Glowing Through the Dark Months

Five Ways to Warm Up the Dark Corners of Your Home

By Dagmar – tested and approved by me, the candle-obsessed branch-collector

Ah, the dark months of the year. That magical time when daylight lasts approximately… seven minutes, and suddenly every corner of the house looks like it’s forgotten about.

And don’t get me wrong — I love the holiday season. The coziness, the warm drinks, the sparkle, the whole “let’s make magic indoors while wearing wool socks” vibe?

Yes, please!

But the Dutch cold? The endless gray skies? The kind of drizzle that feels personal?

Not so much!!

Which is exactly why I turn into natural design a candle-lighting, glow-making machine the moment November hits. Light and warmth saves my mood — quite literally.

Candle light at dusk

When the leaves fall, the branches turn bare, and nature looks like she’s having a minimalism phase, that’s when I get inspired.

Bare branches? Free decor.

Twisted twigs? Free sculptural art.

A walk in the woods? Free shopping spree.

Nature really is the budget-friendly interior store we all deserve.

Branch in Vase

And since I know I’m not the only one trying to bring some glow into the darker corners of my home (and trying not to trip over all the boxes ready for the move that become hard to see in the dark nooks), here are some ideas you can try too:

Here they come, 5 ways to decorate:

1. Branches With Ribbons

Pick up a beautiful fallen branch outside or find some young threes in your garden (that you can put back after the holiday season), put it in a vase, and tie little ribbons on it. Velvet, linen, whatever makes you feel like a pre-Christmas forest fairy. It’s simple, elegant, and completely transforms a corner.

Christmas Forrest Fairy [photo curtesy pinterest]

2. Candle Islands

Take every candle you own — the pretty ones (i've chose only white ones this time), the weird ones — and cluster them together on a tray or spread them out on your diner or coffee table.

The glow is instant, atmospheric, and suspiciously flattering.

(Yes the wine is definitely optional, but I'll say "go for it").

Candles and Wine

3. Nature-In-A-Bowl

Find a ceramic bowl and fill it with pinecones, dried berries, moss, or little branches. Put it near a lamp, next to a candle or plonk it right in the middle of a table and suddenly it looks intentional… even though it cost €0.

Pine cones in bowl

4. Ribbon the Everyday Objects

Tie ribbons or plain rope around jars, candle holders, bottles, branches — honestly anything that doesn’t run away. It adds softness and gives your home that “I’m festive but not committing to a Christmas no tree yet” vibe.

Jars with candle light

5. Glow Up the Forgotten Corner

You know that one corner where light goes to die? Place a lantern, a candle, and a little vase with foraged bits there. It instantly turns from “haunted storage zone” into “cozy reading nook no one actually reads in.”

Cozy reading corner [photo cutesy pinterest]

So yes, the months are dark. But that just means everything glows a little brighter — candles, branches, ribbons… and maybe even us, when we stop tripping over our own decor choices (and as mentioned before in my case over the stack of boxes that are sprinkled in every corner).

Go play, go glow, and use what nature gives you for free.

Your home will thank you — and your wallet too.

With Love,

Dagmar

From The Art of Living Beautifully — Linen & Wood

Dear you, would you like to be the first to know about my latest designs, creative tips, and much more? Sign up for the newsletter!

I’ll only send you the best inspiration and updates—no spam, promised!

NEWSLETTER