With Christmas back in its box for another year, things can feel a little sad. But for me January is all about finding a different kind of light: tidy rooms, bright green shoots and fresh scented candles.
Indoor bulbs
Spring may be a distant dream, but you can get a sneak preview of its magic with indoor bulbs. Either grow your own, or (like me) buy a few pots. You can transfer them into beautiful old bowls, or simply put the plastic container they came in inside a larger terracotta pot.
Bulbs are cheap, cheerful and last longer than a bunch of flowers – you can pick up a pot for couple of pounds in a supermarket. There’s something really wonderful about watching the hopeful green shots grow and bloom during the dark days of winter. If the scent of a Hyacinth is too strong for you, try miniature daffodils or iris instead.
Light a new candle
Lighting a new scented candle is one of life’s simple pleasures. After the rich, spicy candles of Christmas try something fresh, clean and bright. This candle from Willow and Honey, scented with Peony and Lily, fits the bill perfectly.
A fresh tablecloth on a clean table
Alleviate the gloom of a dark day with a freshly ironed tablecloth on a clutter-free table. The less festive, the better – gingham works well for me. I usually have to tidy mine away when the boys get home, but for something more hard-wearing, buy a nice new bit of oilcloth.
What are your favourite ways to brighten up your home in January?
Morning! A lovely bright and cheery post to discover on a dark winter’s morning. After the sparkle and rich colours of Christmas it’s a welcome change to introduce the bright zingy colours of Spring. A simple jug of daffodils is the first thing to replace the poinsettia on my kitchen windowsill. My favourite candle at the moment is wood sage and sea salt by Jo Malone. Not particularly reminiscent of Spring but a lovely change from the smell of cinnamon and orange.
Thanks! I LOVE that Jo Malone scent, it’s my absolute favourite. I have the perfume x
I love the idea of bringing bulbs inside, Lizzie. It’s not something I would have ever considered doing, but our house is very dark so this would be a brilliant way to bring some colour and brightness into the home. Xxx
They really do cheer things up – our house is pretty gloomy too and it’s so dark in some of our rooms at this time of year!
What great ideas and so simple. Love this – as always, very inspiring and yet very easy to achieve. Jess xx
You know I was looking at hyacinths just the other day thinking how lovely it would be to bring them into the house and you’ve convinced me this is the way forward. I’m always looking to spring almost as soon as New Year’s Day is done, it cannot come soon enough X
Yes, do it! They do smell very strong though and can be overpowering after a while…. They look so nice it’s worth it though x
Those hyacinths are a beautiful colour, I remember the pink and blue and very strong smelling sort that my nan always used to have. But I think I much prefer these – and I can almost smell them from here. I’m not a fan of January, it’s the month I’d most like to hibernate in but I too am getting the decluttering thing, I just want everything sorted 🙂
These do smell quite strong Stephanie, but it’s worth it as they’re so pretty! x
I love everything about this, its so my taste. I love Persephone books too, their shop is gorgeous!
#HomeEtc
http://nancystraughan.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/blossoming-gifts-giveaway.html
Thanks Nancy! I love my Persephone books and have a whole shelf of them. This one is really good so far!
I love Hyacinth bulbs and as soon as my Christmas flowers are finished, I will be filling as many spaces as possible with them. A lovely post but nevermind the tablecloth, your dress in that picture is beautiful xx
Thanks Lisa! Putting on a pretty dress is definitely a good way to brighten up winter too! x
I love this post! You’ve made January seem not so dreary. I’ve never considered bringing bulbs in, as I’m alway worried there’s creepy crawlies in the soil! I love the house candle holders, they are so cheerful, and a new tablecloth is a good idea. I’ve always wanted a polka dot one xx
#HomeEtc
Polka dots would be lovely – I’ve had a few dotty oilcloths over the years and they always look so perfect x
This is so lovely! and completely agree with them all! xx
Thanks Esther! x
I love these suggestions, I am desperate for a pretty new tablecloth, I am currently on the hunt as I want something spring like to cheer up the dark days.
I never thought of bulbs, know what I shall do this weekend xxx
Thanks Kara! I love John Lewis or Cath Kidston for nice tablecloths 🙂
Ooh, big YES to all of these! I have the new candle and the clean table, but you’ve reminded me that I need a hyacinth for our home, and I absolutely love the smell of them 🙂 really glad I’ve found your blog, always looking for new interiors-focused ones- going to have a little nosy around now
Thanks Becky! I love reading interiors blogs too! Hyacinths can sometimes smell a bit strong for me, but this purple one has been lovely with quite a mild scent! 🙂
Aah I LOVE the scent of hyacinths! Ours have just made an appearance in the garden — they’re not in bloom but the green shoots have pushed through the soil 🙂 I love a candle too 🙂 Am currently burning Rosemary and Neroli by Beefayre and have a new bunch of lilies in a vase, so all is well. PLUS there is blue sky today. Amazing how good that makes you feel, isn’t it? 😉
Thanks for linking up with us Lizzie! #HomeEtc
That candle sounds lovely Caro – I’ve seen their products in town and I’d love to try some. x
Thanks for linking up 🙂 Jess xx #HomeEtc