A Quiet December - Simple, Sustainable Ways to Cocoon at Home

(Yes, those are, string made, christmas puddings hanging above my head!)

December can feel like someone turned life up to “full volume” and hid the remote.
Parties, flashing lights, busy shops, endless to-do lists… lovely in theory, but if you’re introverted or sensitive, it can be completely draining.

If your idea of a dream December is more cosy cocoon than tinsel explosion, this one’s for you.

This month, I’m leaning into quiet, sustainable, simple interiors, the kind that support rest, soft moments, and gentle joy. And I’m also taking a festive break myself, so I’ll share more about that at the end.

Decorating for the Quiet Soul (No Glitter Avalanche Required)

You can absolutely enjoy the season without your home looking like the Christmas aisle sneezed.

Think of December as a chance to softly layer comfort, rather than add more noise.

Gentle ideas for introvert-friendly festive decorating

• Soften the lighting

  • Swap bright overhead lights for lamps and warm white fairy lights.

  • Use candles or LED candles for that flickering, calming glow.

  • If you can, choose beeswax or soy candles for a cleaner, more sustainable burn.

• Choose a calm colour story

  • Try deep greens, soft whites, warm neutrals, and natural wood rather than bold reds and metallics.

  • Use one or two accent colours only, for example, moss green and soft gold.

• Bring in nature, not plastic

  • Forage a few sprigs of greenery, pinecones, or twigs from your walk (responsibly, no stripping the whole hedge!).

  • Pop them into a simple vase, jug or jar, instant seasonal touch, minimal effort.

  • Dry oranges, apples or slices of lemon for garlands or bowl displays.

Simple, Sustainable Swaps for December

Tiny changes can make your home feel more rooted, thoughtful and kind to the planet, without adding extra stress.

Here’s a quick swap guide you can use -

You don’t have to do everything.
Even one or two of these swaps can make your space feel more aligned with your values.

Design Yourself a Rest Corner (Your Introvert Recharge Station)

If the world feels loud, your home needs at least one spot that whispers: “Come and sit, you’ve done enough.”

Imagine a tiny sanctuary somewhere in your home - a chair, a corner of the sofa, a space by the window.

Your Rest Corner Checklist

Pick one spot and add:

• A comfortable seat, chair, armchair, floor cushion or the end of the sofa.

• A soft throw you actually like snuggling into.

• One small side table for a cup of tea and a book.

• Low, warm lighting, a lamp, fairy lights in a jar, or a candle.

• One or two natural elements, a plant, a twig in a vase, a small stone or shell from a meaningful place.

• Something just for you, journal, sketchbook, favourite book, or headphones ready with calming music.

You can even think of it as a simple little “map” for your nervous system:

[Soft Seat] → [Warm Light] → [Cosy Textiles] → [Nature] → [You Exhale]

If all you manage this December is creating this one small corner, you’ve done something powerful for your wellbeing.

A Slower Festive Home: Do Less, Enjoy More

We’re often told to add more in December, more décor, more events, more “magic”.
But in reality, most of us need less.

Here are a few gentle “design rules” you can borrow-

• One in, one out
  For every festive item you bring out, consider putting something else away. This keeps surfaces calmer and your space easier to breathe in.

• Decorate the “seen” zones only
  Focus on the places you actually use-

  • The coffee table

  • The corner you read in

  • The hallway you walk through every day
    You don’t have to dress every inch of the house to feel seasonal.

• Choose one ritual per day, not ten
  A candlelit cup of tea, a slow walk, writing a list of three things you’re grateful for, these can be just as meaningful as big, elaborate traditions.

Giving Yourself Permission to Pause

Just as winter asks nature to rest, it’s completely natural to want to slow down too.
You’re not lazy. You’re seasonal. As humans, we also need some hibernation!

So, in the same way we design a room to support how we want to feel, we can design our time that way too.

• Shorten the to-do list.

• Say no to at least one thing (you’re allowed - I checked).

• Block out evenings where the only plan is “pyjamas and something warm in a mug and a good book”.

A Little Note from Me - Taking a Festive Break

In the spirit of practising what I gently preach, I’ll be:

• Taking a festive season break in December, stepping away from work to rest, reflect and recharge.

• I’ll be back in January, ready to support you with more simple, sustainable, wellbeing-focused interior ideas and offerings.

If you’d like to:

• Start the new year by gently refreshing your home, or

• Explore how your space can better support your wellbeing and creativity,

Please keep an eye out in January, I’ll be sharing what’s coming next then.

Before You Go - A Tiny December Invitation

Before you rush off to your next task, you might like to:

1. Look around the room you’re in.

2. Choose one thing to soften, lighting, clutter on a surface, or adding a small cosy touch.

3. Take three slow breaths and imagine your home holding you, not demanding from you.

Your home doesn’t need to be perfect this December.
It just needs to feel safe, kind, and a little bit more you.

And if all else fails… switch on the fairy lights, make a hot drink, and call it interior design. ✨

If you fancy joining one of my Spring Wellbeing Interior 10 week courses, pop over to my website and find out more...