After the holiday season winds down and the tree and candles are put away, it can be a challenge to keep your home look cozy and inviting in these dark, dreary, snowy winter months.

Inexpensive Paperwhites can liven up indoor spaces in winter.

Whether you are sprucing up the house in anticipation of putting your home on the market, or just need a fresh look to pick you up during this time, there are a couple of easy and inexpensive things you can do:

• I purchased some inexpensive paperwhite bulbs ($4.99 at Trader Joes) to bloom around the house, but any kind of flowers can provide a quick pick me up. Studies show that flowers are a natural mood booster with direct long term positive effects on emotional well being.
• An “All White” color palette integrates your home with the snowy exterior and adds a bit of drama.  CLICK HERE for some really great ideas to incorporate this theme into your home, courtesy of my friend and coworker in Fairfield, Mary Jo McAvey.
• Mirrors can add a touch of  sparkle at this time of year, perhaps as a group of small mirrors in a decorative pattern.

I asked local resident Missie Fahey for some additional ideas.  Missie has a successful interior design business, Missie Fahey, Inc., and I can’t say enough about her diligence, kind manner, and sweet southern charm! Here are her suggestions:

• De-clutter! “While we are getting hit with massive amounts of snowfall, instead of letting cabin fever set in, get busy! It is amazing how fresh a space can become just be emptying it of a few unnecessary or unwanted things.
• Repurpose. This can be as easy as taking a dusty vase off the shelf and filling it with fresh cut flowers or drop it off at your favorite florist and let them surprise you with a vibrant burst! On a slightly larger scale, “DIY” projects are a great way to use what you have, like spray painting a simple mirror frame to jazz it up. I really love the hi gloss paint finishes, which add a snazzy, sophisticated touch!
• Rearrange. Let your inner designer speak to you! Again, while we seem to be spending more time at home than we would like to, don’t hesitate to start moving things around and thinking how spaces can be used differently and possibly more inviting and more efficiently (you can always change it back!).”

Feel free to contact Missie for additional ideas!

Missie also recommends fresh towels and bath mats to perk up a dreary bath, chic new lighting styles, or groupings of inexpensive picture frames. These items and more can be found inexpensively at Marshalls (Port Chester), Home Goods (New Rochelle) or T.J. Maxx (White Plains).

When all else fails, Missie suggests pulling out the votives and invite a group over,  have everyone bring a bottle of wine, toast the New Year and bask in the warmth of friends who will be there for you no matter what your home looks like!

Missie can be reached at 914-673-0861 or through her site HERE.