Win the battle over Seasonal Affective Disorder with cheerful home design. Here’s how to get started

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Before Christmas, holiday excitement is high. People are happy to spend time with family, spread cheer and enjoy December. But once the Christmas trees are at the curb, all the presents are unwrapped and the New Year has been toasted, the winter blues settle in.

Connecticut is among the states most likely to experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, according to experts at MattressNextDay. The state ranks 8th in the country to experience the worst of SAD. Alaska ranked number one followed by New York, Washington, Vermont and Michigan.

However there is hope. One of the ways you can combat SAD is to brighten up your home. Combined with things such as light therapy, exercise, sleep and a balanced diet, decorating to combat SAD can cheer you up.

Kellie Burke, of Kellie Burke Interiors in West Hartford, Connecticut, said there are a few different ways people can design their homes to help battle winter depression.

“Home is absolutely about all four senses,” Burke said. “Make sure you have a beautiful place to be mindful. Meditation is the key to a brighter day. Find a little nook in your home and place a yogi mat, a sound bowl and lighting. Invite yourself to your own mindful retreat.”

Personalize your space and really make it yours. If the space is bland, you won’t feel very in touch with your home. A cozier, more familiar space will bring comfort. You can also focus on decluttering and cleaning your space. When a space is dirty and chaotic, it will tend to make you feel worse.

Think about color. Brighter, happier colors such as yellows, light blue, orange or sage green will tend to make you feel better...