Making Your New Home Winter Cozy
December 11, 2024
by Morayma MaKay
Corporate Relocation Consultant & Coach
Get-Ready-Set-Move
“Make you new home cozy, warm and inviting.”
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As winter approaches, making your space warm and inviting becomes essential, especially if you’ve never lived in cold weather before! Whether you’re in a charming cottage or a sleek apartment, this guide will help you embrace the season and transform your house into a cozy home.
Let’s explore some fun ways and special elements that will wrap your space in warmth just in time for the cold months ahead!
Create a Warm Atmosphere
Creating a warm atmosphere is one of the first steps to getting your home winter-ready. Start by layering different types of lighting to add warmth and personality to each room by using table lamps, warm string lights, and scented candles to create a soft, inviting glow. This not only brightens dark winter nights but also fosters a welcoming environment. Highlight areas in your home where you gather, like the living room for family movie nights or the dining room for festive meals, and choose warm white bulbs, which emit a pleasant, cozy light instead of stark office-like tones.
Insulate and Protect
Winter can be harsh, especially if your new home isn’t properly insulated. According to the Department of Energy, you can save 10 to 20 percent on heating costs by sealing drafts around doors and windows. Make it a point to start checking your windows for drafts, and installing weatherstripping wherever needed for a simple yet effective way to block cold air. Think about adding thicker curtains to your windows as well. These not only contribute to the coziness factor but also improve insulation, and can decrease heat loss by up to 25%! You’ll also want to ensure heaters and fireplaces are functioning optimally before winter hits. Look into keeping your pipes from freezing and your outdoor spigots as well. A quick trip to the local hardware store will generally give you all you need including helpful advice on exactly what you’ll need. Remember, regular maintenance can save you from chilly nights and costly repairs down the road!
Add Cozy Textiles
Cozy textiles are your best friend in winter. Rugs, throws, and cushions not only add warmth but also enhance comfort, especially when you choose rich materials like wool, fleece, or flannel. For example, a soft woolen throw over a couch can invite you to snuggle up with a good book, layering an area rug over hardwood can prevent cold feet and add texture to the space, and you can even arrange plush cushions to create a cozy nook perfect for enjoying a hot drink!
Embrace Seasonal Decor
As winter arrives, let your decor reflect the beauty of the season. Use natural elements like pinecones, evergreen branches, and ornaments to bring the outdoors inside. Use color palettes that evoke winter, such as deep reds, greens, and browns, and get creative with mantelpieces, countertops, and bookshelves! Not only will seasonal colors and decor dial up the aesthetics of your space, but studies also suggest that warm hues can increase feelings of comfort and relaxation, perfect for the chilly season!
Stock Up on Comfort Food Essentials
Winter is synonymous with comfort food, so ensure your kitchen is stocked with essentials that you love! Fill your pantry with hearty grains, spices, and canned goods as the base for those warm, nourishing meals. Slow cookers and soup pots can truly become invaluable during these months as well. For instance, having the ingredients for a classic chicken noodle soup or a hearty chili ready can make mealtime simple and satisfying.
Just throw your ingredients together, let them slow cook and at the end of a long winter’s day, you’ll have a delicious meal and a great smelling home! Stocking up on basics is also the perfect way to ensure that you won’t go hungry in case winter weather keeps you from venturing out!
Get Your Home Smelling Cozy
A pleasant scent can instantly make a home feel inviting. Consider using candles or essential oils that release warm fragrances like cinnamon, vanilla, or spruce.
Simmering spices on the stove is another great way to fill your space with comforting aromas. For example, a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, citrus slices, and cloves can create a warm hug of scent throughout your home.
So grab a hot drink, snuggle in, and enjoy making your space warm and welcoming as the cold months roll in. Warmth and comfort are just around the corner!
