Don’t let your home turn into a freezer

• Just like we layer up with scarfs and warm clothes, we should also layer up our homes during the cold season to make them cosy for ourselves and inviting for our guests

It is that time of the year in this part of the world when a second blanket in bed, some gloves, and all the warm clothes you can get become a necessity.

During this time of the year, almost everything in your home looks or feels cold.

While you may not be able to do much to control the temperatures outside, you can create a warm and cosy getaway from the harsh weather in your home or office.

Animals have mastered this art; they retreat to a warm and comfortable den until the winter season is over. You can create a warmer environment without much ado by changing your decorating style and adding a few accessories.

Hot colours

This is the time to enjoy the warmth of hot colours. The reds, yellows, oranges, and browns are the season’s colours if you want to feel fired up. Go for the hot colours this season by introducing warmer shades into your colour scheme.

If your colour scheme is blue, you do not have to buy a new set of furniture, just throw in some chocolate brown throw cushions, and accessories in the hot colours range to bring in some warmth.

Your green colour scheme will also feel warmer if you introduce gold accessories or burgundy. If your colours are neutral-white, cream, taupe, or grey, introduce red, yellow, or orange accessories to add some warmth to the room.

Add more towels in hot colours in the bathroom and extra bed sheets in the bedroom. A fruit basket in the living room will also add warmth and colour, while a few colourful vases and bouquets of flowers can also be introduced anywhere in the house.

The colours in the kitchen tend to be stainless steels, which look and feel cold. To change this and brighten things up, introduce brightly coloured dishes and a brightly coloured runner across your worktop when not in use.

Layering up

Consider adding more throw cushions to what you already have. Scatter some on the seats and others on the floor for a warmer ambience. Cushions can be added in the living room, on the dining room seats, the kitchen chairs, and even the bedroom as they make any spot appear more comfortable.

Throws are fashionable as well as functional. You can add them on your couch or at the end of the bed to warm you up as you relax.

Change from your light draperies to heavier ones to help keep out the cold. If your windows do not have shears, layer them up with shears or extra draperies to achieve the warmth you desire.

Wall-to-wall carpets will come in handy at this time, too. Alternatively, try covering the floors with rugs as much as possible. Layer your existing carpet with another carpet for an elegant and warm feel. Floor cushions will make your home appear warmer, so make use of them. They will also provide a warm place for resting and warming your feet.

Do not forget to layer up the bathroom, seeing as it is one place many try to avoid during the cold season. Ensure that you have floor rugs in bright colours and an exciting shower curtain.

If your windows are bare, layering them up with shears will make the bathroom appear warmer. And a bath robe for everyone will be a good idea.

It will be a good idea to avoid walking barefoot in the house, so have socks and indoor shoes for your family and guests to keep the feet warm.