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Hey there, friend! Can you believe winter is already here? While I love the cozy vibes this season brings, I’ll admit, the shorter days and gray skies can feel a little dreary. But you know what always lifts my spirits?

Refreshing my coastal cottage decor with some seasonal touches! Today, I’m sharing a few of my favorite ideas to brighten up your home and keep those coastal vibes alive, even when it’s chilly outside. Grab your coffee (or tea—no judgment here!), and let’s dive in!

1. Bring in the Light with Reflective Accents

Okay, let’s talk about one of my go-to tricks for winter: reflective accents. When the sun is playing hide-and-seek, mirrors, glass, and metallic finishes can work wonders to bounce light around your space. Plus, they add a touch of coastal glam that feels oh-so-right.

Picture This:
Imagine a weathered wood console table with a large, round mirror above it. The frame? Driftwood, of course! A few glass hurricanes with white candles sit on the table, and a small silver tray holds a collection of seashells. The light catches everything, making the room feel airy and bright.

How to Recreate the Look:
Start by hanging a mirror in a spot that gets natural light (even if it’s just a little). Add glass vases or candle holders to your tables, and don’t forget a metallic tray or two for styling. Scatter some seashells or coral pieces around to keep it coastal.

DIY Project:
Turn a plain mirror into a coastal masterpiece by gluing small seashells or pieces of driftwood around the frame. It’s super easy and adds a personal touch!

Additional Styling Tips:
If you’re feeling extra, layer in some white or cream textiles, like a throw blanket or pillows, to amp up the cozy factor.

Trust me, this little trick will make your space feel like a sunny beach day, even when it’s snowing outside.

2. Cozy Up with Nautical Textiles

Winter is all about staying warm and cozy, right? But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your coastal aesthetic! Nautical textiles are the perfect way to add warmth while keeping things breezy and beachy.

Picture This:
A plush, navy-and-white striped throw draped over the arm of a white slipcovered sofa. A few linen pillows with anchor or wave motifs are casually tossed around, and a chunky knit basket sits nearby, holding even more blankets for snuggling.

How to Recreate the Look:
Swap out lightweight summer throws for heavier knits or woven blankets in coastal colors like navy, cream, and soft blues. Add pillows with nautical patterns, and don’t forget a basket or two for storage (and style!).

DIY Project:
If you’re feeling crafty, try making your own no-sew pillow covers using fabric with coastal prints. All you need is fabric, scissors, and fabric glue—easy peasy!

Additional Styling Tips:
Layer different textures, like linen, cotton, and wool, to create depth and interest. And don’t be afraid to mix patterns—stripes, waves, and anchors all play nicely together.

With these cozy textiles, you’ll be ready to curl up with a good book and pretend you’re by the sea.

3. Add Greenery for a Fresh Pop of Life

Let’s be real: winter can feel a little lifeless sometimes. But you know what always helps? Bringing in some greenery! Whether it’s real plants or faux, a touch of green can make your coastal cottage feel fresh and vibrant.

Picture This:
A collection of potted succulents on a windowsill, a tall fiddle-leaf fig in the corner, and a few eucalyptus stems tucked into a glass vase on the coffee table. The green pops against the white and blue palette, making the room feel alive.

How to Recreate the Look:
Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents, snake plants, or pothos if you’re not exactly a green thumb. For faux options, go for realistic-looking greenery that won’t wilt on you.

DIY Project:
Create a coastal-inspired terrarium using a glass container, sand, small shells, and a few tiny plants. It’s like a mini beach scene for your home!

Additional Styling Tips:
Use woven or ceramic planters to keep the coastal vibe going. And don’t forget to mix heights and sizes for visual interest.

A little greenery goes a long way in making your home feel like a sunny coastal escape.

4. Swap Out Artwork for Wintery Coastal Scenes

Artwork is such an easy way to change up your space, and winter is the perfect time to switch out your summer pieces for something a little more seasonal. Think moody seascapes, snowy beaches, or even abstract pieces in cool, wintry tones.

Picture This:
A large canvas above the sofa featuring a stormy ocean scene, with waves crashing against the shore. On the mantel, a few smaller prints of lighthouses or frosty beach grasses complete the look.

How to Recreate the Look:
Hit up local thrift stores or Etsy for affordable coastal artwork. Look for pieces that evoke the feeling of winter without being too holiday-specific.

DIY Project:
Create your own abstract coastal art using acrylic paints in shades of blue, gray, and white. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just let your creativity flow!

Additional Styling Tips:
Lean smaller pieces on shelves or mantels for a casual, layered look. And don’t forget to mix in some frames with natural textures, like wood or rattan.

With the right artwork, your walls will tell a story of winter by the sea.

5. Light Up the Room with Coastal Candles

Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about candles. There’s something so magical about the flicker of candlelight on a dark winter evening. And when those candles have a coastal twist? Even better.

Picture This:
A cluster of white pillar candles in different heights on a wooden tray, surrounded by scattered seashells and a sprig of dried eucalyptus. The warm glow reflects off the glass hurricane holders, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

How to Recreate the Look:
Stock up on candles in coastal scents like sea salt, coconut, or driftwood. Arrange them in groups on trays or in lanterns for maximum impact.

DIY Project:
Make your own coastal candles by melting soy wax, adding a few drops of essential oil (think ocean breeze or sandalwood), and pouring it into jars filled with sand and small shells.

Additional Styling Tips:
Mix and match candle holders in different materials, like glass, metal, and wood, for a layered look. And don’t forget to light them as soon as the sun starts to set—it’s instant cozy vibes!

With these candles, your home will feel like a warm, welcoming coastal retreat, no matter how cold it gets outside.

Final Thoughts

So, what do you think, friend? Are you ready to give your coastal cottage a little winter refresh? I hope these ideas inspire you to bring some light, warmth, and beachy charm into your home this season. Let me know which one you’re going to try first—I’d love to hear all about it!

Until next time, stay cozy and keep those coastal dreams alive! 🌊✨