10 WAYS TO WARM UP YOUR HOME

Posted on 02. Nov, 2009 by Homes Etc in Articles, Interiors

As the frost begins to bite outside, make your home a cosy hideaway. Here are some brilliant ways to add comfort, warmth and style inside your Winter retreat. So, grab a cup of cocoa and browse our creative interior ideas …

1 / Cosy Toes
Adding soft, sumptuous woollen carpet on your floor can change the whole mood and comfort of a room. Shag pile or wool carpets are superb for ultimate luxury beneath your feet. Go for a carpet that’s got great underfoot comfort. A coloured carpet can add more warmth – it’s a little more practical too, hiding grubby marks which may appear over time.

2 / Light the Way
Add some ambient lighting inside your home this Winter. There is an amazing selection of lanterns, chandeliers and pendants to choose from. From the decorative, to the more practical, there are fantastic options to suit all lifestyles and demands. Look out for lanterns and pendants with ornate detailing which will produce beautiful reflections on the walls and ceiling.

Above: Antique brass finish lanterns from £34.75, antique metal lantern with clear glass £21.95, antique mental onion lantern with pink glass £39.95, cutwork lantern £38.95. Available from Graham and Green, www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

3 / Hot Rocks
A home can truly become a warm retreat with a glowing stove. They can retain a huge amount of heat – reducing your fuel bill and carbon footprint. With such an array of eco-friendly wood burning stoves on the market, you can achieve that country style with a contemporary twist inside your home this Winter.

4 / Floor Warmers
Make a real cosy zone to any room with a soft rug. If you have wooden flooring and want a little extra warmth under your feet when you step out of bed in the morning then consider the options. Cotton or faux fur rugs can give you a little luxury to fit any budget. For extra warmth underfoot, consider installing under floor heating in the bathroom – there are now great options available for all budgets.

5 / A Subtle Scent
Put some romantic, ambient lighting in to your home. Scented candles can add a little spice to a room. For that soft scent, tealights and candles are a great way to create a warm glow around the home.

6 / Neutral Palettes
For that natural feel, opt for deep earthy tones and neutral textures to add contrast. Cushions, light natural wood furniture and cream rugs are ideal to create a comfy room filled with a mixture of subtle shades and wonderful textures.

7 / Throw on some Extra Comfort
Add sumptuous soft blankets and fabrics around the home. Fleece throws or cashmere blankets are ideal to pile up on the upholstery in your lounge or the bedroom. Textured and patterned cushions are great. They can break up neutral tones adding splashes of colour which can easily be change when you wish to alter the look of a room.

8 / Winter Warmers
Get toasty in front of the fire on those chilly evenings this Winter. A fireplace can become a real focal point in the lounge – an area where the whole family can congregate to. The choice of designs is endless – from electric or gas functions or simplistic to traditional, you can find something to suit the design of your room making a warm and welcoming home.

9 / Dressed up Windows
When it comes to window dressing think carefully about the fabric you use. Many designs offer a range of lined curtains which will keep the cold out and the warm in. Ensure you get the right measurements for the length you desire. Opt for floor length curtains to combat chilly draughts. However, if a radiator is installed underneath the window, stick to shorter length curtains as full length curtains will only restrict the heat from reaching all corners of the room. Our Advice is, opt for attractive curtains which can look great closed at night and attractive when pulled back during the day for wonderful window dressing.

10 / Luscious Layers
Pile up the layers and get lost in a world of duvets, blankets and cushions to keep you warm and snug in the bedroom. Faux fur throws are great for adding style and sumptuous comfort. Add rich colours in the sleeping quarters to create a space of tranquillity and relaxation. Layers are a great way to keep your body heat in – if the temperatures drop outside you’ll be nice and warm under all those layers where you can hibernate beneath..

Above: Coloured glass collection; Hurricane lamps from £7.50, bullet vases £9.50, bed vase £5, shallow bowl £9.50, ball candle holder £5, Hurricane lamps £25, filled 1-wick candle holder £9.50, tea light holders £15, artificial floral cherry blossom £59, Buddha on stick £19.50. Available from Marks and Spencer, www.marksandspencer.com