Home Decor

Jessica Crawford
Cotton & Co.

(1/2020) We’re entering the "Awkward Season" as I have decided to coin it. That season in between Christmas and Spring, where it’s time to think about taking down the Christmas decorations, but sadly too soon to think Spring. So, what do you do now? Once the tree is taken down, ornaments boxed up, jolly little santas tucked away until next year, there’s actually a lot of opportunity for some cozy decorating for the impending chilly months ahead.

First, let’s talk introductions. I’m Jess, and I own Cotton & Co, a local vintage boutique in Keymar. I’ve likely met many of you this year, as we re-branded and started back up again this past March; formally the location of The Mill at Keymar. We have maintained our vintage status and offer a wide array of vintage merchandise, spanning from primitive to farmhouse to mid-century to retro and everything in between. In addition to our vintage inventory, we also carry an assortment of seasonal, home décor, gift and artisan goods. Part of our shop is also dedicated to The Maryland General Store, where we support around twenty local Maryland business that practice primitive trades (tea, coffee, soap, soy candles etc…) Between our seventeen permanent vintage and artisan vendors and the businesses within the MD General Store, we have a little bit of everything for everyone.

Back to being cozy. What do you do with your home in those Winter months, that seem to drag on, when everything feels so grey and stagnant? Those first few snowfalls are so romantic and beautiful, but how do you brighten your home when winter is starting to out-stay its welcome?

There’s a trendy term circulating around these days: Hygge. It’s a Danish-Norweigan word, pronounced ‘hyoo-guh’, defined as creating a warm, cozy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. As we, the vendors and I, transform the store and our homes from Christmas to The Awkward Season, this is a concept we’re keeping close in mind.

Keeping the Hygge concept in mind, I like to decorate for Winter by removing the reds from Christmas, but maintaining the softer winter themes. Soft, white textiles, such an oversized throw blanket or pillows are a great compliment to winter, but are also neutral and can be used throughout the year. Draped over an over-sized chair or used to spruce up a sofa, a comfy throw or new set of pillows can transform a space, without breaking the bank. Flocked and frosted greens are also great winter décor without being specific to Christmas. On the opposite end of the color spectrum to white, jewel-tones (teal, emerald, plum, mustard, etc…) are a hot trend now as well. Adding a small or medium sized pieced of furniture, in a bold jewel-tone, can add a coziness to a space. I’m also a fan of pops of gold, particularly antiqued or brushed versus metallic gold. Done in small, artistic doses, gold-tone is a great partner to white, green and those warm but bold jewel-tones.

Every vendor in the shop has their own taste and style and each execute their visions differently. I asked them to offer tips and tricks on how they survive Winter while feeling cozy, happy and bright. They had a wealth of winter advice to hand out. If you’re one of the many that loves to stretch the Christmas Season as much as possible, Pam, owner of Dragonfly Memories Collectibles suggests leaving up a winter tree. Remove all the miscellaneous Christmas ornaments, and feature snowflakes and woodland birds and animals, to create a rustic, woodland retreat themed tree. She also suggests using natural elements abundant during the Winter, such as pine cones and birch to add warmth and texture to a space. Paired with creams, greens and candles, you’re set.

Ashley, Owner of So Long Status Quo , suggests utilizing the foraged greenery in your own back yard, and spraying it with glitter spray for added snazziness. If kept in water, the greens will last through the winter season. While Christmas Lights are going to go out of season here quickly, fairy lights are a great alternative and can really be used year-round. She suggests adding them to a winter themed vignette or intertwining them with the greens to create a little sparkle. Charlene, of The Craftsman Workshop added that she loves to make topiaries from back-garden greenery. She particularly likes to create them using blue spruce, in contrast with other greens such as boxwood, and natural elements like sticks, twigs and antlers. If you do not have access to free back-garden greenery, faux greenery is always an option and we carry a seasonal assortment throughout the year.

Our vendor Donna, jewelry creator behind The Good Earth Jewelry loves to stick to a naturalistic approach. She advises contrast and texture by using wood tones against whites, with small pops of color that can be changed out easily and seasonally. In tune with Ashley and myself, her favorites are tiny twinkle lights and a variety of soft, cozy blankets on beds and sofas, to create comfy, cozy nooks to retreat to.

Several vendors advised the use of color, in pops here and there to brighten a Winter Space. Katt, creative behind Grit & Grace, our wood flower vendor, reminds us that a pop of color here or there indoors, will brighten moods and spirits. Cathy and Becca, mom and daughter behind A Rustic Beginning, advocate the use of candles for winter warmth. Whether used in a table centerpiece, vignette, or plug-in candles in every window, a candle creates instant coziness and comfort, for you and those driving by your home. And Carol, from The Oils Marketplace sums it all up by saying, a fire always burning in the fireplace. And if you don’t have a fireplace, you can create the effect of one with a cluster of candlesticks and pillar candles.

Winter is a tricky time. It can feel never-ending and unmoving. It’s been mild so far, but the Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a rough one. With some seasonal switch-up, winter can be a comfy, cozy season after all. Our vendors work hard to source items, handmade, vintage or curated, to bring seasonal flair to your home. Stop in and see us, we’re always more than happy to lend a hand in creating a vision for any space in your home.