How To Make Your Home Cozy For The Winter
/Snow has fallen. The holidays are upon us. It’s official: Winter is here!
While Truckee-Tahoe residents and visitors love to immerse themselves in all the glory of winter sports and activities, everyone yearns to come home to a warm and cozy place, especially with the temps dropping outside.
Keep the winter blues away by making minor changes in your décor--here are some tips and guidelines to help channel your inner hibernator:
Update your bedding: Add a variety of textures such as woven cotton blankets atop good quality flannel sheets. Finish it off with a down filled velvet or corduroy duvet that is gently folded back so you get a layered look.
Invest in good quality new draperies: Whether you get custom made or pre-made draperies, make sure they are lined to help keep the cold out. Properly lined draperies also have more body and hang nicer. Neutral colors are generally best and look more timeless...plus they blend in easier with existing furniture and decor.
Add some new table lamps and floor lamps: With less daylight hours during the winter season, rooms can get dark and dreary. Overhead lights are good for performing tasks, but low lights add ambience. Be sure to get warm temperature light bulbs.
Bring home some uber-realistic faux plants or trees: Fakes have never been so good. Adding a beautiful faux tree or table top arrangement of succulents or flowers brings that breath of fresh air and instant delight. Good quality ones can be expensive but they’re worth it--you never have to water them and they last forever.
Pick up some new clean-burning candles: Many come in beautiful glass containers that can be used for other things after the candle is finished. Some studies have shown that looking at the flame of a candle helps to promote better sleep, too.
Shop for some new art: Whether it be original, prints, or giclees, hanging new art in your home does wonders for the soul. Take the opportunity to introduce some new color to your room and don’t be afraid to play with scale. Filling a wall is way better than leaving loads of blank space, so go for the large piece or a series of several pieces that work together.
Toss on some new toss-pillows for your sofa: For an immediate lift, find yourself at least two good sized (24” square is perfect) pillows that have a down blend fill, or faux down if you have allergies. The ‘designer karate chop’ technique is a must so that your pillows don’t look like stiff blocks. Fabrics like chenille, velvet, and faux fur are perfect for the winter.
Throw on a chunky throw: Add the ultimate cuddle factor to your sofa by casually draping a throw along one of the arms. Soft to the touch as well as neutral colors generally work best.
Wishing Everyone a Happy 2020!
Sarah Fay, Principal Designer