Woods, Whites & Winter Greens
Our Cozy Winter Styling Contest winner shares her styling tips.
Last winter, American Farmhouse Style hosted a Cozy Winter Styling Contest and after sifting through dozens of entries and narrowing down to a wonderful group of finalists, a community vote determined our winner, Cindi Bast.
Cindi turns her home into a calm retreat once the Christmas sparkle is packed away, layering warm woods, soft whites and natural greenery for a look that’s restful, simple and timeless. That in-between time after Christmas can leave our homes feeling a bit bare, but it’s a favorite time for Cindi to decorate. It’s when her home shifts from festive and bright to quietly cozy, like a deep, contented exhale. “I love transforming my home into a calm winter retreat once the holidays are over,” Cindi says. “The world outside feels quieter, and I want the inside to reflect that too: warm, simple and peaceful.”
She layers creamy whites and soft neutrals with the warmth of natural woods. The look is clean and fresh, but never cold. “There’s something timeless about the combination of woods and whites,” she explains. “The rustic charm of natural wood paired with crisp, clean whites feels both cozy and renewed.”
Birch logs stacked in baskets, wooden candle holders and reclaimed wood accents bring depth and character to her rooms. Rather than feeling empty after the holidays, her spaces feel thoughtfully edited and calm, but full of texture.
To keep things feeling alive through the winter months, Cindi turns to natural greenery. Pine branches, eucalyptus, winter cedar and even a few sprigs of olive or dried florals find their way into pitchers, vases and woven baskets. “These little touches of green are a gentle reminder that nature’s beauty is still there, even in winter,” she says. “They keep the house from feeling flat and add so much softness.”
Instead of elaborate arrangements, Cindi keeps it simple and organic. A handful of branches on a mantel, a small bundle of cedar on the coffee table or a cluster of stems in a stoneware jug is enough to echo the season without overwhelming the room.
For Cindi, texture is what makes winter décor truly inviting. Chunky knit throws drape over armchairs, fluffy pillows line the sofa, and soft blankets sit folded in baskets, ready to be pulled out on a cozy afternoon.
“Winter is the time to linger a little longer,” she says. “I want every seat to feel like an invitation to sit down with a book or a mug of something warm.”
She adds white candles and a few strands of fairy lights to bring a gentle glow to her woods-and-whites palette. The light bounces softly off the neutrals, creating a sense of warmth even on the grayest days. “It doesn’t have to be complicated,” Cindi says. “Just a few simple layers, and your home feels like a peaceful retreat after the busy holiday season.”
Cindi’s Tips for After-Christmas Winter Décor
- Soften Your Palette: Pack away the bright reds and lean into creamy whites, soft neutrals and warm woods for a calm, collected look.
- Use Natural Greenery: Tuck pine, eucalyptus, cedar or dried florals into everyday vessels like pitchers, crocks and baskets for an easy winter refresh.
- Layer Cozy Textures: Add knit throws, woven blankets and plush pillows to make every seat feel extra inviting during the chilly months.
- Keep the Glow: Replace twinkling Christmas lights with simple candles and fairy lights to maintain that warm, welcoming ambiance.
- Embrace the Quiet: Don’t be afraid of “less.” Edit your surfaces and let a few favorite pieces shine. The breathing room is part of the cozy feeling.
To see more of Cindi’s home visit @craftyhomebycindi on Instagram.
