Winter will be here before you know it, but you won't have to worry about the winter blues after reading this! We have a few tips on how to have your coziest winter yet, despite the temperature outside.
There’s nothing quite like settling down under a fuzzy blanket when you want to stay warm. Put a few blankets around the house: in a basket in the living room, across the back of a chair or the sofa, or at the foot of your bed. Perhaps the best part of doing this is it allows people to regulate their own temperatures. Anyone who’s cold can put a blanket on - and you don't have to turn up the thermostat!
A nice hot drink will keep you warm from the inside. Have packets of hot chocolate for when the kids come in from playing in the snow. Tea, coffee, and hot cider are all good choices for adults. It’s nice to have a range of choices, and an electric kettle or a single-serve coffeemaker can provide hot drinks at a moment’s notice.
Crisp, linen sheets are great for summers, but in the winter, you might want something a little warmer. Check out flannel or fleece sheets. You might even want to have a thicker comforter or an extra blanket over the top. Alternatively, electric blankets or mattress covers are a nice luxury - though they may make it harder to get out of bed!
Colours can have a warm or cool “feel” to them. In general, blues, greens, and most pastel colours will feel cool, while reds, yellows, and oranges feel warm. If your general decor doesn’t already include these warmer colours, bring a few of them into the home. You can do this with little details, such as a new table runner, a blanket, or a decoration on the mantel.
Laminate, hardwood, or tile floors look great, but can start to feel a bit cold once the winter hits. You can warm up the house by adding a few area rugs. Alternatively, invest in a cozy pair of slippers for yourself...and maybe even a few pairs that guests can use!
You don’t want to turn the oven on in the summer months, but once it cools down, you can start cooking up a storm. Bake things like pies, cakes, and muffins for special treats. Make a plan to have roasted chicken, turkey, or ham each Sunday. The heat from the oven can help warm up the home, but the rich scents from your favourite recipes will also make you feel warmer.
Textured fabrics like velvet or flannel can add warmth to the room, especially when you use them in things like sofas and chairs. It also feels warmer when you layer the textures together. For instance, you might have a soft sofa with pillows made from faux fur, velvet, and other cozy textiles. Again, it’s nice to have these things in warm colours, but neutral colours won’t feel cold when paired with other warm things.
The lighting in your home might also contribute to a warm or cold feeling. Bright overhead lights can feel cold and sterile, while soft lighting adds a warm glow. Try to use more lamps during the winter. Better yet, incorporate some candles into your home’s decor. Real candles will even add warmth from the fire, but if you want to play it safe, battery-powered candles can still set a warm tone to any space.
While a new home shouldn’t have air leaks, you often find drafty areas in older homes. Even in a new home, though, you can find that the areas by the windows are colder. Address any cold spots in appropriate ways. A draft-blocker goes along the bottom of the door to block drafts. Thermal curtains in the windows can help keep cold air out and warm air in. Any home improvement store will have options for you in the weatherstripping area.
While you're doing upkeep, don't forget to check out our 10 Ways to Winterize Your Home in case there are any steps you missed!
This winter might be a cold one outside, but you shouldn’t suffer inside. When you take the right steps to make your home cozy, you’ll be warm all winter.