Get the Scent Right
Coming home to an overspilling bin and sour milk is probably the last thing you want after a long day, which is why getting the right scent is vital. To warm your home, festive smells like cinnamon, spices and oranges do a great job, so start by burning cinnamon candles or boiling homemade potpourri with apples, cloves and orange peel. Real Christmas trees add a great wintery smell to the home, but if you can’t fit one in the trimmings in cloth bags will do the trick too. Then get some wine mulling on the stove, the smell will warm up any soul and it doesn’t taste too bad either!
Get the Textures and Soft Furnishings Right
You can’t be as snug as a bug without a rug now, can you? Exactly. Soft furnishings like blankets, throws and cushions are the key to warming up the home during winter. You can never have too many, so layer different fabrics and textures to soften out straight lines, cold surfaces and sharp corners, then play with dark woods and warm metallics for a luxurious and snuggly finish. Wow, we’re feeling cosier thinking about it.
Getting the Lighting Juuust Right
The power of lighting shouldn’t be underestimated, particularly soft lighting (no one wants to feel like they’re under interrogation in their own house). A fire crackling away gives off a wonderful glow, but this can be mimicked with the flicker of burning candles and lamps fitted with soft white bulbs. We’re hot under the collar already!
Classical Winter Decorations
Singing Santas and tacky tinsel might seem like a bit of fun, but they’re not going to add any warmth to your place. Instead, add deep greens and browns for a warming effect. Keep decorations natural with foliage, fern trees and winter wreaths. Try placing pinecones in a vase for a table centrepiece and use gold fairy lights to add sparkle. Just keep the flickering to a minimum, you don’t want to feel like you’re in Studio 54 for the evening.
It’s the Little Things
Finishing touches will transform your property into somewhere comfy and cosy. Start with the front door – adding plants and a welcome mat will instantly give off a ‘homely’ feeling. Have some soft slippers to pop on, add personal photos and clear any clutter. Once your mind is happier there is no way Jack Frost can nip at your nose.
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