Photo Credit: Yaroslav Shuraev via www.pexels.com
While our homes have always been our havens, in the past 18 months, we’ve been spending more time inside them than ever before.
During the winter, staying in is the new going out for many people, so making our abodes feel homely is a significant priority. In this article, we’ll share our four ways to make your house feel homely this winter without throwing money out of the window.
Hang It Up
One of the easiest ways to add a little unique warmth to your home is to get your hands on some unique home wall art.
Finding perfect prints and paintings for your home needn’t be expensive if you shop around a little. There are plenty of great sites online offering reasonably priced wall art and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a visit to local charity shops and antique shops can net you some fabulous finds.
Another useful source for original art is your local college or university – art classes often hold exhibitions where visitors can buy a unique piece of art at a great price. Hang a statement piece of art alone on a wall or try creating a point of interest by clustering a few pieces together in ornate frames.
When it comes to art for your home, there really are no rules – it doesn’t matter how much it costs or who the artist is; if a piece of art speaks to you on some level, it should take pride and place in your home.
A Feel For Winter
Winter warmth is all about cosy textures – and these needn’t be reserved just for our clothing. Add a touch of warmth to your winter home by switching up cushion covers and throws for versions in velvet and faux fur.
As well as adding a soft and comfortable vibe for those chilly evenings, experimenting with texture can add a new and exciting dimension to your room.
While you’re looking at different textures, colour also plays a vital role here. Many of us embrace our sunshine yellows and vibrant pastels during the summer months, but winter is all about sumptuous, warming shades.
Swap out your pretty pastels for rich reds, gorgeous greens and excellent oranges for a home that mirrors the beautiful shades of autumn and winter nature at its best. While this can be beautiful in a living room, it needn’t stop there. Give your bedroom a makeover this winter by investing in some cosy throws and cushions. Add a set of bedding in a rich jewel colour and, if your budget will stretch to it, complete the scene with a set of matching curtains.
On cold mornings, a luxurious faux fur rug will make getting out of bed that little bit easier – and will add a little luxury to your room at the same time, as well as making your room a little warmer on those frigid winter mornings.
Let There Be Light
Great lighting can instantly transform a room into a winter wonderland. Try ditching the big light in favour of some beautiful lamps in soft, natural shades. Add bulbs with a warm hue to create a cosy haven to stave off the winter chill.
The great thing about lighting is that the possibilities are endless. Experiment with trendy spotlights to showcase the beautiful new art that you’ve bought for your room. Warm up your kitchen with amber and soft ivory bulbs, and maybe add a touch of elegance to a bedroom with a modern chandelier.
Thankfully, these days, there are plenty of eco-friendly options available when it comes to lighting, and most are reasonably priced – which is excellent news when it comes to those long, dark winter evenings.
A Blast From The Past
In Denmark, the term ‘hygge’ (pronounced hoo ga) is used to describe a place or experience which is cosy, charming or pleasant – something that lots of people are looking for when entertaining during the winter. Try infusing your home with some comforting nostalgia in the form of photographs of generations of your family, old-style knick-knacks and retro furniture.
These are an effortless way to add charm and personality to a room – and make great talking points when entertaining guests. It doesn’t need to stop at ornaments; why not try adding a touch of fun to your living room with a 70s inspired velvet wall art print?
Going a little old school with your decor is an excellent way of moving away from the ‘show home’ feel of many modern rooms and putting your signature on your space. Try trawling local charity shops for bargains or head online to sites like eBay to pick up some retro decor at a steal.
Conclusion
Updating your home for the winter needn’t be expensive or a hassle. A couple of well-chosen pieces of art, or switching up summer pastels for beautiful jewel tones can instantly transform your home into a winter paradise to keep you and your family cosy well into spring.