We are delighted again to have Rose Morrison’s creative and talented writing in her article, Ways to Embrace a Warmer Interior This Winter. Her insights are sure to inspire a pick-me-up that we all seek during winter. What a great way to start off the new year! Thank you, Rose! Please be sure to read Rose’s bio below and follow the link to her other articles on Slipcovers for Your Walls.
Winter brings colder weather and darker days. Sometimes it can start to feel a little dreary. However, there are ways to embrace the season and bring in some warmth. Here are some tips for creating a cozy interior for your home.
1. Build a Cozy Corner in Your Living Room
Create a space where you can shake off the winter blues and brighten your mood. Add cozy furniture and lots of throw pillows, and shop for sofas and chairs made of soft fabrics like cotton or linen. Add a side table for placing your drinks as well.
Create the corner in an area near your fireplace or heater so you can cuddle up with a good book and some hot chocolate.
2. Take Some Time for Yourself
Winter can be a good time to slow down and do things that make you happy. If you have a book that has been sitting on your shelf since last year, now is the perfect time to snuggle up by the fire and spend the day reading. You can also listen to music or write poetry. If you have younger children, consider setting up some arts and crafts activities.
Sometimes the darkness can make us feel tired. Instead of fighting it, use it as the perfect opportunity to catch up on some sleep. However, if you need a burst of energy and something to help improve your mood, consider doing some light cleaning; you’d be amazed at how something so simple as a clean environment can improve your demeanor.
3. Light Some Candles
You will likely start spending more time inside as the temperature drops. Candles spread fresh wintery scents inside your home. Consider scents such as pine to bring in a feeling of nature. Cinnamon, vanilla and spearmint are other fun holiday scents to include. Place the candles on the table or windowsills to make the room feel nice and snug. You can even dim the rest of the lights and embrace the moody atmosphere.
4. Cuddle Up
When you’re lounging around the house, snuggle up with a warm blanket. Buy wool or cotton fleece for extra comfort. If you’re looking for a blanket that can even keep you busy, purchase stylish throw blankets you can color [with fabric paint]. Young children will especially enjoy this project.
Keep a box of blankets on hand or a few folded on the couch. In addition, bundle up when at home, and consider wearing multiple layers. Sweaters are stylish ways to stay warm this holiday season.
5. Decorate With Branches
Branch decorations, such as magnolias, are great ways to incorporate natural elements. The feeling of being in nature makes you more relaxed, and they last longer than flowers. You can also buy artificial branches and use them to decorate your shelves.
6. Bring in More Rugs
Rugs are excellent ways to make a room cozier. They add warmth under your feet and style to the room, which is especially useful if you have tile or hardwood flooring. You can showcase your personality by choosing fun colors and patterns. Darker, rich colors, like navy blue, can create a more intimate atmosphere. Ensure whatever color you choose complements the main hues found in the rest of the room.
Another important thing to consider is the rug’s style. If you’re placing it in a high foot-traffic area, get one with durable material, such as wool.
7. Brighten up Your Space With Color
Consider giving your room a pop of color by adding a fresh coat of paint or new decor. Greens and blues are popular color trends for home design. They create a calming feeling and can liven up the space. Also, add some black or white accents to help balance out the brighter shades.
[Although paint is great, if you don’t want to hassle with the mess and time, you can easily add these colorful accent walls with 52″ wide peel-and-stick wallpaper from Casart Coverings that can immediately transform your space in 20 minutes. A practical added benefit, Casart wallcoverings can be left up as long as you want or removed and reused or repurposed whenever you desire or tastes change.]
8. Spend Quality Time With Family
More time off work is an excellent chance to bond with your family. You can enjoy indoor activities you haven’t done recently. Consider hosting a movie night, which is a cost-effective way to stay warm and watch your favorite film. You can also play board games.
Cooking together is also a fun activity. Kids especially enjoy licking the beaters during an afternoon of cake baking.
9. Hang Some Twinkly Lights
You can decorate your interior as well as exterior during the holidays. Hanging up string lights is a fun and festive way to spruce up a room. They also give you something exciting to look at when stuck indoors and will even impress your guests. Plus, they act as an additional light source.
10. Spruce up Your Mantle
Decorating your mantel can help spread cheer and is a good activity to keep you busy while at home. You can add traditional decorations during the holidays, such as a snowman or a manager scene, and hang some stockings and garland. Another idea is to decorate with family photos.
11. Get Through Your Winter Maintenance Checklist
The last thing you want to have happen in the winter is for things to start falling apart. Start making a maintenance checklist to ensure everything is in tip-top shape. You want to ensure your heating system is functioning properly. Your filters can become clogged with dust and debris, requiring more energy to heat your home. Avoid this by changing your air filters every three months. This also improves your indoor air quality and lowers your monthly expenses. Before replacing the filter, make sure you completely turn off the unit.
You should also seal up your doors and windows. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close any holes, which will prevent drafts and waste less energy.
12. Try Journaling
Journaling is a great way to release any negative thoughts and lift your spirits during a cold winter evening. You can also write down goals for the new year. They can be related to work or even your hobbies. Having something to look forward to can put a positive spin on the season.
How to Create a Cozy Home This Winter
Embrace the darker and colder days of winter. Add cozy decor, such as candles, to brighten up your space. Shift your mindset by focusing on enjoyable activities you haven’t done recently. Follow these tips for a warm and cheerful season.
Many thanks to Rose for this article with lots of helpful tips for achieving a warmer interior and uplifting mood this winter!
About the author:
Rose Morrison is a home improvement and design writer.
She is also the managing editor of Renovated. Follow her on Twitter to see more of her work.
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