As the temperature drops, it’s time to batten down the hatches and get cosy on the inside.
Winter is officially here, but it doesn’t have to mean doom and gloom. With a few ideas and styling tricks, you can turn your home into a winter wonderland.
Whether you’re thinking about renovating, are in the process of selling, or just want to make your home warmer and more welcoming, check out these ideas for “hotting” up your home this Winter. Put your thongs away, and get your Ugg Boots out.
It’s time to prepare for the cooler months by winter-proofing our homes.
Here’s how:
Light Up
As the sun loses its strength, it’s time to light up and turn it on.
Lamps transform the mood in any room, illuminating your workspace, livening up a dull corner, and showing off your home decor features. But during the cooler months, lamps can also make your home appear warmer and more inviting … even in the daytime.
Burn baby, burn
Candles are essential for winter living, alongside hugging hot chocolates in your favourite chair … or change that for a glass of your favourite red wine and some dark chocolate!
Fire! Fire!
If you have an open fireplace, it’s time to burn that fire! Nothing amps up the cosy factor more than an open fire. Get out a board game, a deck of cards, or a pile of books and magazines ready for the family to sit together and enjoy the flickering glow and warmth.
Rug Up
Tiles, floorboards and polished concrete floors look chic but aren’t winter-friendly. So, before the freezing weather sets in, treat your feet to some fun and colourful rugs – they instantly update a room, add warmth and make a statement.
Throw it on
Couches, chairs, and beds all deserve a throw in Winter. They look great and feel fantastic when curled up with a book or watching a movie.
Curtain call
Did you know a single pane of glass can lose almost ten times as much heat as the same area of an insulated wall? Investing in good quality curtains and blinds can help keep you warm and toasty in the winter months.
Seal of approval
Draughts account for 25% of heat loss in your home, but they’re easy to fix. First up, you need to ensure your window frames are properly sealed to stop the heat from getting out and the moisture from getting in.
Add a few door snakes to keep those nasty draughts at bay, and you and your home will be so much warmer.
What lies beneath
What’s on everyone’s home wish list this Winter?
Under. Floor. Heating.
Trust us … the luxury of heated bathroom floors is apparently at the top of most homeowners’ wish lists. It heats the room and your feet, but it also has the added benefit of drying out your towels.
Late bloomers
We usually spend a lot more time indoors during Winter. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the outdoors in. Add colour and calm to your home by introducing some hardy indoor plants.
Plants instantly help warm a room and add natural, vibrant colour when it’s grey outside.
Winter-proofing your home doesn’t need to be expensive. With a few clever tricks, some new décor and even a trip to Bunnings, you can reduce your energy bills while staying warm and toasty.
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 