Cosy up your home for winter

With the chilly days and long winter nights now ahead of us, it’s time to start thinking about bundling up. That sentiment not only applies to your winter wardrobe, but what you can do around the house to make it cosy for the cold months ahead (and maybe save a bit of money by not having to crank the thermostat to 'hades'). These homeware items will help shield your home from the chill:

Area carpets and rugs

Hardwood and tile floors may have a leg up when it comes to cleaning, but in the winter months it helps to have some extra padding underfoot. Swap your thin area rugs from the sunny summer months for heavier sheepskin ones from Achica homeware. In social areas like the living room, you can also throw a few pillows or cushions on top of the rug to create a new cosy seating area for your guests.

Warm pillows and throws

Once you’ve got the floors covered, start bundling up the furniture as well. Here, it’s all about the texture: pillows and throws made from fabrics like cashmere, wool, velvet, and faux fur are great to snuggle up with when you’re watching tv or reading a book on the couch. Make the furniture look even cosier by paying close attention to colour: neutral tans, creams, and grays and deep reds and oranges help to give your furniture a warm aesthetic. Pillows with woodsy or leafy patterns add some subtle warmth to the space as well.

Lighting

Sometimes making your place feel cosier is as simple as choosing the right lighting. Lay off the harsh overhead lighting this winter by investing in a few table and floor lamps that use warm lighting—bulbs that emit an orange to reddish-toned light. A related idea is to create a more intimate ambience by lighting candles around the house; candles that emit autumn and winter aromas like apple, pumpkin, cinnamon, and peppermint are all great choices.

Kitchen essentials

We all have those days when just the thought of venturing outside and braving the elements sends chills down our spines, so stock your kitchen with the right equipment to make a hearty meal at home. Consider buying a personal espresso maker to get your morning caffeine fix or invite a few friends round for a chat, and invest in a warming drawer to keep foods warm for your wintertime dinner parties.

Wood and wicker finishes

Swap out your spring and summertime decorations for some winter-inspired pieces. Wood is a must-have for winter, as it helps to give your space that classic ski lodge aesthetic. Think creatively here: mirrors with wooden frames, wooden candle bases and holders, and wooden bowls and utensils all help to create a cosy feel for a lot less. Some carefully placed wicker baskets and wreaths help do the trick as well.

Comments

[ricky]

Your living room looks great. And I bet the reason why you put a fireplace in there is to class things up, it really does that job very well. It might be a simple addition but it does a whole lot more than just that. Thanks for these pictures and your post. Admiring your work.