Warm Up Your Home for Winter
Look forward to the indoor season, equipped with a cozy environment at home
Chilly temperatures may keep you from being outdoors for more of your day, but it’s not all bad, particularly when your interiors are über cozy. While you’re busy preparing for the upcoming season — winterizing your garden, swapping wardrobes, turning on the heat — maybe you should give your space a once-over to check on its cozy appeal. Could it be turned up a notch? Whether it’s by adding a throw, introducing a pile of books or trying out a new seating arrangement by the fireplace, there are many options you can try, even if you're on a budget. Check out the following photos to learn what to elements will help you create a snug space. And cheers to cool weather, cozy interiors and enough hot chocolate to carry you through 'til spring.
Don't think that a kitchen, with all its steel appliances and cold countertops, can’t feel cozy. With an oversize rug added to the mix, it certainly can.
Layers. This step is key, and fortunately it is both affordable and easy. Start by simply draping throws over your furniture — not only will they come in handy when you want to curl up on the sofa, but they’ll continue to warm the space while you’re away.
Continue by adding lots of throw pillows to your sofa and filling your walls with framed artwork. Don’t go overboard: You want your space to feel collected, not cluttered.
Drapery and other window treatments add additional warm layers to the room and help trap heat indoors.
Books. There is something about piles of books that instantly warms up any space. Fill your shelves with them, place a comfy chair nearby and spend the season catching up on all your favorite reads.
The best thing about books: They can be placed anywhere. Pile them on your coffee table to create another layer for your décor. You will have successfully mastered two cozy looks in one decorating move. Of coure, a fuzzy pooch is a big help, too.
Paint the walls. One of the easiest and most affordable design tricks ever: our beloved, transformative friend, paint. I like this photo because it proves that even a basement room with little natural light can become a cozy escape with the addition of a coat of warm, neutral paint.
Don’t be afraid to go dark with paint — it actually creates a cozy feeling. A white crib and hints of color help this nursery feel bright yet snug at the same time.
Even your bathroom can be made instantly cozy with a coat of deep brown paint and the addition of a comfy chair.
Texture. Here’s to proving that a largely white or neutral space can be cozy: it all depends on texture. If you’re going for this look, make sure your rug, upholstery and accessories have different levels of texture; think of adding a faux sheepskin throw over a suede couch. In this shot, even the marble mantel brings additional texture to the room.
Seating arrangements by the fireplace. There is nothing cozier than a fireplace, so get right up there and enjoy it. You can roast all the marshmallows you want without ever uncrossing your legs.
Nooks. If your home has the architectural benefit of a nook, transform it into a comfy little reading escape.
Small spaces. This is one of the pricier ways to make a snug space, but once you do it, you’ll wonder why you ever waited. If you’ve got an awkward, rather small space that you can’t imagine being useful. Small rooms are instantly cozy due to their intimate nature, so consider transforming it into a reading room or small study.
The attic. The attic is not just for storage. It can be transformed into a snug living space (even more snug if you're lucky enough to have sloped ceilings). It may be a bit of a project, but it's worth it. Outfit it with a fireplace (consider a fake one if a real one isn't possible), a shag rug and comfy furniture, and voila — it's chic, cozy and more room for living!