Shorter
days, longer nights, and freezing cold breeze everywhere – these are just a few
signs that the wintry season is finally here. Hot beverages and saunas are
selling like crazy. You notice people wearing coats, scarves, boots, caps, and
gloves to beat the cold too.
But
humans aren’t the only ones getting warmed up during the cold season – even
houses are getting dressed up for the winter too. Homes are adorned with
furnishings and accessories that will bring more sense of intimacy and warmth
as the snow and ice-cold winds take over.
Next
to paying attention to your home’s insulation, here are some quick, easy, and
budget-friendly ways to create a warmer and cozier home that’s perfect for the
frigid months.
1. Gather near the fireplace
Getting
a fire going can spontaneously convert a freezing night into a warm and
intimate setting, and households with fireplaces are privileged to have this
remarkable experience.
Before
you turn up the heat and increase your heating costs, consider moving
furniture. Take advantage of the heat by placing your dining table or living
room couch near your fireplace for a more intimate social gathering.
2. Light up the best candles
Don't
own a fireplace? Not looking forward to expensive heating bills? You can still
bring a charming warm glow in your home with the use of candle lights.
Fill
your cold and dark rooms with a variety of candles from antique candelabras and
lanterns to modern, boutique candles and tea lights. If you have little kids
who tend to run around the house, you may go for electronic candles or other
warm light fixtures and lanterns that help warm up your chilly household.
3. Warm your feet up with lush rugs
Unless
you're wearing your favorite socks, walking and standing on chilly floors with
bare feet can be uncomfortable. Adding thick and lush rugs can help warm your
feet up during the cold season. Any textile would beat the chill but if you
want a cozier experience, go for wool, faux fur, and velvet fabrics.
Aside
from your living room and bedroom, you should place a small rug in your
bathroom as well. Use a flat weave rug that comes in a variety of colors and
prints. Covering up your cold tiles with a warm and comfy rug will make your
dark morning showers less daunting.
4. Snuggle with cozy winter throws
Winter
is a wonderful time to stay inside and pamper yourself with soft and cozy
textiles and textures. Dress up your couch with winter outfit using warm blankets.
Sheepskin, wool, velvet, fleece, and polyester are your go-to materials for a
cozier doze.
Have
a throw blanket-draped look at the back of your sofa while you snuggle up with
your warm cup of coffee, chocolate, or tea. Then don't resist the urge of
layering fabrics for added warmth and stuffing your couch with more throw
pillows covered in soft fabrics.
5. Switch to heavy drapery
The
classic idea of going for thick drapery and curtains for the chilly season
still works. Outdated window panes allow heat to escape through the glass,
allowing the cold room to feel even colder.
6. Paint the walls with warm tones
The
world behind your foggy windowpane seems a little dull, dark and frozen, but it
doesn't mean your home should be likewise. A simple paint job is one of the
best ways to prepare for the season.
Bring
the warm and comforting colors into your home by painting your walls with warm
and fire-inspired tones such as orange, gold, yellow, and warm neutrals. Can’t
commit? Using peel and stick wallpapers can be the best way to go.
7.
Create a warm ambiance with lighting and
accessories
If
you don’t want to paint your home or even stick wallpapers, there are other
easier alternatives. You may display home accessories with warm colors, like
orange throws and wooden tables, can help beat the cold. You can even switch to lighting fixtures with
a warmer glow to break the stark and cold setting.
8. Add a touch of nature
When
the sky is gray and the trees are leafless and bare, wouldn’t it be nice to
have signs of life inside your home? Whether you’re living in a high-rise flat
in the city or a classic kit home in the countryside, bringing the nature in
helps balance out the seasonal changes outside.
Place
fresh indoor plants. Fill your home with wooden elements. Adorn your home with
furniture pieces and accessories with organic green hues and earthy colors.
9. Keep your winter essentials handy
The
chilly weather makes us miss our grandparents’ humble and comforting country
style kit homes in the countryside. They used to stock thick blankets and socks
and cook hot and hearty meals for us during our visits.
You
can recreate the homey feel in your own abode.
Fill
a trunk or basket with a supply of throw blankets and keep them handy in areas
where you are likely to lounge, like your living room, reading nook, or dining
room. Have the books, game boards, and other forms of entertainment prepared
while it's snowing outside. Invest in coffee and tea bar cart you can
effortlessly access while slacking off on your couch or bed.
Author Bio:
Carmina Natividad is a daytime writer for PAAL KitHomes, a renowned construction
company that specializes in manufacturing and supplying top-quality
steel-framed kit homes in Australia. She loves writing articles focused in real
estate and interior design.