they are going to serve a different purpose in your home this winter. A strategically placed throw blanket, here and there, in each room will add the much-needed texture and color to brighten things up. Choose bright colors with even bolder patterns and switch the materials up from room to room to keep things interesting.

Add a Few Accent Pillows

Accent pillows can do the same thing that throw blankets do, but you need to choose the ones that will work best in each room. Oversized pillows are perfect for the winter months, as they offer comfort within their plushness. So, if you still have your dainty summer accent pillows out and about, it is time to pack them away and add a few larger ones filled with patterns and coordinating colors. The only time that you will want to keep the colors of the pillows neutral is when you are planning on filling a specific room with lots of them. In those scenarios, keep the colors simple, so that you can easily mix and match to create the look that you desire.

Put an Area Rug in Place

Hardwood floors can get cold during the winter months, but they can also look bare and empty. An area rug is the perfect solution, as it will keep your feet warm, while adding some color and visual appeal to the room. Choose your area rugs wisely, as they should coordinate with the other colors in the space. If you really want to make a statement, we recommend choosing one in a unique shape.

Add Window Treatments

Many homeowners like yourself do not bother changing their window treatments with the seasons, but that is a huge mistake! Thicker window treatments can keep those cooler temperatures outside while keeping the warm air from your furnace inside. We recommend choosing window treatments that have an insulated liner on the inside for the best results. The perfect color choice will create a drastic difference in a room too, as it creates a new focal point.

When we are trying to beat our winter blues at home, we like to coordinate all our window treatments, accent pillows, throw blankets, and even area rugs. We ensure that the colors and patterns match well, while not blending together too much to create a huge blob of color. We recommend that you do the same as you shop for a few new items, so that you can survive this winter. Spring is coming, we promise, but until then, you need to have a little fun in between all your favorite television series!