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How to Create a Winter-Worthy Home

With the falling temperatures, we can all expect to spend more time inside our homes than we have during the past few months. As such, it’s important that we work on making them fit for winter. If our home runs on autopilot following the spring and summer seasons, we might just find that our winter isn’t as enjoyable or comfortable as it could be. Below, we take a look at a number of alterations and additions you can make to your home in order to ensure that you’re able to do the winter season right.


Invest in a Winter Recipe Book

First thing’s first, let’s make sure you’re able to cook up a storm. When the weather is too cold to go outside, you’ll have the perfect excuse to spend hours in the kitchen, mixing up those warming meals that the whole family will enjoy. A well-prepared meal will heat you three times, too - when you’re making it; when it’s finished, and you leave the oven door open so the hot air can circulate around the house; and when you’re heating up the leftovers. To get some inspiration, invest in a good winter cookbook, or bookmark some of the most popular recipe websites. A kitchen that’s full of warmth and delicious smells is always welcome during the winter months.

In the Cupboards

But of course, you won’t always want to get cooking just when you want to get warm. When you get in from a chilly, snowy day, there’s nothing better than warming yourself up with a hot drink. Make sure you’re filling up the cupboards with all kinds of tea - those cinnamon based ones are especially recommended during the winter - and hot chocolate. To make the ultimate hot chocolate, have a can of whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and chocolate sprinkles to hand, too. It’ll be pure bliss, for you and the kids.

Updating the Fabrics

It’s always good to change the look of your home as the seasons change. This doesn’t mean making wholesale changes, but subtle changes. For example, your fabrics. If you don’t currently have any in your living room, then look at adding some - choose from dark brown throws and pillowcases, and you’ll be adding the winter theme to your home. If you already have some old blankets, look at throwing them away and buying new ones - while there can be some comfort derived from the old ones in your cupboards, if they’re tattered and not what they once were, then you’ll find fresh, high-quality fabrics a revelation.

Getting Comfortable

You know those moments when you’re outside, and it’s freezing and miserable, and you just dream of being inside your house? We’ve all been there, but alas, some people’s dreams outweigh their reality, because, in fact, their homes aren’t all that comfortable, or rather than a comfort level that’s better suited for summer. If you currently lack in that department, look at making a few additions to your house that’ll seriously up the comfort levels. For the height of comfort indulgence, look at getting a lounger from Comfy Sacks. With that in your home, you’ll have no trouble reaching a state of relaxation, and will be eager to get home after being outside in the inclement weather. The only trouble is that you may have to come up with a schedule with the kids so everyone can enjoy the fun.

Entertainment Options

You’re going to be spending many an evening indoors over the coming months, so you better make sure you’re not going to get bored. This will make being in the house all the time more bearable, and also prevent you from spending more money - if you’re bored, you’ll be tempted to take an expensive trip to the cinema or other outdoor entertainment. If you’re perfectly happy to stay at home, then you’ll have no such worries! If you have a strong Wifi connection, large television that can access Netflix and other streaming sites, and a list of movies and television shows to watch, then you’ll always be happy with a night in.

Load up on Games

Now, our society is pretty advanced, so it’s unlikely that there’s going to be any power outages where you live, but they do happen. And when they do, all those entertainment options you had - like your TV and Netflix - will be positively useless. To make sure you can navigate outage in style, load up on board games and playing cards. Of course, these aren’t just enjoyable when you have no other choice - they can be fun on a random Friday evening or Sunday afternoon. There’s more to life than technology!



Chilly Mornings

Much of winter will be manageable in your home if you put in a little bit of effort. It’s not too difficult to warm yourself up when you’re cold, after all. But there’s one time of the day when you’ll really feel the cold, and when you’ll most long for the return of spring: the mornings. If you’re waking up chilly, you’re not going to enjoy all the simple pleasures of the season. For starters, look at upgrading your bedding. An extra thick duvet can make a big difference. You’ll also want to make your bathroom more comfortable - add a radiator if possible. No-one likes stepping out of the shower into a freezing bathroom.

Bare Floors

It’s cold enough as it is, don’t make it more difficult for yourself! Those bare floors will be a nightmare minefield to navigate if they’re not covered up in places. You can invest in a pair of slippers, of course, and keep your feet warm wherever you are, but a rug here and there will also add to the overall look, too.

Candles and Scents

Every season has its own smell. Add a diffuser to your home and load them up with vanilla, cinnamon, and other winter-related scents.

Outdoor Spaces

OK, you’re not going to spend too much time outside during winter, but you shouldn’t rule the option out altogether. On those crisp and cold sunny mornings, it can be a joy to sit outside with a cup of tea or coffee. You’ll also be able to get your fix of Vitamin D from the sun, which is something that many people struggle with during the winter. Don’t shut your yard down for the season; keep a table and chairs handy, and also a scarf and coat near the back door, so you don’t get too cold.

Atmospheric Lighting

It’s dark outside, but you shouldn’t try to make up for the lack of light by making your home overly bright. In the winter, it’s all about the atmospheric lighting, those pleasant hues that create an “ahh” feeling. So if you’re currently relying on harsh overhead lighting to set the mood, now’s the time to change things up. Focus on small side lighting fixtures throughout the home, but especially in the living area, which is where you’ll be spending most of your time. You’ll find it easy to fall into the seasonal groove if your lighting is inviting and cozy.

The Right Temperature

Your home could look as inviting as anything else on earth, but if it’s not the right temperature, then you’re going to struggle to enjoy the winter season. So before you go too far down the path towards making your home look right, make sure it feels right. There’s a cost benefit to doing this, too - you don’t want to be spending all of your money on heating your home. If you take steps to keep the warmth inside your home, then you’ll have won half the battle. Insulation is key, and makes a tremendous difference to the warmth of your home, especially if it’s an older house. Don’t forget the tried and tested trick of leaving your oven open after you’ve finished cooking; the warm air will float around the house.

Your Mindset

Finally, keep in mind that one of the biggest problems you might face isn’t to do with the house, but with your mindset. It’s wise advice not to try to fight the winter season too much; it’s going to be present whether you like it or not, after all. Instead, accept this is the part of the yearly cycle we’re in, and prepare yourself to relax for a few months. You’ll enjoy the return of spring much more when you’re fully rested. We don’t hibernate like other animals, but it’s not a bad philosophy to adopt. Prepare yourself for months of peace and quiet, inside your home.

Conclusion

Some homes can feel like they’re naturally made for one of the seasons, but it doesn’t matter, ultimately - because you can always do your bit to increase the comfort levels to match the season. Take the advice we’ve outlined above, and you’ll be on your way to creating a winter-worthy home that the whole family can enjoy. And dare we say it...you might not even end up looking forward to the return of spring that much.

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