A hazy shade of winter is descending upon the D.C. region with gray skies, early dark, biting winds and the prospect of slushy snow, thousands of people in the area might fall prey to what is now clinically known as seasonal affective disorder. For the past several years, Morris, a Bethesda-based interior designer, has been offering a kind of first-aid kit for the winter blues.
How bad is seasonal effective disorder around here?
It has not been as bad in the last few years because there has been warmer and less snowy winters. But people do get the winter blues. It has just been dreary and people are affected by the fact that there just isn’t sun.
So how to you ward it off without going bankrupt?
You just want to add elements that are more enlightening. … Incandescent bulbs. I’m a huge fan of the incandescent bulbs. Anywhere between 40 and 75 watts — put those in your lamps, that will definitely change the look and feel to the place.
What about color schemes?
Absolutely. Because of [Home & Garden Television], most folks tend to have more neutral palettes. The really great way to do is to have caramel-ly, or orange colors. …
Also, avoid heavy, dark colored draperies around your windows. Open the blinds up. Let the light come in.
What about the workplace, where you may not be able to convince the boss to lighten up?
The best way to do it — and it’s going to sound strange — is to add a plant and a desk lamp — again, with the incandescent bulbs.
What else?
You can add soft throws, or different pillows that have different texture or warmth to them. … It just makes you feel a bit more warm and cozy. It makes you feel like you want to cuddle.
— Bill Myers
