As the winter winds linger and the festive cheer fades, it can be daunting to adorn your abode until the thaw of spring. Fear not, for the season of love beckons, offering a chance to infuse your haven with an air of elegance and warmth. Delve into the magic of Valentine’s Day, and discover how to transform your dwelling into a cozy, intimate retreat.

I personally love decorating this time of year because February is a very special month for me. My birthday is in February, my husband’s birthday is in February, and we get to celebrate Valentine’s Day and our wedding anniversary. It also means I get to sneak pink into our home decor for me (because it’s my favourite colour) and for Valentine’s Day, and we get to celebrate our love all month long. But I often struggle with making our home feel romantic and elegant, and do not want to use the cheesy Valentine’s Day decorations you find in the stores. So, I thought it would be helpful to share some tips on what I’ve learned over the years to hopefully help you infuse your space with love and tenderness, creating a cocoon of comfort amidst the chill of winter.

When changing up my decor for a season or holiday, there are several things I focus on: greenery/florals, textiles, lighting, and decorative accents. But before diving into those, it’s important to start with a blank canvas. I like to do a deep clean or at least freshen up the space I’m working in. I take out all of the decorative items, and then tidy up and clean the space. I like to freshen up curtains, throw cushions and blankets, dust off light fixtures and baseboards, etc. A clean and organized space will allow your decor efforts to shine!

For February specifically, here is what’s I’m using for each of the core areas I focus on when it comes to seasonal decorating:

1. Greenery or Florals: When it comes to February and adding in some romantic touches, I love using fresh or real-looking faux flowers. Pinks and whites are my favourites and can also be used in your spring decor as well. Roses are my go-to for February, and after that I will be using tulips (but either will work for Valentine’s Day). I usually get my flowers at Dollarama (a Canadian dollar store), Solomon’s (a local home and garden store), as well as HomeSense and Amazon. have highlighted some of my favourites in my Amazon storefront and added the link below.
2. Textiles: Incorporate cozy textures like faux fur throws and velvet accent pillows to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. I love neutral colours for all year round but especially in winter – think light brown, cream, and black. Layering rugs is a different way to add texture too. Try layering a neutral jute rug with a wool one for added texture. You can also change up your bedding to reflect the winter season. Opt for crisp white linens with a cozy knit throw or faux fur bedspread. I often find very affordable ones at Ikea and HomeSense. A pale pink or deep burgundy can bring in more of a romantic touch too.
3. Lighting: Use candlelight to set the mood. A fireplace is always the ideal winter lighting and they make so many different styles now (I personally like the electric ones). Lamps and candle holders that give off a lovely glow are my favourite way to cozy-up during those longer winter evenings. Place candles in varying heights and sizes throughout your space to create a warm glow. My favourite candles holders usually come from the thrift store, H & M or Amazon.
4. Accents: Artwork and decorative objects are easy to swap out each season. Try adding in a wintery or floral scene into an existing frame. I like to use printable art I find on Etsy, or I look for public domain art. I print them using my home printer or have them printed at the Wal-Mart photo center. Incorporate metal accents like silver or gold through vases, candle holders or picture frames.My favourite vases are almost always from H & M. Ikea has some lovely affordable ones as well, and the thrift store sometimes has cheap ones you can paint and make your own.
5. Set the Mood: Use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to introduce romantic touches into your space. Accents like heart-shaped candle holders, rose-scented candles, and blush pink or deep burgundy throw pillows. February is also my birthday month and our wedding anniversary, so I also use it as an excuse to incorporate more girly things into our home during that time frame. Stay away from the dollar store red and pink colour scheme and opt for muted pink or deep burgundy accents instead. A vase of fresh flowers, like roses or tulips, will add a pop of colour and a touch of romance to any room.  Swap out your usual coffee table books for ones with romantic themes, like classic love stories or poetry. Add in some delicate glassware for a touch of elegance.

In conclusion, I hope that with these tips, you can create a cozy and elegant space that will carry you through the winter months. Remember to keep it simple and classic when adding in Valentine’s Day decor and to refresh your space before decorating. Happy decorating!

Find my February Amazon favourites here: https://www.amazon.ca/shop/pamelalotuninteriors?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfsho