Hello friends!
We are thawing out here in Washington State after an artic blast brought significant snowfall and a blanket of ice all over Southwest WA where we live.
Peeter the rabbit and our flock off chickens were all safe, and cozy in their heated quarters. Wallace our outdoor cat was also warm and cozy in his heated area on the backside of our house.
We on the other hand tried to stay warm as our furnace fan went out, and the part is a week out from arrival. This is the year I decided I want a generator and a wood stove.
We blessedly did not lose power but would not have had enough wood set aside out back to heat our home with two fireplaces for that many days had the power have gone out. We relied upon our electric fireplace inserts and space heaters. They did amazingly well and I may have sat with the oven door open sipping my coffee just off the kitchen a time or two.
One day during the storm the sun was shining brightly outside, and while it was frigid just beyond my windows, the sun felt wonderful.
It also showcased the evidence that two dogs and five people had been hibernating for days on end and the wood floors could use some attention.
So, after a good old fashioned deep clean, I listened to some music on Alexa and lit a new candle to celebrate my work.
As I snuggled up to catch up on my favorite You Tube subscriptions I looked up to see our mantel. I had not really done anything with it after the Christmas decor came down. She looked lonely.
It was how I am fairly certain I look when I run out of concealer and have not gone thrifting recently. It’s not a good place to be am I right?
Well, she would not spend another January day looking or feeling lonely, it was time to move some stuff around and shop the house.
It’s like going to Home Goods, Goodwill, and Target without going anywhere or spending a dime. This is the kind of decorating I get excited about.
Who doesn’t like FREE? I proceeded to schlep around my house grabbing mirrors and pitchers and dragging them to the front living room.
I left my gilded mirror that was my great grandmother’s, and placed another vintage mirror on it’s side for some visual interest. I swapped out the pitcher that I usually keep on the mantel, and filled it with some faux florals that I had in another room.
The ivory and pale pink might have the teeniest Spring-is-only-a-little-ways-away feel, and a strip of muslin cloth frayed at the edges makes the perfect crumply, casual bow for the handle of the pitcher.
A favorite picture of someone’s sweet, rustic cabin in a very old frame seems to pull it all together. A find from a local antique store some years ago.
My youngest walked by, stopped and told me the mantel looks aesthetic. This is 13 year old speak for pretty, and I agree with her, it does look pretty, or aesthetic, whichever you prefer 🙂
The couch is covered in my favorite damask bedspreads, the soft pillows washed and fluffy, inviting me just to sit and enjoy how something so simple like moving a few of your favorite things around can make you smile.
I am beginning to see that there is actually green grass still under the snow and ice as we begin the great melt of 2024. This also means that there is a small lake in my backyard and the chickens now have a small pond to frolic in albeit unintentionally created by mother nature.
I have some decorating to do for a client this week for her vintage home downtown, a turkey pot pie to make, and a pretty Valentine’s day project to share soon. The kids all went back to school today now that the roads can be navigated again. And while the return of order always feels good, I am going to miss the wet coats and boots lined up in front of the fireplace and sleds leaned up next to the garage. Kids gathered in the kitchen getting warm and making cocoa and discussing how fast each of their sleds were going down the big hill.
It’s all part of winter, and I am intentionally slowing myself down to enjoy this season, and the quiet when I have it to rest and enjoy even the simplest of things like warm tea.
I hope this finds you today enjoying your nest and maybe even moving some stuff around, you never know just how aesthetic it might be when you are done 🙂
Have a blessed, safe, cozy week my friend, until next time!
xx, Tanya
30 Responses
LOVE!!! It’s so delicate looking, Tanya!! So glad you guys are thawing out from all of the snow and cold. That will be a storm to remember!!
Thanks so much for sharing at Home Imagined this week!
Thank you Rachel 🙂 I appreciate it so much!! Hugs xx Tanya
Tanya, what a great compliment from your daughter! I haven’t heard the junior highers saying that at school but I’ll have to mention it. 😉 Your mantel is lovely and really contemporary but vintage at the same time; really love it!! I am happy to feature your post as we publish tomorrow morning for Share Your Style #416. <3
Have a lovely weekend and I hope your temps have warmed up a bit,
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Thank you so much Barbara I really appreciate it! xx Tanya 🙂
Hi Tanya! Your mantel looks lovely or aesthetic. 🙂 Your snow was our rain and I thought it got cold here, I cannot imagine by you and without heat?! No bueno. Hope it warms up soon. XO- MaryJo
Thank you MaryJo! I think we are starting to see a bit more sun, SO looking forward to Spring!! Hugs xx Tanya
This is gorgeous, Tanya! I love your style! I am excited to feature your post at this week’s Tuesday Turn About Link Party. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you so much Lynne, it is an honor to be included in such great talent 🙂 forgive my slow reply, hugs xx Tanya
So warm and inspiring! Despite the harsh weather, you still maintain your optimism, take care of your home, and turn a cold day into an opportunity to be creative and love your living space more – truly the art of living in the middle of winter!
Thank you so much, Lynne. It is a pleasure to be included among such outstanding talent. I’m sorry for taking so long to comment. Hugs xx Tanya
I love how you turned your mantel into such a cozy, inviting spot! The vintage mirrors and soft florals really bring warmth—perfect for brightening up these chilly winter days.
Tanya, this is so beautiful! I adore your sense of style! I’m thrilled to highlight your piece at the Tuesday Turn About Link Party this week.
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a broken furnace during an arctic blast? That sounds like a truly miserable situation! Your experience sounds like a real-life `bad time simulator` – definitely not a game anyone would want to play. Hope that part arrives soon so you can finally get cozy!
A cozy fire for the winter. I also like how things are set up this way; it makes the room look better and feel lighter. Play Wacky flip online game.
Love the cozy winter mantel vibe! So simple and charming. Makes me wanna rearrange my own space now. Definitely checking out more farmhouse inspiration like this.
Rachel, your winter mantel décor is very beautiful and warm! It’s nice to learn that you’re recovering from the snowy geometry dash memories. The way you’ve decorated your place is inspiring.
Your cozy farmhouse mantel looks lovely! Staying warm without a furnace sounds tough—glad your animals are safe. Speaking of staying cozy, I recently used a transportador angulos online to measure angles for a DIY project, which might come in handy for home improvements too.
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This winter mantel setup looks really cozy and clean. I like how farmhouse style can still feel fresh after Christmas. It honestly reminds me of how seasonal styling works in fashion too — like switching from festive outfits to everyday looks such as a Houston Astros Jacketwhich still feels winter-ready but more casual.
The cozy farmhouse winter mantel (after Christmas) looks warm and inviting, perfect for creating a relaxing winter vibe at home. Using a snowday detector alongside such decor ideas can help families plan cozy indoor activities during snowy days.
At the same time, dealing with a furnace issue in that kind of cold sounds incredibly tough, and I can understand why it’s making you rethink having backup options like a generator or wood stove. If I were in your place, I’d probably come to the same conclusion after an experience like that. It actually reminds me of my time with EaglerCraft, where unexpected challenges can pop up, and I’ve learned that being prepared with the right resources makes all the difference. Hopefully the part arrives soon and things get back to normal for you.
What a cozy and inspiring way to refresh your mantel after the holidays! I love how simply moving a few treasured items around can completely transform the vibe of a space and bring that “aesthetic” feel without spending a dime. It really shows that decorating is all about creativity and making your home feel personal and inviting.
Speaking of enjoying the cozy comforts of home, nothing pairs better with a quiet winter afternoon than a warm and flavorful drink—this apple pie moonshine drink sounds like the perfect treat to sip by the fireplace while watching the snow melt.
And if you’re thinking about enhancing your space even further, having well-organized storage can make a huge difference in keeping your home tidy and serene. I love these oak closet cabinets that blend functionality with a classic, warm look—perfect for a cozy farmhouse style like yours.
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Such a cozy and heartfelt post—your farmhouse winter mantel sounds absolutely beautiful, especially with the vintage touches and soft, warm textures that bring everything together so naturally. I love the idea of “shopping your home” and creating something aesthetic without spending anything—it really captures the true spirit of cottagecore and farmhouse style. Reading this also made me think about how many people enjoy browsing decor inspiration or watching cozy home styling videos right from their devices while relaxing by the fireplace, and if someone is deciding which device works best for that kind of everyday use, this guide on tablet vs iPad can be really helpful in making the right choice.
Such a warm and cozy post—your farmhouse winter mantel truly sounds beautiful, especially with those vintage elements and soft, calming tones that give it that perfect cottagecore feel. I love how you “shopped your home” to create something so aesthetic without spending anything—it really shows how simple touches can transform a space. The hint of spring in your decor with ivory and pale pink accents is also so refreshing after the long winter days. It actually made me think about how lovely it would be to carry that cozy, romantic vibe into the next season, and if anyone is looking for inspiration, these gorgeous Valentine’s Day decor ideas are perfect for adding a soft, charming touch to your home while keeping that same warm and inviting farmhouse style.
Such a cozy and inspiring post—your farmhouse winter mantel sounds absolutely beautiful, especially with those vintage pieces and soft, calming tones that create such a warm cottagecore vibe. I really love the idea of “shopping your home” and transforming a space without spending anything—it’s creative, practical, and so satisfying. The way you’ve blended comfort with style truly makes the home feel inviting and lived-in. Reading this also brings to mind how important functional yet stylish spaces are in a home, especially areas like the kitchen, and if anyone is looking to upgrade or get inspiration, these kitchen cabinets can add both beauty and practicality while complementing a cozy farmhouse aesthetic perfectly.
Your winter mantel update feels so warm and comforting—even with all the chaos outside, you’ve managed to turn simple, everyday pieces into something truly cozy and aesthetic. I especially love the idea of “shopping your home” and creating beauty from what you already have; it really fits that cheapskate chic and cottagecore spirit perfectly. On cold winter evenings like the ones you described, it’s also nice to pair that cozy atmosphere with something warm and seasonal to sip while you relax and,enjoy your space. This reminds me of a comforting winter-inspired treat like this apple pie moonshine drink, which fits right into that snug farmhouse feeling where everything slows down, the home feels extra warm, and even simple moments become something special.