Another month has begun, the last month of the year. To some, December is a cheerful and sentimental way to celebrate the holidays, welcome in winter, and reflect on the year’s past. For others, there’s little to romanticize about.
It’s true the month and the holiday season can become consumed with commercialism, stress, and endless to-do lists. But, if we take a deep breath, clear away the noise, the pure beauty of the month and season can shine through. It’s time to bring in the magic of this time of year!
I treasure December, regardless of the hecticness of the season. I feel it’s the month that we get to spend the most time with friends and family, enjoy each other’s company, eat wonderful meals, and yes, embrace December colors!
It’s ok to be purely traditional with color schemes around December and throughout the holidays. For many people, nostalgia is the driving force to decorate and design with color during the month of December. Honestly, though, I think we can do more and make our spaces more inviting, more luscious, and more personal!
The holiday color palettes that everyone loves are hard to pass up when the time comes. I’m as guilty as the next person; I also enjoy cardinal reds, ivy greens, sparkling golds, and royal blues; these color palettes speak to a timeless sense of holiday joy for myself and many others. But, there are more than just holiday-themed color palettes that work beautifully for December as we wind down one year and prepare ourselves for the next!
There’s a beauty that winter holds. It’s unique, awe-inspiring, and often causes people to pause in appreciation and even have some self-reflection. When I think of winter and December, of course, I don’t think of the hazy-lazy color tones of a later summer afternoon or the vibrant, joyful, and youthful colors of spring. No, winter makes my mind slow down; I absorb the environment I’m in, I take pause and appreciate the silence of flora and fauna, and I observe the earth taking some time to slumber before the cycle begins all over again.
To me, welcoming in winter with December colors is about embracing the earthier tones that come with the season while highlighting the accents of warm tones and color contrasts we see in nature. I would even consider bringing more nature into your home as a great way of adding December colors into your world.
What do I mean by this? Imagine spending an evening at home; the warmth of the season can be created by bringing in darker earthy tones and textures with everything from woodsy decor to textured blankets or throws. Coarsely woven linens, candles, and pine cones or leafy branches add texture to your decor that is simply irresistible.
Whether you are spending time inside or out, look at the natural world around you and let it inspire you! The brilliantly colored clouds kiss the evening sky as the sun sets on the horizon. The fire in your fireplace glows a soft, warm orange and yellow. Even the hot toddy in your hand has warm tones of fiery bourbon, lemon yellow, and light cinnamon brown!
Embracing December colors isn’t about running from the cooler tones that nature provides; it’s about embracing colors from the whole spectrum adding unique pops of warmth here and there to keep the aura an inviting one. Transitioning to the winter palette means embracing the warmth of the season, creating a soothing mood by changing up the colors in your home, creating a rich and satisfying ambiance. Create the right mood, and you’ll be looking forward to entertaining and spending time with friends and family!
There’s a lot of wining and dining in December, and the dining room tends to get a lot of use throughout the month. Why not give it some new color-inspiration!? As I mentioned, I feel we should embrace the warmer tones of December, so the table is an opportunity to celebrate those tones and layer on top of them.
Start by creating a magical experience at your dining room table. The items you are serving with will set the stage for your event every time—crystal glasses with bourbon-colored cocktails shimmer in the light of the fire. Adding greenery to your table decor is a unique way of decorating your table, giving it that personal touch. Lastly, crisp-white starry string lights on thin silver wire sit in clear jars on each of your white window sills, adding an irresistible sparkle to the room!
Taking it one step further, add leafy green boughs to your table decor or a floral arrangement to the middle of the table with cranberry reds, marmalade oranges, and light browns. Golden candles flicker around the room. Yes, the decor is inspired by the colors of the season, but for me, it is all about embracing a sense of coziness and warmth! Choosing the right colors embraces this transition from the warmer months to winter in every way!
There’s nothing cozier/more representative of December spirit than a thoughtful and inviting entertaining space. Here’s the setting, you have friends over for a late December evening full of cocktails, games, and reminiscing. Your entertaining room has soft grey couches and rust-colored leather love seats arranged around a dark old wood stove, rich patina earned with age. Add throw blankets around the room to encourage people to shake their shoes off and curl up with a snuggly throw.
As you create an ambiance or mood with your interior design, your family and friends appreciate the magic you have achieved. Your room will be so coy when you’re done, don’t be surprised if your guests stay for hours! There are few things more rewarding than designing a space for those dearest to you and watching them enjoy it as much as you do!
What do you love about December? Is it all the holiday cheer, or is it something else? Do winter colors and warm contrasts work for you? Please share your favorite color arrangements for December; as a color consultant, I always love hearing your opinions!
