Easy ways to make your home feel cosy this winter

Looks like the remaining winter months will be chilly throughout the country, especially if Eskom continues to implement load shedding. Here are some tips on how to keep your home warm and cosy when it's cold outside:

Cover it up

Starting from the ground up, look for rugs that will not only warm up your home, but will also look good during winter. Neutral tones or bold splashes that work with other colours in the room are the ideal choice.

Seal it up

Windows are one of the main culprits for cold rooms. Both steel and wooden window frames, and especially sliding or French doors, have plenty of gaps that let in cold draughts.

Apart from weatherproofing windows, you can wrap your windows up to keep out the cold. You can easily make up a Roman blind and then top this off with thick curtains, and you don't have to spend a fortune to do this.

Some of the woven materials at fabric stores are affordably priced, which means you can save a bundle by making your own curtains.

Colour code and accessorise it

Summer whites don't have to be chilly in winter. With a few added accessories, shades of white can be just as warm as any other colour. Combine warm whites with reds and browns for a spicy room setting. Add layers with textured cushions and luxurious throws.

Sunny tones of yellow and orange add instant warmth to a chilly room. When you add these colours you instantly think of sunshine.

Layer up the level of warmth with soft accessories such as knitted cushions made from old sweaters and thick woollen throws. Create a cosy spot to relax and read a good book or sit and watch your favourite TV programme. Shades of cream, deep lavender-grey and a splash of magenta are perfect for cottage living rooms.

Using the colour red in your décor can instantly warm up your home, but if you find it a little overpowering, go for a more subtle shade in the red spectrum, such as summer blush from the Plascon Inspired Colour System.

If you have a traditional living room, try a velvety chocolate brown backdrop and mix it up with modern furniture in light neutral tones. Just a hint of red blush and deep red accessories will add to the feeling of warmth.

Give your living room that contemporary edge by adding mauve, heather and vibrant orange accessories. All these colours tie in beautifully with black accents.

Take black and deep blue accessories and set them against a natural base like a sofa and carpet to create a cosy living room. Darker tones can be added or removed to add more or less drama.

Source: Home - Dzine