Warming Your Home up for Winter

Winter’s just around the corner, and for most of us, nothing beats coming home to a warm, cozy living room. Some of us have a fireplace, while others have warm wool area rugs. But is your décor as “winterized” as the rest of your home? A few extra touches can go a long way in dressing your home for the season!

We’ve put together a list of 10 ways to make your home extra cozy and comfortable during the chilly season.

So, Let it snow! We’ve got you covered!!

1. Make Use of Layers.

{Source Room Envy}

People deal with the weather by throwing on extra layers of clothing. The same trick works around your home-add extra layers to your slipcovers, tablecloths, and window treatments. Add topper fabrics to your tablecloths to suit the season, and use a valance on your living room windows. In the bathroom, you can layer two or more towels over each other (which save space too).

2. Pull out the Blankets and Throw Pillows.

{Source West Elm}

Set cozy, warm throws near chairs and sofa for not only a punch of pattern and color into the space, but they will also be close at hand to snuggle with. They are a wonderful addition to any reading nook, living room or bedroom.

3. Bring in Some Warm Colors.

{Source Country Living}

If you are at all like us, we are drawn to tropical “cool” colors. (In our defense, we do live in sunny Florida near the beach, so we love aquas, blues, whites, tans and other “cooler shades”.) That being said, we do often get chilly weather and making our home feel a bit cozier is important! Adding some warmer hues like reds, berries and rubies, gold’s, deep browns, pine or olive greens or even orange’s will instantly make a room for more inviting. Bring the new colors in with inexpensive accessories, pillows, rugs and candles.

4. Cover it.

{Source West Elm}

Bare hardwood or tile floors can be fantastic for spring and summer, but they do feel cold and uninviting during the winter months. Bring in some area rugs to give your toes a warmer walk! Inexpensive throw rugs are a must! Check out Target, Ross, Marshalls, Wal-Mart or even Amazon or Overstock.

5. Bask in the Glow

{Source Pottery Barn}

Whether you are lucky enough to have a fireplace you can cozy up to or you just set candles on a coffee table, this flickering light reflects closeness and warmth. If you are like us and don’t have a fireplace, candles not only look chic and stylish, they do provide light and an ambiance. Use a grouping in small rooms for a nice centerpiece on a dining or side table. For larger rooms, distribute your candles along the walls for a more even approach.

6. Alter your Senses

{Source Williams-Sonoma}

Fill your home with scents of the season… Christmas Pine, Cinnamon, Apple Spice or warm Vanilla. Candles, sprays, soaps and lotions or even wall Plug-Ins are great ways for adding a seasonal scent into your home. We are big believers in our home smelling good! We have a plethora of candles for every season (Christmas, Beachy, Spring Flowers and on and on), Febreeze Plug-Ins for our laundry room and upstairs hallway and we do have a few fantastic sprays for the occasion that we just need a spritz of fabulous! Or, cook up a treat that will please your taste buds and fragrance your home as well. You can bake some cinnamon rolls or enjoy some spiced hot cider, for instance.

7. Go Flannel.

{Source Target}

Seriously, flannel sheets are great! We received a set last year from my grandparents and we adore them! They are made in all kinds of colors and patterns now so they don’t always look “country bumpkin” anymore! Besides, they are cozy and your guests will appreciate the gesture!

8. Create a Cluster

{Source Crate and Barrel}

Nothing says love more than family. Instead of hanging a new collection of family photos on your walls (which may already be adorned), add a group of pictures to a side table or fireplace mantel.

9. Treat them with a Tray

{Source Country Living}

Stock a kitchen tray with flavored tea bags and small tins of flavored cocoa mix. Add mugs, spoons and napkins. It’s an easy invitation to the family for a few minutes of tasty relaxation without needing to rummage through the pantry first.

10. Keep it Clutter Free

{Source Country Living}

Since most of us spend a lot of time indoors during those chilly winter months, it is really important to keep your space organized, clean and clutter free. We love a clean home anyways, but during the holidays and winter months, you are more likely to feel trapped if your stuff (normal every day items and holiday decor) is encroaching on you by the minute! Plus, it never hurts to be organized and over-all clean in case you have spur of the moment guests!!

Are you gearing up for winter yet? Sometimes it is hard enough to change up our wardrobe in preparation for the coming chilly weather (I made the closet switch last weekend).

What about you? Have you found any ways to keep your home cozy during those oh so chilly winter days? Do Tell.

P.S. We are now accepting new Gracious Giveaway Sponsors for the up and coming holiday season. If you want to get your name & product out in the spotlight… just let us know lindsay@adesignstory.com.

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