This Barrie 360 feature is brought to you by Napoleon Home Comfort.
Cold weather - it’s unavoidable around these parts. Everyone says “Make the most of it!” And for the most part, I’m OK with that. But sometimes there are some days you just want to curl up at home and forget about the frigid temperatures outside.
If you feel the same way, here are a few easy ways to make your home so cozy you won’t even remember that it’s winter.
1. Light A Fire
Is there anything more cozy than curling up in front of the fireplace?
If you live in a house that has a fireplace, this is easy.
If not, please don’t light a bonfire in your living room (we can not be held responsible for any damage that may result if you do). Instead, opt for an electric fireplace. They add the same cozy feel and can be installed in a few minutes.
RELATED: 8 home upgrades to save you energy (and money) this winter ...
2. Invest In A Blanket Ladder
This one is twofold.
One, strategically draped blankets create an aesthetic that beckons you to snuggle in. Two, because the blankets aren’t hidden away in storage, they’re readily available for any and all cuddle-up opportunities that present themselves.
If you don’t have the space for a blanket ladder, you can also drape blankets over your couch chairs, and bed to give your home that same cozy vibe.
3. Turn Down The Lights
The type of lighting in your home significantly affects its ambiance. And nothing sets off a cozy feel like soft, warm lighting.
Consider using warm LED bulbs or soft-colored lampshades on your existing fixtures. Table and floor lamps with dimmer switches offer versatility, allowing you to adjust the brightness according to your mood, casting a gentle, inviting glow throughout the room.
If you don’t have dimmers installed, string up some twinkle lights, light some candles, or swap out your light bulbs for lower wattage.
4. Make Your House Smell Delicious
This is a little detail that makes a world of difference.
There are some super easy (and cheap) ways to make your house smell so good, you’ll never want to leave.
Love the smell of French vanilla coffee? Put a vanilla-scented tea light in a bowl of coffee beans.
Can’t get enough of that fall scent? Toss some cinnamon sticks, orange rind, cloves & bay leaves into a pot of water on the stove and let it simmer.
5. Add A Rug or Two
Cold floors can make a room feel unwelcoming.
Rugs and carpets not only add a layer of warmth but also provide a soft and plush surface underfoot. Especially when you choose rugs with deep piles or natural fibers like wool, which are excellent insulators.
Rugs can also help define spaces within a room, creating cozy corners perfect for relaxation or intimate conversations.
6. Add Some Cozy Seating
Invest in seating that calls out for you to sink in and forget your worries. You know the type we mean … overstuffed sofas, plush armchairs, and bean bags. They are like cocoons of comfort that create a sense of coziness and security.
Just imagine sinking into a generously cushioned armchair with a soft throw and a hot cup of tea – it’s an instant remedy for the winter blues.
7. Hang Thick Curtains
Thick curtains or drapes serve as both decorative elements and insulators. They keep the cold drafts out and create a sense of seclusion, shutting off the outside world.
Opt for heavy fabrics like velvet or wool in rich, warm tones. When drawn, these curtains add a luxurious layer to your windows, preventing heat loss and ensuring your space remains warm and snug.
8. Start a Fuzzy Sock Collection
There's something wonderfully indulgent about slipping your feet into warm, fuzzy socks (or slippers) as soon as you enter your home.
Consider having a basket of these near the entrance, ensuring that both you and your guests can instantly trade cold toes for toasty warmth.
9. Have A Hot Beverage Station
A hot beverage station, complete with a variety of teas, coffees, and hot chocolates, not only adds a touch of luxury but also keeps you warm from the inside out.
Having your favorite beverages readily available transforms a simple kitchen corner into a comforting retreat. The ritual of preparing and savoring a hot drink may even become a cherished daily must-have, making you forget the winter chill as you relish the warmth spreading through your body.
10. Create A Book Nook
Creating a dedicated reading corner in your home is an invitation to escape into different worlds, making you forget about the cold weather outside.
All you need is a bookshelf filled with your favorite reads, a comfortable chair or chaise lounge, a soft throw, and a warm reading lamp.
11. Draw A Warm Bath
A hot bath is not only relaxing but also incredibly comforting, especially on cold winter days. The warm water soothes your muscles, calms your mind, and provides a deep sense of relaxation.
Enhance the experience by dimming the lights, playing soft music, and adding scented candles.
It’s a simple luxury that makes your daily routines feel like spa experiences, enhancing your overall sense of comfort and well-being.
And that leads us to our next cozy tip …
12. Get Some Fluffy Pillows
Pillows are not just decorative items; they are essential elements of comfort. On your bed, couch, chairs … put them everywhere! The more pillows you have, the cozier you’ll feel.
As far as throw pillows are concerned, have tons of different sizes, shapes, and textures. Cable knit, velvet, and faux fur add an especially cozy feel to your home.
13. Wrap Yourself In A Fluffy Bathrobe
Invest in plush, fluffy bathrobes for yourself and your guests.
Hanging them in your bathroom gives you something warm and cozy to wrap yourself in after a hot bath or shower.
After all, the feeling of stepping out of the warm water and enveloping yourself in a soft, fluffy robe is pure indulgence.
14. Get Personal
Infuse your home with personalized touches.
Display custom-made artwork, family heirlooms, or handcrafted items that hold sentimental value. Incorporating elements that reflect your personality and experiences adds a unique, heartwarming vibe to your space.
15. Bake Something
The aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your home is the epitome of coziness.
Spend time in the kitchen baking cookies, cakes, or bread. The warmth from the oven, combined with the delicious smells of baking, not only fills your home with a delightful scent but also creates a sense of homely comfort.
As an added bonus, baking can be a therapeutic activity for your soul, lifting your spirits and making you forget all about the cold weather outside.
Cozy Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive
Turning your home into a cozy sanctuary doesn’t require a complete overhaul; small, thoughtful touches can make a significant difference.
By incorporating these ideas, you can create a space where the cold weather outside is forgotten, replaced by the warmth and contentment that only a cozy home can provide.
So, snuggle up, relax, and enjoy the winter season in your wonderfully warm and inviting home.
