Wintertime at the Jersey Shore undoubtedly brings some pretty noticeable changes in terms of atmosphere.
All the tourist crowds thin out, the days grow darker and shorter, and coastal homes that easily feel breezy and light in the summer can often feel closed in and dim. Whether your shore home is a year-round residence or just used for seasonal retreats, the winter months offer an essential time to make easy décor adjustments to keep your property feeling comfortable, bright and welcoming.
So, check out the below sections to learn some helpful tips to keep your shore home feeling and looking brighter this season!
It’s no secret how the wintertime is when all of our homes have less natural light, but one very effective way to keep your shore home feeling bright this season is by maximizing natural light as much as you can.
Shorter days make daylight more valuable than ever, which is why you should consider minimizing heavy window treatments, keeping your windows clean, and using light-filtering shades (and not thick drapes) to see significant differences this winter.
Mirrors can also play an important role with this décor trick as well. By placing your mirrors strategically across from windows to reflect daylight, you’ll be able to create more of an airy, open feeling. Even on those dreary, overcast days, this little trick can go a long way to prevent your interior design from coming off too dull.
Just because you want to embrace winter décor in your home doesn’t mean you must abandon your coastal aesthetic.
Sandy beiges, soft whites, light grays and pale blues will help you maintain a beachy look that also makes your interior feel much brighter. This is partly because these colors do a wonderful job at reflecting light, as opposed to absorbing it.
You should also consider updating your accent pieces like artwork, throw pillows and table décor to lighter hues. This will refreshen your dining or living room, without requiring any major changes.
There’s no denying just how essential indoor comfort is during the winter, but one thing to keep in mind is that you don’t have to sacrifice your home’s brightness just because you want to add a little warmth this season.
Instead of choosing heavy fabrics, consider light textures that still give off a cozy vibe. This could include soft cotton blankets, knitted throws, and all sorts of textured cushions that keep rooms feeling warm without being too overwhelming.
Layering materials like linen, wool and woven accents can also add beautiful depth to your space—while preserving your coastal ambience.
Area rugs have always played a major role in brightening up shore homes during the winter months, and modern rug styles just so happen to be particularly effective this time of year.
With their subtle contrasts, clean patterns and neutral palettes, modern area rugs can define your home’s space and keep things visually light. And although shopping for modern rugs online has never been easier, finding the perfect modern rug requires some astute attention to detail.
In living rooms, modern rugs can anchor your furniture setup and create a cohesive décor that doesn’t close off the space. Low-pile rug options with minimal patterns are typically ideal for winter, because they offer the type of underfoot warmth you want but still maintain an open, airy aesthetic. Light-toned modern rugs also do a good job of reflecting natural light, which will help prevent your floors from making rooms feel darker than they actually are.
In dining rooms and bedrooms, modern rugs give that special type of comfort that everyone loves during the coldest months of the year—and they also don’t overpower coastal décor. Just be sure to choose understated patterns and soft hues to allow your new rugs to enhance your space’s brightness.
Winter lighting strategies are also essential for shore homes due to limited natural light until around March.
Relying on overhead fixtures simply won’t cut it this time of year, which is why a lot of households are embracing layered lighting to create evenly lit, warm environments.
Warm LED bulbs can also mimic natural light and make your rooms feel more inviting. And during the winter, lighting becomes much more about atmosphere than actual visibility. This means that thoughtful placement is critical.
Bright shore homes always feel more open, especially during the winter. Consider rearranging your furniture for better flow, reducing unnecessary décor, and keeping surfaces as clear as possible in order to develop a lighter ambience throughout your property.
Shore homes always benefit from these types of simple, open layouts—and this is particularly the case when your outdoor living spaces as less accessible due to cold temperatures.
Keeping your shore home bright during New Jersey’s dreary months is sometimes easier said than done, but it definitely doesn’t require a full redesign.
By maintaining a coastal color palette, maximizing natural light, thoughtfully layering textures and incorporating modern rugs into your décor, you can enjoy an interior design that feels comfortable, cheerful and inviting until spring comes back soon enough!
